Lima Airport to Arequipa - Journey to the White City

Much easier. Arequipa sits at 2,335m versus Cusco's 3,400m. Most people feel little to no altitude effect. It's a good acclimatization stop if you're eventually heading to Cusco or Colca Canyon (which reaches 4,000m+).

Sort of. It's only 8 km but crosses open desert with few services. Not walkable, and local buses are infrequent. You really do need vehicle transport to reach the city properly.

Absolutely, weather permitting. El Misti is impossible to miss. Chachani and Pichu Pichu appear depending on which direction you're looking. Clear mornings offer the best views.

Probably not. Most visitors have zero issues at this elevation. If you're sensitive or planning Colca Canyon next (much higher), consider it. But Arequipa itself is generally comfortable.

Definitely worth 2-3 days minimum. The Santa Catalina Monastery is extraordinary, food scene rivals Lima, and it's the gateway to Colca Canyon (deeper than the Grand Canyon). Don't rush through.

Desert highland climate. Sunny days year-round (usually 20-25°C), cold nights (can drop to 5°C), very dry. Pack layers - you'll peel them off midday and pile them back on after sunset.

Most arrivals are domestic from Lima (90-minute flight). Some international connections exist but typically route through Lima. The transfer serves mainly travelers on Peru's Lima-Arequipa-Cusco circuit.

Recommended. Arequipa isn't saturated with transport options like Lima. Securing both legs ensures someone's waiting when you need them, especially for early morning departures.