Luxury holidays in Arequipa

As you might expect from a city ringed by three volcanoes, Arequipa delivers a hefty dose of drama. A towering cathedral, museums stuffed with Incan treasures and Baroque buildings carved from bright-white volcanic stone double down on the striking surroundings, but palm-shaded plazas and cobblestone streets make sure the city soothes just as easily as it stuns. There’s authentic Andina cuisine to discover, from spicy stews served up in traditional picanterías to street vendors doling out coconut-laced queso helado. Don’t get too comfy though – from its perch among the Peruvian Andes, the city is a prime base for heady hikes and river rafting; the mighty Misti and the dizzying condor-frequented Colca Canyon are particularly popular spots.