Hotel Katari occupies a colonial building on the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, a city inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage. Built in sillar stone, a white volcanic rock typical of the region, the establishment blends a Spanish Baroque facade from the 16th century with contemporary comfort. Its panoramic terrace offers a direct view over the square and the volcanoes that ring the city.

Why stay here

Katari operates on a straightforward principle: lodge in the historical heart of Arequipa, within a building that embodies the colonial architecture that made the "white city" famous. Three elements define this address:

• Direct placement on the Plaza de Armas, requiring no transfers to explore the center.
• A sillar building with Baroque ornaments, consistent with the UNESCO-listed urban fabric.
• A rooftop terrace overlooking the cathedral and the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.

Atmosphere and architecture

The sillar stone gives the building that clear hue characteristic of Arequipa's historic structures. The facade retains the Baroque codes brought by Spanish builders in the 16th century: carved lintels, volumes in interplay, restrained ornamentation. Inside, communal spaces alternate between Peruvian artisanal furnishings and contemporary touches. Interior courtyards and patios provide the breathing room typical of Andean colonial homes.

The property falls into the category of character hotels rather than large international chains: its identity rests on the building itself and its urban setting.

Rooms

The hotel offers four room categories:

• Double Deluxe Rooms
• Superior Rooms
• Junior Suites
• Presidential Suite

Suites feature more generous spaces and, in some cases, views over the Plaza de Armas and the volcanoes. Furnishings showcase solid wood and locally woven textiles.

Dining and services

Breakfast is served on the panoramic terrace as a buffet. Alongside classics—fruits, pastries, juices—it incorporates Andean specialties like humitas and tamales. The restaurant highlights Arequipa cuisine, a city renowned for its gastronomy: rocoto relleno (large red pepper stuffed with meat, the region's signature dish) and ceviche are among the dishes to try.

For services, the hotel features 24-hour front desk, concierge service for excursions and reservations, a spa, and room service available from 12:00 to 21:30. Luggage storage and laundry complete the offerings.

Location and access

The hotel sits directly on the Plaza de Armas, in the heart of the historic center. Rodriguez Ballón international airport is about 8 km away, roughly a twenty-minute taxi ride depending on traffic. Flights from Lima take just over an hour and run frequently. For those preferring land travel, allow a full night's bus journey from Lima and roughly half a day from Cusco.

What to see and do nearby

From the hotel, most of Arequipa's heritage can be explored on foot:

• The Arequipa Cathedral, built in sillar stone, bordering the Plaza de Armas.
• The Santa Catalina Monastery, founded in 1579, with its cobbled alleys and colorful cloisters.
• The Museum of Andean Sanctuaries, which holds the Juanita mummy, an Inca girl discovered on Mount Ampato.

Beyond the center, Arequipa serves as a base for the Colca Canyon (one of the world's deepest, home to Andean condor spotting) and ascents of the Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes. To extend your journey, also consider Antigua Casona San Blas in Cusco, the Sanctuary Lodge at the foot of Machu Picchu, or Corto Maltes Amazonia in the Amazon rainforest.

Planning your onward journey

Arequipa fits naturally into an itinerary combining coast, Andes and Sacred Valley. To tailor your program, explore our Pérou journeys.