Beautiful but Underrated Cities to Visit Before They Become Tourist Hotspots

City Twenty-Eight: The Volcanic Vibrance of Arequipa, Peru

Framed by three dramatic volcanoes and built from pale volcanic stone, Arequipa is Peru’s unsung architectural jewel. Its white sillar buildings give the city an ethereal glow, especially at golden hour. The historic center—anchored by the majestic Santa Catalina Monastery—feels like a walled city within a city, brimming with secret alleys and courtyards. Arequipa’s food scene rivals Lima’s, thanks to its distinct regional dishes and deeply rooted culinary traditions. Quieter than Cusco, closer to Colca Canyon, and far more authentic than the tour-heavy Sacred Valley, Arequipa delivers the full Peruvian experience—minus the crowds.