Mission guide

Peru Arequipa Mission

The Peru Arequipa Mission serves in a historic Spanish-speaking region known for white volcanic-stone buildings and clear skies.

  • Spanish
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Peru Arequipa Mission Heart Map design

Peru Arequipa Mission shirts

Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.

Peru Arequipa Mission T-Shirt in Solid White, front view

Peru Arequipa Mission T-Shirt

$29.00

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Peru Arequipa Mission Heart Map shirt in White: Peru outline with a red heart, front view

Peru Arequipa Mission Heart Map Shirt

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I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission

2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.

I Glory in My Jesus shirt in Spanish on White: “Me glorío en mi Jesús”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Shirt – Spanish

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I Glory in My Jesus script shirt in Spanish, white ink on Dark Chocolate: “Me glorío en mi Jesús”, 2 Nefi 33:6

I Glory in My Jesus Script Shirt (White Ink) – Spanish

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About the mission

The Peru Arequipa Mission is named for Arequipa, a major city in southern Peru. Arequipa lies in the Chili River valley and is known for its historic center and white volcanic-stone architecture.

Spanish is the main language for missionaries and residents. Families may also hear local expressions and regional words in daily life.

At a glance

Country
Peru
Main city
Arequipa (estimated 1,195,700 people in 2025)
Language
Spanish
Time zone
Peru Time (UTC-5)
Climate
Temperate and arid, with a wet season from December through March
Church in Peru
648,045 members, 115 stakes, 797 congregations, 15 missions

A short history of the area

Arequipa was founded on August 15, 1540, in the Chili River valley. Charles V granted it city status by royal decree on September 25, 1541. A major earthquake in 1784 led to rebuilding with white volcanic sillar stone.

UNESCO listed 332 hectares of Arequipa's historic center as a World Heritage Site in 2000. The city suffered serious damage in an 8.4-magnitude earthquake on June 23, 2001.

The Church here

  1. July 8, 1956Elder Henry D. Moyle organized the first official Church branch in Peru in Lima.
  2. August 7, 1956Four missionaries arrived in Peru and began preaching.
  3. October 4, 1958The first elders arrived in Arequipa.
  4. 1959The Andes Mission was organized with 300 members in five congregations.
  5. January 1988Seven stakes were created in one weekend during a visit by Elder M. Russell Ballard.

Temples nearby

Arequipa Peru Temple

Dedicated December 15, 2019 · Near Arequipa

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Spanish Read it free →

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

  • HolaHello
  • Buenos díasGood morning
  • ¿Cómo está?How are you?
  • GraciasThank you

Foods to try

  • Chupe de camarones (shrimp chowder)
  • Rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy pepper)
  • Adobo arequipeño (seasoned pork stew)
  • Queso helado (sweet frozen milk dessert)

Fun facts

  • Arequipa is known as Peru's Legal Capital because it is the official seat of the country's Constitutional Court.
  • The historic center includes 5,817 properties, including 500 heritage buildings, across about 332 hectares.
  • Arequipa has more than 500 documented typical dishes, and its picanterías became Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2014.

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