Arequipa was officially established in 1540 by Garcí Manuel de Carbajal, a Spanish explorer and conqueror. The city is located in the southern region of Peru and is surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains, which provided settlers with both resources and protection. The location was chosen for its fertile lands and strategic position for trade routes connecting the highlands and coastal areas. The original name given to the settlement was 'Villa de la Santa María de Arequipa.' The establishment of Arequipa marked an important step in the Spanish colonial expansion into the region and the integration of indigenous communities into the colonial framework.

In its early years, Arequipa grew rapidly, benefiting from agricultural production and trade. The region's economy was built on crops such as maize and potatoes, as well as livestock. The city's development facilitated interactions between the Spanish settlers and the native populations, leading to cultural exchanges and the emergence of a unique identity blending Spanish and Indigenous customs. Over the subsequent decades, the city flourished, with construction of churches and buildings that showcased the Baroque and Creole architectural styles, notably the Santa Catalina Monastery, which became a significant cultural landmark.

Arequipa played a significant role in the social and economic landscape of colonial Peru. It served as an administrative and political center and attracted a diverse population of Indigenous peoples, Spaniards, and later immigrants from other regions. As one of the main urban centers in Peru, it continued to grow through the colonial period and has retained its historical importance to this day.