Where It's Located
The Arequipa Peru Temple is located at Calle Cusco 380 in the Carmen Alto area of the Cayma District, just north of downtown Arequipa. The temple sits on a bluff overlooking the Chili River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Misti volcano. Its peaceful setting has made it a prominent landmark for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in southern Peru.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (AQP), which serves Arequipa with frequent domestic flights. Travelers from the United States typically fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima before connecting to Arequipa. The airport is only a short drive from the temple, making it convenient for visitors arriving by air.
A Bit of History
The Arequipa Peru Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson during the October 2012 General Conference. At the time, Peru had more than 500,000 members of the Church, and the new temple was planned to better serve Latter-day Saints living in the country's southern region.
After the temple site received the necessary zoning approval in 2016, groundbreaking and site dedication were held on March 4, 2017, with Elder Carlos A. Godoy presiding. In November 2018, the angel Moroni statue was placed atop the temple's central tower, marking a significant construction milestone.
A public open house welcomed more than 80,000 visitors during November 2019. The temple was dedicated on December 15, 2019, by Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, becoming the third dedicated temple in Peru after the Lima Peru Temple and the Trujillo Peru Temple.
Design and Architecture
The Arequipa Peru Temple sits on a 7.91-acre site and contains approximately 26,969 square feet of floor space. Its exterior is finished in gray-white granite and features a single attached central tower topped with an angel Moroni statue. Inside are two instruction rooms, two sealing rooms, and one baptistry.
The temple's design incorporates local influences throughout the building. A stylized version of the Flor de Texao Arequipa appears in decorative woodwork, art glass, stonework, metal fixtures, and painted details. The grounds also feature landscaping with native Peruvian plants, including the cantuta, Peru's national flower, along with queñua trees and other regional vegetation. A Spanish-style fountain near the entrance complements the architectural character of Arequipa.
Final Thoughts
The Arequipa Peru Temple is a beautiful addition to the temples of South America and has greatly reduced travel distances for members living in southern Peru. Its impressive mountain backdrop, thoughtful architectural details, and meaningful history make it a memorable destination for anyone interested in visiting Latter-day Saint temples around the world.
Scott & Riah
Brough Made
https://broughmade.com
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