Arequipa
Capital
of the Department of Arequipa, located 1,010 Km
south of Lima in the beautiful Chili River Valley
and surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, Misti,
Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Arequipa is popularly
known as the "White City" since many buildings
and churches are built of "sillar", a white volcanic
stone.
The Incas conquered this region in the 14th century,
and colonial Arequipa was founded in 1,540 by
an emissary of Pizarro.
Dry weather, with sunny days and cool nights.
The rainy season is from December to April.
Important Sights, Churches, Museums and Colonial Buildings
Plaza de Armas
Considered to be one of the biggest and most
beautiful in Peru, with palm trees, gardens
and a fountain. Surrounded by colonial buildings
and the Cathedral.
Cathedral
Originally built in the 15th century and rebuilt
in the 19th century, after a series of earthquakes
and a fire destroyed it. The Cathedral is mainly
neoclassic style, with huge columns and contains
invaluable gold and silver treasures.
Santa Catalina Convent
Santa Catalina 501. One of the most interesting
tourist attractions in Arequipa. A very beautiful
convent founded in 1580. Opened to the public
in 1970 after four centuries of seclusion. It
constitutes a real miniature walled colonial
town, with houses, cloisters, plazas and narrow
streets, kitchen as well as the church. Open
daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m (Entrance: $4.50)
San Francisco
A beautiful architectural complex, built in
the 16th century in the shape of a Latin Cross
with a quadrangular tower and a cupola.
La Compañía
Plaza de Armas (General Morán). Built in the
17th century and rebuilt in several opportunities.
It has a beautiful façade and side portal, good
examples of the mestizo style in Arequipa.
La Merced
La Merced 303. Contains a beautiful sculpture
of "Nuestra Señora del Consuelo", paintings,
library and nice statues of the 18th century.
The ceiling is Gothic style.
San Agustín
San Agustín y Sucre. A beautiful example of
the mestizo expression. Originally built in
the 16th century.
La Recoleta
Franciscan Convent of the 17th century. It has
a very interesting and complete library.
Museo Santuarios Andinos, (Santa Catalina)
A nice collection of ceramics and mummies, including
the remains of "Juanita", Maiden of Ampato,
a well preserved mummy of a 14-year-old Inca
girl.
Worth seeing Historical Homes are Casa del Moral,
Moral 318, a beautiful example of the 18th century
mestizo style. Contains an ancient "Moral" (mulberry
tree) in the patio; Casa Iriberry, in Santa
Catalina; Casa Goyeneche, with a beautiful Neoclassic
Style, Casa Bustamante, a remarkable architecture
of the 17th century and Casa Tristán del Pozo,
and 18th century mansion, which is now a bank
branch.
Sights Around Arequipa
Molino de Sabandia
A flour stone mill built in1621, powered by
a waterfall and surrounded by a beautiful countryside.
Mansión del Fundador
Originally owned by the founder of Arequipa
in 1540. It has been fully restored as a museum.
El Misti
A 5,822-meter impressive and beautiful volcano,
considered to be the Guardian and symbol of
the city of Arequipa. It can be easily seen
from many parts of the city. El Misti is a relatively
easy to climb high peak.
Valle de los Volcanoes
About eighty volcano cones can be found in this
valley where the Andagua River flows. The majestic
Coropuna volcano (the highest in Peru) is located
here.
Cotahuasi Canyon
Considered to be the deepest in the world, formed
by the Cotahuasi River. Interesting attractions
are the Sipia waterfalls, the Canyon of Marvels,
the hot springs at Lucho Lucha, Lake Huanzococha
and the Inca ruins at Marpa. The valley excursion
is only for adventure travelers.
Toro Muerto
A large desert plain with hundreds of pre-Hispanic
rock carvings characterizing llamas, condors,
pumas etc. It can be visited on the way back
from Colca Canyon.
The Colca Canyon
The spectacular Colca Canyon is at least twice
as deep as the Grand Canyon. About 150 Km NW
of Arequipa (4 hours), crossing the Salinas
and Aguada Blanca reserve is the town of Chivay,
starting point to explore the canyon.
The climate is dry in the valley, with sunny
days and cold nights. The rainy season is from
November to April.
The Colca Canyon is a massive geological formation
made by the Colca River as it finds its way
between the mountains made of volcanic material.
The greatest attractions to the tourists are
between the town of Chivay and the Cruz del
Condor near the town of Cabanaconde, about 60
Km distance.
Chivay is the gateway to the canyon. Most tourists
overnight in the accommodations nearby. Then
after 8 km, the first town is Yanque with warm
thermal swimming pool and nice accommodations
at Colca Lodge,
Then comes the town of Achoma, Maca, Pinchollo
and finally the Mirador or Cruz del Condor,
the deepest point of the canyon, where the majestic
Condors can be seen, rising from the mountains.
The last town in the Colca Canyon is Cabanaconde,
a typical village about 20 minutes from Cruz
del Condor.
Protected Areas
Salinas y Aguada
Blanca National Reserve
