hOLIDAYS TO Arequipa, La Ciudad Blanca

Arequipa, the colonial city bordered by three snow covered volcanoes, is a wonderful place to spend a few days, whilst getting acclimatised to the altitude.  This strikingly beautiful city which is nestled next to the Western Andes is known as the la ciudad blanca (the white city), as most of its buildings are made from sillar, a white volcanic rock. 

• Stunning architecture

• Museums, churches & mansions

• Rooftop bars, cafes & great shopping.

• Hiking, rafting, canyons & volcanoes

• Condors!

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What is there to see in Arequipa?

Rest for a while at the Plaza de Armas, gazing at the white stoned Basillica cathedral de Arequipa, which stretches the entire length of the square.  This magnificent 17^th century cathedral has survived many earthquakes and looks over one of the most beautiful squares in Peru. 

Arequipa has many attractive buildings of classic colonial architecture to admire, most of which are low lying. Walk to Casa Tristan del Pozo and photograph the intricate frieze above the door.  Learn about the local history at Museo Sanctuarios Andinos.  Here lies Juanita, the ice maiden, the first frozen female mummy found in 1996 on top of a volcano in the Andes. Learn how her sacrifice by Incan priests was considered the greatest honour. 

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Lunch at one of the many eateries in the city; Rocoto Relleno, a stuffed pepper dish is a local's favourite. Walk along Paseo Mercaderes, a pedestrianised area of the city, full of shops, bars and restaurants, a great place to enjoy a coffee.  Fancy a locals area to shop? Try the San Camillo market, found a few streets away from the main plaza.

Have your camera ready to admire the Santa Catalina Monastery, which is almost a town in itself.  It is full of chapels, bedrooms and beautiful laneways, giving a real insight into the lives of Catholic nuns in the 16^th Century.  Cross the Chili River and walk across to the Yanahuara neighbourhood which offers amazing vistas, one of our favourite spots. Stand amongst the bougainvillea strewn arches and admire the volcanoes in the distance.   In the evening find a rooftop bar overlooking the cathedral to see an amazing sunset.

Enjoy trekking and sports? There are plenty of options for you here.  El Misti which towers at 5882m is a 2 day hike; be sure to bring appropriate attire.  Or hike the more remote Cotahuasi Canyon or Chacani Volcano. Biking or rafting the Rio Colca is another option here!

Condor Spotting at Colca Canyon

Go in search of the magnificent condors who hunt for a warm updraft, enabling them to glide around the epic canyon. These birds are a real sight to behold; be quick trying to get a photo of them! Colca canyon, which is 83km from Arequipa, is said to be the deepest canyon in the world (3400m). Admire the layers of terraces which were built almost 2000 years ago by the Cabana and Collagua people. You will see many llamas, alpacas and vicuñas in the surrounding countryside.

We can create a bespoke itinerary to Peru for you. See the condors, visit Arequipa. Start your holiday to Peru today.

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