Travel in Latin America
Sparkling in the sun, Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru, stands at the foot of the snow-capped volcano, El Misti, in the highlands of Southern Peru. Known as “La Ciudad Blanco” (The White City), Arequipa gets its nickname from the many fine colonial buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock used extensively in construction in the city.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 3 major cities in Peru, Arequipa exhibits both Spanish Colonial and Andalusian influences everywhere. Especially remarkable is the Santa Catalina Convent. Built in the late 16th century, the convent was once a self-contained community – a beautiful “city within a city”, with its tiny secluded plazas and lovely courtyards. Walking through the well-preserved convent, one is drawn into the sense of peace and tranquility it emanates.
Among other highlights the city offers are the Casa del Moral ( The House of the Mulberry Tree), with its elegant wrought iron windows and sculptured portico, and the Casa de la Moneda, the former mint. Arequipa’s acclaimed Museo Santury showcases preserved mummies such as the famous Inca ice mummy, the ‘Ice Princess’ Juanita – a young Inca girl who was sacrificed to the Inca gods over 500 years ago and discovered nearly intact on the nearby Nevado Ampato Volcano.
Arequipa is also a great base for active vacations. In the countryside just south of the city, the Molenida de Sabandia (the Flour Mill of Sabandia) is definitely worth seeing. Operated by water, this 17th century flour mill is still used today. Hiking and mountaineering expeditions are also just a stone’s throw away. A climb to the El Misti volcano is relatively easy, and river rafting is becoming popular in the area.
From Arequipa, a day trip or longer into the mountains to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world, offers a view of extensive pre-Incan and Incan agricultural terracing, still partially utilized today. A stop at Cruz del Condo offers views of the huge Andean Condors gliding on the wind currents.
The most compelling highlight of Arequipa, and best of all are the many hot springs which mark the area, where one can luxuriate in the relaxing warm pools after an arduous day of adventurous activity!