AREQUIPA – THE WHITE CITY

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Arequipa is the second most populous city of the country. Arequipa lies in the Andes mountains, at an altitude of 2,335 meters (7,661 ft) above sea level; the former snow-capped volcano El Misti overlooks the city.

The city has many colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, from which it gets the nickname La Ciudad Blanca ("The White City"). Reportedly, it first acquired this nickname in the colonial era, because most of its inhabitants were Creole of Iberian descent. The historic centre of Arequipa was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity.

Soon after its founding, the city became a major commercial hub of southern Peru, accumulating commercial and administrative functions. In times of the Viceroyalty of Peru it was an important economic hub in southern Peru. It played a significant role in the history of the Republic of Peru, declaring itself "Capital of the Republic" during the government of Montero. Arequipa has also been home of many of the outstanding intellectual and political figures, as well as religious icons, in the country.

The climate of Arequipa is warm and rather dry all through the year. Arequipa lies alongside the southernmost tip of Peru's Desert Coast and enjoys plenty of sunny weather, with daytime temperatures rarely dipping much below 20 °C (68 °F). However, by night, temperatures in Arequipa can drop sharply, particularly in June, July and August, when evening temperatures hover around 10 °C (50 °F).

Despite its location well within the tropical zone along with the rest of the entire nation of Peru, Arequipa's exceptionally high elevation allows temperatures in the city, even on the sultriest summer days, to never typically exceed 25 °C (77 °F).

Things to See in Arequipa – Slideshow below

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

Founded in 1540, the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa is located in the "Plaza de Armas" of the city of Arequipa. It is the most important Catholic church of the city, the larger Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Arequipa and the base of the Archbishop and the Metropolitan Council. The cathedral is also considered one of Peru's most unusual and famous colonial cathedrals since the Spanish conquest.

Santa Catalina Monastery

Built 1580, this is a monastery of nuns of the Dominican Second Order which still hosts over 20 nuns living in the northern corner of the complex. This 20,000 square-meter monastery built predominantly in the Mudejar style is characterized by its vividly painted walls. At its height,the monastery housed approximately 450 people.

Casa del Moral

Favored by tourists, this large ancestral house built in around 1730 is one of the best and well-preserved samples of baroque-mestizo civil architecture in Peru. The name of the house derives from the emblematic presence of a centennial tree of "moras" (Mulberry) in the center of the main patio of the large house. The Casa del Moral houses a collection of paintings from the "Escuela Cusqueña" (Cusco School), a colonial art form. Its library contains more than 3,000 volumes, primarily hispanic literature.

Goyeneche Palace

This 17th century manorial house in the city of Arequipa attracts tourists interested in observing colonial architecture in Peru. Located on La Merced street, the house looks much the same as other manorial houses of those times. It has ample patios, arched ceilings, doors and windows in typical colonial baroque style as well as a balcony.

2-day Hiking Trips Into the Deepest Canyon on Earth – THE COLCA CANYON

There is great hiking for everyone at the Colca Canyon

The 2-day hike into the Colca Canyon is difficult. Almost every guided hiking tour goes the same route: Cabanaconde to the nearby Mirador del Tapay, then 6 hours to the Oasis (Sangalle) via a steep descent to the Rio Colca, up the other side through 3 villages: San Juan de Chuccha, Cosnirhua and Malata. Lunch is taken in one of these 3 quaint towns.

This is a challenging 6 hours, even when carrying only water and a day pack and the biggest test is altitude. Cabanaconde is at 3287m, much higher than Arequipa 2230m, so almost everyone is feeling the effects of altitude. The trail down is also steep. You need excellent footwear or expect damage to your toes.
The bridge into the Oasis is at 2160m! That is a long way down from Arequipa.

Want to get higher than soaring condors? Can you handle a climb down and back out of a canyon twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA? A lush oasis with swiming pools rewards your efforts at the bottom of the arid gorge. Peru is the most popular country in South America for hikers and Arequipa's Colca canyon is a great option. Wonderful mountain access, spectacular festivals, and colourful culture. Historically alive, Inca and colonial legacies are everywhere.