Arequipa, Peru

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"La Ciudad Blanca" (the White City)

Arequipa, Peru, is the second largest city after Lima with a population of over 900,000.











It's nicknamed "la Ciudad Blanca" (the White City).

Built from sillar, a white volcanic rock, many of the buildings retain that characteristic color, and its historic center is one of the most attractive in the country.



Cathedral - Plaza de Armas, Arequipa



What to See in Arequipa

Santa Catalina MonasterySanta Catalina Monastery
  • Museo (Museum) Santuarios Andinos de la Universidad Catolica de Santa Maria (which contains the famous mummy "la Dama de Ampato" or "Juanita," in English known as "The Ice Maiden") are some of the highlights in the city itself.

  • The main Cathedral of Arequipa




The Plaza, the monasteries, and the ancient municipal buildings are only a small part of the historic colonial center of Arequipa.

Because of the importance and beauty of these national treasures, Arequipa is high on the Cultural Heritage list in Peru.

If at all possible, you will want to visit the museums and photograph at least one of the really exquisite examples of colonial architecture.





Arequipa map - Location in Peru

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What to See Around Arequipa

  • El Misti Volcano

To get the best view of this volcanic mountain, it is recommended that you go to the Mirador (Outlook) de Yanahuari.

Or watch this video:

Climbing and flying vulcano El Misti, Peru. from alexandru cojocari on Vimeo.




More and more travelers are taking an extra day or more to visit the many attractions of the nearby Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, USA).

At the Colca, you can take pictures of condors in flight at close hand plus many other exciting outdoor activities. Read more...




Getting There and Away

Arequipa Peru by Ground

A bus trip is 625 miles (1,009 km.) Lima to/from Arequipa in 14 hours


 
Arequipa Peru by Air

To and from Lima to Arequipa is a flight of 1 hour and 15 minutes

For travel to Puno/Lake Titcaca, click here




Weather in Arequipa

  • Average temperature: 14 degrees C (58 F)
  • Maximum temperature: 22 degrees C (70 F)
  • Minimum temperature: 7 degrees C (44 F)

Not bad, eh!

(for current weather conditions click here)










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