Peru 4U

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Arequipa Peru information

Arequipa Peru most likely becomes your favorite destination while you are traveling through Peru. It is the second largest city of Peru, with the nicest weather of Peru: an average of 300 sunny days a year. The city is known as 'La Ciudad Blanca" (White City) because of the color of its ashlar (volcanic white stone or 'sillar") buildings. Arequipa keeps its ancient architectural treasures, but also shows a modern side with luxurious hotels and casinos. Arequipa gives you the opportunity to spend a pleasant time in the city and its outskirts.

During your city/ area tour you will visit the Plaza de Armas, the 'La Compañia de Jesus' church, which has cloisters with ashlar arcades, and the famous Santa Catalina Convent. On the outskirts of Arequipa some districts stand out because of their beauty, like Cayma, which temple was built in 1730, or Yanahuara, which belvedere offers a great view on the white city surrounded by the volcanoes Misti (5825 m), Chachani (6075 m) and Pichu Pichu (5664 m). You really feel small between these giants!

Also important are the Yura Chapel, the San Lazaro quarter, the Sabandía Mill and the Añazhuayco quarries, from where the ashlar ('sillar') is extracted. You may want to visit these places on your free day in Arequipa. Some interesting sites to explore in the neighborhood of Arequipa Peru are:

Aguada Blanca y Salinas

Behind the Misti volcano, as seen from the city, over an extensive plain at 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) a.s.l. is the Aguada Blanca dam, declared a National Reserve. It is a rather shallow and artificial lake originated by the Blanco river containment. A little to the south, behind the Pichu Pichu peak, is an even larger lagoon called Salinas. These lagoons are a place for resting and nesting for a large population of birds like the colorful flamingos. There is a strong migratory relationship between these birds and the ones from Mejía, 180 km (111.6 miles) from Salinas.

Pampa Canahuas

Located at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, behind the Chachani peak. At about 4,000 meters a.s.l. this large plain represents one of the best habitats for the protection of vicuñas, a Peruvian camelid, internationally known for its fine fleece. In Pampa Cañahuas, these animals can be seen running completely free and, therefore, without the shyness and apathy that seems to characterize them under captivity.

The Colca Valley

is named after one of the survival skills of the ancient Colca people, namely the ability to store large amounts of grain for hard times in the warehouses, known as 'colcas'. In the 'cool' caves of Pumunuta, it is possible to see circular colcas a meter (3.28 feet) in diameter, made of mud and straw.To the north of Arequipa Peru is the higher course of the Colca river valley which deep canyon is renowned among rafters. The section previous to the canyon consists of an encased valley that runs from east to west, beginning in the cold puna and running down to warmer regions, showing its great scenic beauty and cultural attractiveness. Between Maca and Cabanaconde, is the Cruz del Condor, an observation point, perfect for watching the condors while they fly majestically. Because of the volcanic nature of the region, there are hot water springs in different areas of the valley. The main ones are in Yunque, Chivay, Callalli, La Calera, Huancarama, Yura and Jesus. Furthermore, these hot water springs are often related to 'puquiales", natural sources of cold, extremely pure and 100% potable water. Still some native people are living at the bottom of the canyon! Enjoy our tour to Colca Canyon.

Valley of the volcanoes

Entering the -so called- 'Valle de los vulcanos" of Andagua means going back several geological eras to witness some outstanding phenomena, namely the birth of new volcanoes, that only happen in two places In the world: the Canary Islands and in this Andagua valley. The Andagua river valley runs along the foothill of the great Coropuna volcano, the highest in Peru and the tenth highest in South America. Geothermal activity in this area has given birth to about 80 volcanoes. All of them extinct, making the area look like the moon. Later, the Andagua River disappears in a 17 km (10.5 miles) stretch, running under the ground between the Chachas and the Mamacocho lagoons before flowing into the Colca. Andagua can be reached only by highway from the west.