Arequipa, Peru's second city, is one of many that we must see destinations of squeezing any holiday in Peru. The famous city, known as the City White, with its dazzling white stone architecture of silica, is very proud of their unique cultural heritage and excellent cuisine, which date back to the time of the Incas.
The city and its surrounding landscapes are literally breathtaking – because of the high altitude and mountain air. Visitors arriving in Lima are advised take it easy and get used to the altitude before attempting anything too strenuous.
Any visit to Arequipa begins at Plaza de Armas and the surrounding area. This is an old colonial center of Arequipa, where the Spanish set about converting the indigenous Peruvians Christianity with a missionary zeal that is reflected in the great architecture, the imposition of the Cathedral of Arequipa.
Entrance to the Cathedral is free, but access is restricted to tourists during the Mass celebrated Mass every morning what the actual content by marveling at the outside with a nice array buttresses and twin towers.
The square is worth a spin and find photos from all Arequipalife days watching the locals enjoy the mountain sunshine, shooting the breeze and playing around the fountain.
Stop for lunch at one of the many cafà © s that surround the square, many have balconies on the second floor where you can enjoy the view while sipping your coffee. Above the roof is a landscape far dominated by mountains and volcanoes that make this famous region, in particular the Misti volcano, which is never far from view.
After lunch, head a few blocks north of the Monastery of Santa Catalina, one of the largest religious complex in South America. Having two whole apples, the monastery has long and rich history packed into its winding streets, chapels and houses that make up a miniature city within itself Arequipa.
Admission is 30 soles plus a visit optional tour is available in English and is highly recommended for the fascinating insight into the cloistered life at the Monastery of secrecy that only opened to the world outside in the 1970s.
You can spend an entire afternoon exploring the monastery before returning along the colonial streets of the Plaza to catch the start sun-fire shooting a red glow to the buildings of silica.
Whatever time you want to immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere and the work of a great appetite for a picanterías many of Arequipa, restaurants serve dishes, which offer local specialties.
There are many great places to enjoy the spicy cuisine of Arequipa, as quepay Ary, a popular local favorite that offers everything from steaks flame to stews rocoto guinea pig to fill, large hot peppers stuffed with meat and vegetables and served swimming in potatoes and white cheese sauce.
If you have energy after dinner, explore Nearby, the main square, which offers an endless array of cafà © s and bars that stay open until the wee hours, pumping an endless stream of folk music and if you're lucky, the traditional dance from time to time.
Most of Arequipa hotels offer guests a hearty breakfast, otherwise consider leave a bakery and order a freshly baked pie, pies filled with meat, vegetables or cheese filling.
After breakfast, head to the Mining Museum (entrance 10 soles), a small museum, but fascinating, in pre-Spanish civilizations in the region. The museum focuses on the cult of the Incas of the surrounding mountains, which were considered gods in recognition of its impressive power, they frequently experience through volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
The museum has a small staff of English speaking guides who speak through the many exhibits excellent example. The focal point of the exhibition is the mummy of a refrigerator 12 years old, named Juanita, who recovered from the heights of the surrounding mountains.
Frozen in ice for more 400 years, Juanita offers fascinating insights into the Inca world and their spiritual beliefs, which included human sacrifice to the gods of the mountain. Juanita is one of hundreds of young people who were slaughtered in these ceremonies, in the hope that these deals would save the Incas of natural disasters.
After the museum, take a taxi to the Central Market (Mercado Municipal). If you arrive on time you will experience the frenetic activity and trade in everything from products traditional agricultural land surrounding the issues of today and consumer goods.
For those who have a strong stomach, a visit to the meat section Fish is an interesting diversion, but not surprised by the hygiene rules that may be unfamiliar to Westerners reared in the comfort of the local supermarket.
The market is a good place to stop for lunch, take your pick of any of the positions that offer an infinite range of freshly prepared food, pork roast sandwiches, to the ceviche and spicy meat stews. Do not be shy to ask what is being served, and feel free to point at another diner's plate to the order of the same!
Afterwards, head back to the Cathedral if not the opportunity to take a look inside. Much of what you see is various reconstructions following succession of disasters calendar over the centuries. Of particular interest are the dominant statues of the 12 apostles who stand guard in the columns of the Cathedral.
If you have any energy to the left, take a taxi to the nearest Cayma district, which is nicknamed the balcony (the balcony) for its splendid views over the city. This is a place Perfect for catching the sunset on Arequipa and booting a couple of stunning photographs to remind you of your stay in this beautiful city.
If you stay in the city for one more night, head to San Francisco Street, north of the Plaza, where a wide range of excellent restaurants and bars to spend their last night in the City White, before heading to their destination in Peru next trip.
This Peru travel guide was written by a travel-loving Peru vacation expert at peru for less, a member of the Latin America For Less family.
Latin America For Less, a US travel agency established in 1998, offers a complete South America vacation service to destinations across Latin America, including Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.
“Waking Juanita: The Ampato Ice Maiden” (Photoshop Reconstruction)
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‘Homage to Juanita the Mummy’ (2006) NOVICA, in association with National Geographic, searches the world to work directly with the finest artisan designers. The enigma that is Juanita the mummy inspires this impressive composition by Wilmer Lalupu Flores. Juanita was found by Peruvian Carlos Zarate in the Ampato glacier, and she is the best-preserved mummy ever found in the American continent. Juanita dates back to 1000 B. C., and wa… |
