Arequipa is a stunning colonial city, the second most populous in Peru, and it is surrounded by towering volcanoes. It is the jump off point to visit the Colca Canyon, said to be the deepest in the world. I knew I wanted to see the city, but I was nervous to take another flight. Not scared of flying even a tiny bit, just of losing valuable time in the country if I was to get delayed or the flight canceled. However, I went for it and everything worked out JUST fine! The flight was on time and the ride was gorgeous.
So why visit Arequipa? Here are some of the highlights of my trip to the city and surrounding areas:
+Enjoy the history and architecture of a colonial Spanish city
+Check out the really interesting museums including the mystery of the frozen mummy Juanita and the colorful Santa Catalina Monastery
+Get up close and personal with Alpaca at Mundo Alpaca, a great place to stock up on local quality products
+Grab a bite at the authentic Mercado San Camilo
+Eat local at a traditional Picanteria
+Visit the neighborhood of Yanahuara for queso de helago (ice cream!) and a view of El Misti
+Visit the natural wonder that is the Colca Canyon and see the Andean condor!
More detailed accounts to come over the following weeks, stay tuned!
I hope you get to, they are as amazing creatures 😀
It is my dream to one day pet an Alpaca. They’re just so fluffy looking and the products that are created are sooo soft.
Peru is incredible you will love it when you get there. Hoping Chile is the next stop for me in South America! Pura Vida is our overlap, Costa Rica rocks.
I am just dying to go to Peru. I’ve spent time in Costa Rica and Chile yet somehow not Peru and have been beating myself up ever since!