Arequipa
Arequipa is Peru's second largest city and was founded in 1540. A delightful city set in a green valley among the high-altitude deserts and volcanoes of southern Peru; the buildings in the centre have been built almost exclusively of the volcanic material 'sillar', a white, porous rock, giving Arequipa its nickname of 'La Ciudad Blanca' - 'The White City'. At an elevation of 2,300m (7,500 feet) above sea level, the altitude can take a few days to get used to.
Arequipa is a tranquil city with important colonial and republican architecture, leading it to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main attractions within Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Convent, established in 1579. It was built mainly in the Moorish 'mudejar' style, and is well known for its brightly painted walls. There are still some 20 nuns living in the convent, and parts of it are also open to the public.
Arequipa is also used by many people as a departure point for their visit to the Colca Canyon. About 100 miles from Arequipa and accessible by road, the Colca Canyon is the world's deepest canyon and is home to many small traditional villages, as well as being the habitat of the Andean Condor.
Specialist Knowledge
Need some help with your trip? Victoria Silva has travelled extensively across Peru and can help with his knowledge and expertise of the attractions and services available.
Peru14 Nights from £3,708€3,364$4,191
Our comprehensive journey through Peru. Discover Andean landscapes, ancient civilisations, stunning ruins and the magnificent islands of Lake Titicaca
Peru14 Nights from £4,420€4,183$5,188
Discover Peru's diverse landscapes and history, from the coastal desert to the altiplano, the high peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest
Peru14 Nights from £3,577€3,214$4,008
An active Tour of Peru, with day walks in the Colca Canyon and the Sacred Valley. The tour finishes with the incredible Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu
Peru & Bolivia & Chile21 Nights from £3,984€3,682$4,578
Explore the Amazon, Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu, Northern Chile and Bolivia on this largely land based itinerary, with only two domestic flights necessary
Peru14 Nights from £3,321€2,919$3,649
Explore the Inca Empire including the spectacular Colca Canyon. Stay in the "Sacred Valley" taking the train to Machu Picchu and along magnificent Andean landscapes from Lake…
Our hotels were very good and our guides, Marvin, Mariel & Fernando were excellent: They had exceptional knowledge and made absolutely sure that our Peruvian experience was of the highest quality.
All guides were excellent: Malla was a pleasant young lady, Hildana had a perfect mix of humour and friendliness, Manuel provided useful information and Fernando was enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
We have been impressed by the reception and assistance of your partners throughout the trip.
We had 4 guides who were very different in character, but they were all excellent, friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and informative, especially Marvin Abanto in Lima.
Guides were exceptional: Enthusiasm & freshness they showed was as if they had just started and wanted to impress this is to be commended when considering they've been doing the job for many years.
Planning to visit Latin America around Easter? You might consider timing your visit to take in the spectacular Semana Santa c…
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