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? Nick Goodchild has travelled extensively across Peru and can help with his knowledge and expertise of the attractions and services available.
Chivay Tour
14 Nights from £3,472 €3,267 $3,514
Our comprehensive journey through Peru. Discover Andean landscapes, ancient civilisations, stunning ruins and the magnificent islands of Lake Titicaca
Criollo Tour
14 Nights from £4,139 €4,066 $4,380
Discover Peru's diverse landscapes and history, from the Coastal Desert, the altiplano and high peaks of the Andes, to the lush Amazon rainforest.
Chasqui Active Tour
14 Nights from £3,350 €3,119 $3,354
Active Tour of Peru, with day walks in the Colca Canyon, Sacred Valley, and finishing with the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Pachamama Tour
21 Nights from £3,751 €3,602 $3,877
Combine an Amazon adventure with visits to the Inca heartland in Peru and the island communities of Lake Titicaca and a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines.
Inca Tour
14 Nights from £3,110 €2,831 $3,042
Explore the Inca Empire including the remote Colca Canyon and staying in the "Sacred Valley", taking the trains to Machu Picchu and along magnificent Andean landscapes from La…
'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.'
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