Arequipa is a beautiful city in a magnificent valley setting surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes, notably the impressive Misti. There was an Inca settlement here but today's city dates back to the 16th century when the Spanish arrived. They built the lovely churches, monasteries, convents and mansions for which Arequipa is now renowned. Visitors can easily spend several days here exploring the city, which is an UNESCO Heritage Site, relaxing in cafes and bars or venturing further afield to explore Inca terraces and the volcanoes. Arequipa is also well placed as a stopover enroute to Colca Canyon or Lake Titicaca.
Arequipa is Peru's 2nd largest city, although the centre is compact. This is where most of the city's sites of interest are found and can easily be explored on foot. Sometimes referred to as 'The White City', many of the colonial buildings are constructed from the local volcanic rock, 'sillar', which is white in colour, giving Arequipa its distinctive appearance. Of all the eye catching colonial structures, it is the Santa Catalina Convent that stands out. Covering over 20,000 square metres, this complex covers an entire city block and is often called 'a city within a city' as it self contained and has streets and squares. It was founded in 1579 and attracted nuns from mainly wealthy Spanish families, who, once accepted into the order were not permitted to leave. They had to pay the convent a dowry, so in this way it became a wealthy insititution. It is worth spending a couple of hours to wander around the cells and cloisters and soak up the serene atmosphere. There are still some nuns in one part of the convent, continuing the traditional lifestyle.
The heart of the city is its main square, the Plaza de Armas. This is bounded on 3 sides by double-arched arcades, many of which now house restaurants and bars. On the 4th side is the cathedral, a vast building, rather austere on the inside. Near here are several craft shops and cafes. Among other buidlings of note are La Compania church, with lovely cloisters and La Merced. Both are fine examples of carved sillar. Arequipa had many wealthy inhabitants and the city's fine colonial mansions are now mainly offices, whose splendid facades can be admired by the visitor. Others are open to the public and display well proportioned accommodation and attractive courtyards. A visit to see 'Juanita' in the Catholic Univeristy Museum is also recommended. Dr. Johan Reinhard discovered the well-preserved remains of Juanita, the “Ice Maiden,” on the nearby mountain of Ampato in 1993; other human sacrifices were also discovered on the same mountain. Arequipa also has a selection of museums and galleries including an archaeological museum and and the Museo Hostorico Regional specialising in local history.
Outside the city are several attractions worth visiting. These inlcude La Recleta, a fine Franciscan monastery dating back to 1647, with 4 pretty cloisters, a library housing archeaological exhibits and a collection of stuffed jungle animals and birds. The district of Yanahuara has a pleasant plaza and church and great views of the volcanoes of Misti and Chachani. There are many picanterias where typical local food can be enjoyed. South the city centre is the Puente de Fiero, an iron bridge designed by Gustav Eiffel for the railway. There are more great views of the city and its surrounding volcanoes from here. To the east of Arequipa is the Molino de Sabandia, a watermill. This is set in lovely countryside and offers swimming opportunities, making it a good day excursion from the city. The famous Colca Canyon can also be visited as a day trip from Arequipa.
Birders may want to take a 1½ hour drive towards the port town of Mollendo. The nearby reserve of Mejia Bird Sanctuary consists of 700 hectares of lakes separated from the Pacific by a narrow sandbar. There are about 180 species of birds (resident and migratory) found here.
