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How to get there
Flight: several daily flights from/to Lima and Cusco, also daily
flights to Puerto Maldonado and Iquitos.
Bus: several connections daily from/to Lima (12 to 14 h), stop in
Nazca (8 h) and in Ica (aproximately 9 h); Cusco (12 to 16 h), Puno
(5 to 6 h). Due to the long transfer from Lima to Arequipa it is
recommended to make a stop in Pisco, Ica or Nazca. The way Areqipa
- Puno/Juliaca offers a magnificent landscape and provides good
transportation by bus.
Best time to travel
In the 'White city' the sun is shining almost the whole
year. Only between January and March do light showers occur. Temperatures may
rise up to 23°C in winter and they may sink down to 5°C in the early morning hours.
Activities
Hiking in the mountains is a wonderful activity to do in the locality and riverrafting can also be enjoyed.
Those who want to explore the world from a birds' view, could
also try out paragliding.
Celebrations
On 15 August the Arequipeños celebrate the founding of their
town - the same day as assumption day with various religous and
artistic events.
Accomodation
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Altitude: 2350 m
Inhabitants: 890,000
City
map
Arequipa,
which means "Yes, stay!" in the Quechua language stands at an altitude of 2350 metres at the foot of the Misti volcano. Arequipa is known as 'The White City' because of the architecture, that is built out of white volcanic stone. Monastries, churches
and buildings dating from the colonial period may be discovered
and therefore it is no wonder that the UNESCO nominated Arequipa
World Cultural Heritage classification. Its origin dates back tol 8000 BC, when legend has it that
the fourth Inca Mayta Capac founded
the city while resting there with his army. Though on 15 August
1540 the Spaniards founded the city Arequipa.
As it is well situated between the coast and the towns Puno and
Cusco it used to play an important role as a logistical hub of the
region. Arequipa is a very nice starting point for excursions into
a magnificent landscape as for instance the Colca Canyon, Cotahuasi
Canyon and the Valle de los Volcanes. The region is also
perfect for adventure sports such as rafting and mountain biking.
The volcano Misti is dormant and suitable for hiking.
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Monastery Santa Catalina
One of the most impressive experiences in the region of Arequipa
is to visit the Monastery Santa Catalina. Constucted in the second
half of the 16th century it was not opened to the public until 1970.
Santa Catalina complex is situated near to the centre of the city, where 600 nuns once resided. This monastery is esentially a city within a city.
In times of the vice-king, this monastery
organised itself completely independently, cut off from the outside world except for the hatch by which provisions were delivered. The different pastel tones,
the glistening blue as well as the light red colours of the walls are in perfect harmony with the austere colonial style. You
feel like you have travelled back into times of the ancient monastery life
when strolling through the building with its wonderful paintings, narrow alleyways, gardens and cells. This is a must if visiting Arequipa.
Opening hours: daily 9 to 16 h. Guided tours also available in English
language.
For further information please click here.
Museum Santuarios
One of the most visited museums in Peru is the museum Santuarios
because it is here that the world famous mummy Juanita (Ice Maiden) is displayed.
Five hundren years ago, the
Inca sacrificed the thirteen year old girl in order to turn their gods'
mood and prevent catastrophies such as drought and earthquake. Juanita is only one of numerous
human sacrifices from that time. Juanita is said to be born in Arequipa
and is thought to have travelled over 600 km to Cusco in order to
prepare herself for the ceremony. Considering the sandals she was
wearing, this was an incredibly hard trip.
Opening hours: daily except Sundays from 9 till 17.45 h.
Cathedral
The cathedral of Arequipa is the only church in Peru built along
the whole length of the plaza. Most fascinating about it is its
facade. The organ originates from Belgium and is the biggest in South
America. The main altar is built from Italian marble.
La Compañía de Jesús
At the end of the 16th century constructions began and 100 years
later the curch was finished. You can see the carved wooden and
gold furnished altars. Also the astonishing wall
paintings showing depictions of the flora and fauna are worth the visit.
Church of San Francisco
The Church of San Francisco was origninally built in the 16th century
and rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake, a crack in
the dome remains as a testimony to this. Also of note here is the silver altar.
Opening hours: 7 to 10 am and 17.00 to 19.00 h.
Monestario de la Recoleta
This monestary was built in 1648 and is a precious piece of architecture.
When reaching the top of the tower a marvellous view over Ariquipa meet your eyes. Furthermore the monastery hosts a gallery
as well as a library which contains more than 20,000 books. Aslo
a museum of the town and market of craft work as well
as a museum of the Amazonian exhibits collected by the missionaries
can be found here.
Opening hours: daily except Sundays from 9.00 bis 12.00 h and from
15.00 to 17.00 h
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