Arequipa Travel Information

Santa Catalina Convent
This interesting convent is so big that it is known as "a city within a city." It certainly does feel like it. There are numerous sections of this convent, and it is easy to wander around all day, seeing how the nuns used to live

La Calera Hot Springs
Soak in La Calera Hot Springs whilst taking in the mountain scenery around you. These indoor and outdoor thermal baths are located in the touristy town of Chivay in the Colca Valley, so definitely a must see if you are in the area.

Juanita Mummy Museum
The story of Juanita, a young girl who was sacrificed to the gods in the 1400s and whose body was found on Ampato Mountain in 1995 is both fascinating and slightly morbid. From May to December this mummy is on display in this small but well kept museum, and a must see.

If you go to Arequipa or the Colca Canyon, or travel to Peru anywhere, you're like to meet the Andean Camelids. Distant cousins of camels, these animals have been (and still are) the main source of food and clothing in the Andes.

There are four species of Andean camelids: domesticated llamas & alpacas and wild guanacos & vicuñas.

Llamas are the biggest ones and are bred for wool and meat. Their wool is not as soft as the alpacas, but it is far more thick and resistant against rains. Alpacas are also used for their meat since it is delicious and healthy. But even more are bred for their wool, which is light weight, warm, and hypoallergenic.

Guanaco's are, basically, wild llamas. They enjoy living in high altitude and cold places (at least 13,000 feet), so they can be difficult to spot. Vicuñas are the species that originated from alpacas. Although similar, they have unique characteristics, but are smaller. The vicuña's fiber is considered the finest in the world (yes, even better than cashmere.

Keep an eye out for these fluffy and funny creatures during your Peru tour.

El Misti is an active volcano that sits just 10 miles outside of Arequipa. In fact, Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanos: Picchu Picchu, Chachani, and El Misti. These volcanos have played a significant role in shaping the landscape, history, culture, and spirituality of the area. Arequipa is sometimes the White City because of the distinctive white volcanic stone used in much of the city's architecture

During your Arequipa vacation you can take an adventure tour and hike to the top of El Misti or bike down the steep sides of Picchu Picchu.

Deep and steep, the Colca Canyon is an impressive Peruvian landmark. It sits in the Colca Valley, about a four hour ride from Arequipa. A scenic drive to the canyon takes you past numerous Inca terraces.

What are these terraces and why did pre-Columbian civilizations build them?

Andean communities had to learn how to farm on steep slopes rather than on flat areas. So they ingeniously built terraces, formed like stairs so water slowly filtered through the rocks and down each terrace. The walls helped crops grow by keeping enough water inside each terrace and creating a flat area to grow potatoes, grain, corn, and other crops. It is believed at least 80% of these terraces were built by ancient local communities like the Ollaguas and Cabanas over 1,000 years ago. The Incas have probably built the newest terraces about 800 years ago.

Arequipa is the best place to go if you're craving Peruvian specialties, although you'll find great dishes most places during your Peru travel adventures. Here are several food dishes and drinks popular in the Arequipa region.

Rocoto Relleno: Stuffed rocoto peppers with a very tasty and spice sauce.

Ocopa: Ocopa is a special sauce originating in Arequipa - consisting of yellow chili/pepper, fresh cheese, peanuts, and black mint. It mostly comes with potatoes (just like most famous Peruvian dishes).

Alpaca: The deeper you go into the Canyon, the better the Alpaca - a soft Alpaca steak, made with the traditional recipe of the great-grandfathers of the inhabitants of the valley. The ultimate Peruvian food experience.

Queso helado: A very typical Arequipenean ice cream with a soft flavor of cocos as well as cinnamon.