It is known as the White City for having sillar stone buildings. It was founded in 1540 as the Villa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunta de Arequipa. It has a mostly arid and dry climate all year round, that is why it is also known as the city of the eternal azure sky. Here you can find history, outstanding landscapes, deep canyons, wildlife, art, you can enjoy its rich cuisine and nightlife. Being protected by the magnificent: Misti Volcano.
WHAT MAKES AREQUIPA SO SPECIAL?
NATURAL BEAUTY: If you wish to get away from the stress of the city, La Campiña looks forward to offering you the best panoramic views. From the Carmen Alto lookout point, you will observe some Inca- built agricultural terraces that are still used as growing areas today. On the other hand; the Yanahuara Mirador, a 19th century construction, it has ashlar stone arches with engravings made by famous figures of the time, from here you can catch lovely views of the Misti volcano and the city. And do not forget to visit the Colca Canyon, considered the deepest canyon in America, it is 4,160 meters deep. It is the ideal location to observe the breathtaking flight of the condor, an emblematic bird with a large size, which can only be spotted in this mountainous zone.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE: Petroglyphs of Toro Muerto; preserves one of the largest samples of cave art in the world, standing out anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, phytomorphic, symbolic figures, probably belongs to the Tertiary Age. Ashlar Route; the ashlar is the base material used in the White City’s architecture, you can observe the extraction process, carving and sculpting of the ashlar, furthermore, it has amazing landscapes in the area. The historic city center has more than 500 houses of European-Andean style, and its streets indicate the colonial art being its main attractions: Santa Catalina Monastery; religious building, inside there is a citadel, it was built to lodge the daughters of the most distinguished families in the city with a religious vocation. Main Square; considered a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is surrounded by portals, the Cathedral, and in the center of the plaza there is a bronze fountain. Compañía de Jesús Temple; belongs to the Jesuit religious order, dating from the seventeenth century, in its interior there are canvases of the Cusco School can be appreciated, as well as altarpieces carved in wood and covered with gold leaf.
CUISINE: If you love to dare your palate, you must try the Ocopa Arequipeña; it is a representative entree, another choice is the Solterito de Queso; it consists of a fresh salad where corn, broad beans, cheese, onion, black olives and tomato get together. And as main courses, you can’t miss the Adobo Arequipeño, and the Pastel de Papa con Rocoto Relleno (“Potatoes salad with Stuffed hot pepper”). These flavors will make you feel good and want more.
