TRAVEL AND TOURS

Founded on August 5, 1540, by Manuel Garci de Carbajal, the city's name comes from the Quechua word "Arequipai" which means "stay". It's not just by chance however that its name has held true throughout time; in the city streets, in its 'sillar' walls and in the attitude of it's people you feel a peculiar energy, a strong impulse, inviting you to remain in the city.

Arequipa stands on the skirts of the western range of the Andes, at the foot of the Misti volcano, (2,350 m.a.s.l.), and is the capital of the department of the same name. It is a beautiful city full of mansions, temples and convents built out of 'sillar' - a material of volcanic rock - and distinguished by a unique architectural style. Arequipa is surrounded by a magical countryside which gives it a refreshing, bucolic air.

In the Arequipa Historical Centre you can admire a wholly original architectural style. Formed towards the end of the 17th century, it's a blend of Italian Baroque, Spanish "Plateresco" and Andean creativity.

The ancestral mansions and the ancient churches and convents are built out of a pearl-white building material whichproduces with the sun light a glimmer, a magnificent glow, therefore causing people to affectionately call Arequipa "La Ciudad Blanca of Peru" ("The White City").

Stepped terraces dating from pre-Inca times are found On the Arequipa outskirts. They are still used today by farmers from fascinating villages in the districts of Chilina, Socabaya, Paucarpata, Characato and Sabandia.

In the department of Arequipa are found two of the world's deepest canyons: Cotahuasi, in the province of La Union, and Colca, in Cailloma. The wonderful Valley of the Volcanoes, the beaches of Mollendo and Camana and Puerto Inca beach in Caraveli, are all fascinating places which must also be visited.

ATTRACTIONS

Arequipa's old houses, churches and abbeys are the Historic Centre's main attraction. Walk slowly through its cobblestone streets, so you can properly appreciate its unique architecture, be astonished by the brilliance of the 'sillar' and feel the energy of the Misti, the ever present volcano watching over the city.

You should also visit the outlying areas to enjoy the verdant beauty of its countryside and take a breath of fresh Andean air. However, if it's adventure you're looking for, you must take a tour to the provinces so you can discover the many attractions the region has to offer.

CHURCHES AND CONVENTS

Arequipa's Cathedral occupies a full side of the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). It has a neo-renaissance style, with two stylized bell-towers and a Gothic arch. You'll find inside an outstanding wooden pulpit carved in 1879 by Boisini-Rigot from Lille (France) and a Loret organ from Belgium.

The Church of La Compañía, built by the Jesuits in the 17th century, has an imposing sculpted facade completed in 1698. Its carved pulpit, and its ancient vestry, known as the Sixtine Chapel of Arequipa, are the work of anonymous native artists who imbued their art with the colour, motifs and spirit inherent to them.

The Convent of Santa Catalina de Sena, one of the most beautiful convents in Arequipa, was founded on October 2, 1580. With an area of 20,000 square meters, the Convent is a city in miniature, a walled fortress with streets, factories, orchards and plazas. It combines the colour of 'sillar' with other shades such as ochre, pale blue and orange, all blending in its austere architectural style. Closed to the public until 1970, the Convent still houses a number of the closed order of nuns.