Arequipa is Peru’s second largest, with a population of approximately 1’000,000. However, it has the feel of a small town, with the centre being compact and containing most areas of interest. Away from the centre, the city rapidly becomes residential, although there are a few sights worth visiting.
The city of Arequipa and the nearby Colca Canyon are firmly established stops on the tourist trail in Peru. However, the region has far more to offer the visitor than just this, from stunning scenery in the world’s deepest canyon - The Cotahuasi Canyon - to the amazing Valley of Volcanoes, with over 60 [...]
Jan 6 Los Reyes de Tiabaya, where families visit the district of Tiabaya to shake the pear trees.
Feb 3 Festival of Virgen de la Candelaria in Cayma and Characato, where fireworks are set off the night before.
Feb (second half) Carnaval Arequipeño, where a carnival queen is chosen, and there are parades and folkloric dance competitions. [...]
Alpaca Possibly the world capital for alpaca production, Arequipa is an excellent place to buy alpaca clothing. Good quality items are available cheaper than in Cusco or Lima, as most of the firms are based in Arequipa. Bear in mind that even for the best items, the quality is not usually up to the [...]
