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 mini-volcanoes rising out of an incredible moonscape. Read the rest of this entry »
Yanahuara: A traditional district located about two kilometers from downtown. It is an old, established village - which today is part of the city - of Indians from the valley of the nearby Chili River. It has colorful narrow and aged side streets, houses with family orchards and a church of baroque facade from the year 1750 in the main plaza. But the most outstanding feature here are the arcs of sillar of the famous Mirador of Yanahuara, from which the entire city can be appreciated; the arcs made of the whitish volcanic rock sillar, sport engravings with the philosophy of life and inspiration of the arequipeans. Read the rest of this entry »
Air connections The easiest way of getting to Arequipa is by plane, and there is a modern, pleasant airport 10 kilometres from the centre of town.
There is a flat fee of $3.50 for a taxi to and from the airport. There are several daily flights to Lima, Cusco, Juliaca and Tacna.
All travel agencies will sell tickets, or these can be bought from the airlines. Read the rest of this entry »
Arequipa has a strong culinary tradition, and there are a wide variety of local dishes available. Soups are particularly popular, and are often very tasty and are a meal in themselves. Additionally, Rocoto Relleno (stuffed spicy pepper) is another local favourite well worth trying, although make sure you specify if you do not want it too spicy. Most picanterías (restaurants serving traditional Arequipeño food) are outside of the centre, and a taxi should be taken. These are generally open only at lunchtime.
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