Peru Travel: Explore the Highlights of Arequipa on Your Peru Vacation

Apr 12
08:57

2012

Matthew Barker

Matthew Barker

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Explore the many sights in the city of Arequipa during your Peru vacation. Utilize this sample one day itinerary to visit all the best sights of Arequipa city from this article written by a Peru travel expert.

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Take a Peru vacation to the wonderful city of Arequipa,Peru Travel: Explore the Highlights of Arequipa on Your Peru Vacation Articles known as the “White City” because of the numerous churches, mansions, and buildings crafted from sillar, a volcanic stone with a magnificent pearly white color. The second largest city in Peru the culturally and historically rich city of Arequipa is full of great sights and is an excellent place to indulge in Peruvian cuisine, it is second only to Lima in its fantastic gastronomy. Spend the day exploring Arequipa’s sights with this sample day itinerary.

Start the day with an Arequipa city tour, which will take you to all the best sights of the city. Admire the beautiful architecture the city is famous for, with colonial, baroque, and gothic influences, as you stroll along the many streets. You will stop in the Plaza de Armas which is welcoming to all, shaded with many trees and dotted with benches, it is the perfect place to relax and take in the city center, including the main Cathedral.

Get a feel for the city’s aristocratic history as you walk past the pearly white colonial mansions and on to the artisans market of Carmen Alto. The market is where you will indulge in the culture of the city. Spend time conversing with the artisans and shopping through their crafts. You will find anything and everything in the market from juice stands to the witchcraft section, the market is an excellent place to explore, it is also a great place for souvenirs!

Experience Inca culture by visiting Juanita, the virgin girl who was offered to the gods in sacrifice, she was and recently discovered in 1994 excellently preserved. Juanita is now housed in Arequipa at the University Catholica Santa Maria, where you can take one of their guided tours to learn more about this fascinating archeological find.

Next head to the Santa Catalina Convent located a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas; this is a must-see destination on your Arequipa vacation. The Santa Catalina was home to nuns who lived in seclusion for 400 years; you can take a guided tour once inside the convent or explore it independently. Try taking this tour at night when the glow of the moon accents the beauty of the convent’s sillar stone.

After your tour at the Santa Catalina Convent end your day your with an excellent meal at Gaston Acurio’s located across the street. Travelers can also partake in Arequipa’s nightlife, concentrated mostly on Calle San Francisco.

Get the most out of your Arequipa trip by using this sample one day itinerary, sure to be the highlight of your Peru vacation.