Colca Canyon and Arequipa

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Arequipa, the second city of Peru after Lima, is at an altitude of over 2300 meters. The city is also called The White City because many buildings have been built from the white stone rocks (“sisti”), which has been expelled by the volcano Misti. The city is renowned for its own intellectual residents, nightlife, regional spicy food and modern styled shops. The main square of the city, the Plaza de Armas, is found to be one of Peru's most beautiful. The cathedral and numerous colonial buildings surround the square. Arequipa was rediscovered the city on August 15, 1540. 

The city is in an active area of volcanoes and earthquakes. Arequipa is dominated by three large volcanoes: the Misti, the Chachani and the Pichu Pichu. In 1600 the city was completely destroyed by an outbreak of the Huaynaputina. Major earthquakes have taken place in 1687, 1868, 1958, 1960 and 2001. For these reasons, mainly low-rise buildings are found in the city. No other city in Peru has the best of indoor and outdoor living with the beautiful Colca Valley at a short distance with its unique Andes-Condor-birds.

Colca valley:

Arequipa is the perfect base for visiting the Reserva Nacional Salinas and Aquada Blanca and the Colca Canyon. You can visit these with small buses (collectivos) although public transport is scarce and you will have to have a lot of time and patience in addition to the fact that the buses do not reach all sights.

A 2-or 3-day tour from Arequipa is recommended. The Reserva Nacional Salinas is located north of Arequipa and is often taken as a part of a tour. It is a plateau located over 4000 meters with beautiful views. Often llamas, endangered vicas and sometimes guanacos are spotted here. There is also the chance of seeing flamingos on the road from here to the much lower situated Colca Valley. 

The Colca Canyon is northwest of Arequipa and is one of Peru's most impressive sights. The valley is 100 km long and is about twice as deep as its famous namesake in the U.S. The valley is surrounded with numerous (high) volcanoes such as the Coropuna (6613 mtr) and Ampato (6310 mtr). The Colca Valley is a colorful area with villages discovered by the Spaniards. As they built many cathedrals to “educated” the local people (mostly Indians), local residents left the villages.

However, the local population came back and still adheres to the old traditions and ways of life. One of the things that is unique in this area are the extensive agricultural terraces. The residents still carry in some parts their very detailed and high quality authentic clothing. Other sights are the countless geysers that are scattered throughout the area and the giant Condor vulture that can be spotted here.

Arequipa's airport is about 8 kilometers northwest of the city center and can be reached by taking a taxi or a minibus with a display Rio Seco or Zamacola. These stop at about 700 meters from the airport.

The city's train station is about 1 km south of the Plaza des Armas while the main (long-distance) and regional bus station (Terrestre and Terrapuerto) is 3km south of the city center.

You can find several perfect places for drinks, breakfast, lunch or dinner at numerous places in and around the Plaza des Armas on the first floor. From here you have a beautiful panorama on the beautiful and cozy main square of the city.