Arequipa and the Colca CanyonArequipa is Peru's most beautiful colonial city and a UNESCO world heritage site. Overlooked by the perfect cone of the snow capped El Misti volcano, the area enjoys a great climate with over 300 days of sun each year. Its nickname, the 'white city', derives from the white volcanic rock ('sillar') that embellishes the facades of the city's homes and churches. The pastel coloured Santa Catalina convent is a highlight of Arequipa with its well-preserved 400 year old décor, interesting artwork and tiny sillar rooms. The town's cobbled streets and narrow alleys are excellent for exploring and the small markets selling alpaca wool, pottery and textiles will test your haggling skills. Arequipa is also the launching pad to the Colca Canyon, reputedly the deepest in the world at 3,182 metres (11,000 feet), twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. The Colca Canyon offers a unique opportunity to see the mighty Andean condor up close, as they leave their rocky sanctuary with the early morning currents to soar high into the clouds. The region is also known for its terracing, thought to be the most extensive in Peru, its picturesque towns, where the traditional clothing is still worn by the majority of women and the spectacular mountain scenery with snow-capped Andean peaks. The town of Arequipa is situated at around 2500 metres, making this an ideal stop over between Lima and Cuzco, allowing you to acclimatise slowly to altitude. We suggest a 3-night visit, 2 in Arequipa and 1 in the canyon. TO SEE AND DO IN AREQUIPABelow are some options for Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, though if there are other things you would like to see and do, we can tailor anything to your ideas. Santa Catalina: Founded in 1580 this is the most stunning convent in Peru. Built to shelter a select group of the religious order, it is a self-contained small colonial town comprising houses for the nuns and servants, kitchens, cloisters, a single nave church, plazas and narrow streets lined with Bougainvillea. The cathedral: originally built in 1544, though rebuilt several times due to earthquakes. Predominantly in neoclassic style boasting enormous columns. Casa del Moral: an excellent example of 18th century Mestizo architecture, with barred windows, open patio and a facade with a richly decorated tympanum. Sabandia: situated on the outskirts, this flourmill was built in 1621, is powered by the neighbouring waterfall and was recently transformed into a museum. El Misti: this volcano is the symbol of Arequipa and is a relatively easy climb, although the sand and ash of its slopes will make it a challenge. Colca Canyon: the major attraction of the area. This trip is best done with an overnight stay in the valley, which allows you to take in the picturesque towns en-route, rise early to watch the clouds lift out of the canyon, and to hopefully spot the Andean Condor soar overhead.
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