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For Peruvians, Arequipa is synonymous with surprises: fantastic architecture, unparalleled gastronomy, green valleys that seems to merge with volcanoes, and beyond even its craggy mountains, one of the grandest attractions our country has to offer: the impressive Colca Canyon.
As you take a stroll down the streets of Arequipa’s historic city center, you will certainly find some tiny piece of living history just waiting to be discovered. We recommend you start your tour at the lovely Plaza de Armas (main square), which you will immediately see is surrounded by solidly built arcades, constructed from a white volcanic stone known as sillar; it is the city’s main construction material, having been used there since 1540. Overlooking the plaza is the cathedral, one of Peru’s largest, and next to it stands the Church of the Company of Christ. You will find more than one surprise along the city blocks that radiate outwards from this Colonial hub: there are the Moral and Irriberry houses, the San Agustin and Santo Domingo churches, and some simply enchanting plazas that boast delicate bronze fountain centerpieces. Nearby by are two very old Spanish Colonial neighborhoods: Cayma and Yanahuara.
Yet this departmental capital is more than churches and mansions. Just a stone’s throw from downtown is an amazing green countryside where you can see miles of crop fields and Pre-Hispanic terraced hillsides and enjoy hotsprings with therapeutic waters and cultural landmarks, the likes of the Sabandia Mill and the City Founder’s Mansion in Huasacache.
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