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Peru Tourist Guide
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SOUTHERN PERU:
Arequipa, the "White City":
Santa Catalina
Museum Santuarios Andinos
Colca Canyon
Arequipa
The Misti volcano may be dormant, but Arequipa wakens every morning amidst a flurry of
activity. And although the summit of the volcano is often wreathed by small clouds of
smoke, the Arequipa townsfolk -proud of their land- do not fail to invite visitors to stroll
through the streets of white stone and traditional squares.
The lordly city of Arequipa owes the characteristic hue of its houses and other constructions
to the white sillar stone quarried in the region.
Founded as the Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de Asunta (the Beautiful Villa of Our
Lady of Asunta), Arequipa was recognized as a city in 1541. Throughout its history, Arequipa
has also been the cradle of leading thinkers and politicians. Today, the visitor can take in
the spectacular neo-Renaissance Cathedral, the impressive Santa Catalina Convent, colonial
mansions and museums, all of which are reason enough to visit Arequipa. On the outskirts of
the city one can find many other attractions.
The Colca Valley is without a doubt the best-known both in Peru and abroad. Just four hours
northeast of the city, the Colca boasts some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Peru :
superb terracing, snow-capped peaks, dizzying canyons and towns dating back to the sixteenth
century.
There are 14 villages that have been preserved in the valley since those early colonial times,
which the Spaniards used to settle the ancient Collagua and Cabana tribes, who had previously
been scattered around the region. The visitor to the Colca Valley will surely be fascinated by
the narrow streets and richly decorated churches. The Colca is also a haven for adventure
sports fans.
Other sites in Arequipa include the ancient Toro Muerto rock paintings, the Imata natural
stone formations and the Cotahuasi Canyon , believed to be the world's deepest. But what
truly unites the different parts of Arequipa is without a doubt its exquisite cuisine.
Visitors should not fail to try the local rocoto relleno (stuffed hot chili pepper), adobo
(marinated roast beef) and the spicy chupe stews, which are simply irresistible.
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