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Arequipa has a beautiful city centre, surrounded by spectacular mountains, particularly the snow capped cone of El Misti.

Arequipa's city centre is very attractive with a beautiful Plaza de Armas, and many colonial buildings built from a light coloured volanic rock called sillar. These light coloured buildings have earned Arequipa the nickname, "the white city."

Arequipa is a great place to spend a day soaking up the atmosphere of the city centre, particularly the Monasterio de Santa Catalina, without doubt the highlight of all religious buildings in Peru! (Even if you are not usually inspired by this type of thing - Santa Catalina is really enjoyable!)

The other "must do" in Arequipa is the Museo de Santuarios Andinos, home of "Juanita the ice princess" - the frozen body of an Inca maiden sacrificed on the top of Ampato mountain over 500 years ago.

We generally suggest that visitors can enjoy these two facilities by themselves, but can organise a guide if required.

Arequipa is the 'jumping off point' for a moonscape of amazing landscapes, including the Colca Canyon.

Colca Canyon tours generally depart and return to Arequipa.

You can visit Arequipa as part of the following Peru Packages

High Andes Adventure 17 days/ 16 nights

For hiking enthusiasts this tour features two hikes, one in the Colca Canyon and another in the high andes for Peru. This is for the fit and enthusiatic who wish to fit in as much as possible into their Peru visit.

* Lima
* Arequipa
* 3 day hike in the Colca Canyon
* Lake Titicaca
* Cusco & the Sacred Valley
* 4 day hike to Machu Picchu

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santa catalina convent in arequipa

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.