Arequipa
The Department of Arequipa is home to the second deepest canyon in the world, the Andean Mountain range, and countless volcanoes. The colonial-era capital of this department, Arequipa city, is home to baroque buildings from white volcanic stone, making its nickname 'La Ciudad Blanca'.
What to do in Arequipa
La Ciudad
Blanca
Arequipa's historic center is situated around the Plaza de Armas and is accompanied by a 17th-century neoclassical Basilica Cathedral. The average elevation of Arequipa is 2,328 meters, which makes it a great place to acclimate before experiencing Cusco's 3,300 meters.
Yanahuara
District
The Yanahuara District is a suburb within the city of Arequipa. The Mirador de Yanaguara is the best way to view the active 5,822 meters Misti Volcano. Also, there are many small shops found inside the houses of those that live here.
Santa Catalina Monastery
The Monasterio de Santa Catalina is a monastery of nuns located in the heart of Arequipa. The monastery is without a doubt a city within a city, as it was built in 1579 and is home to beautiful vibrant architecture.
Chivay
Chivay is a town in southern Peru's Colca Valley at about 3,600 meters above sea level. Chivay serves as a gateway to the Colca Canyon and many Natural Hot Springs. The town of Chivay was the cheapest place I found in all of Peru to buy Alpaca clothing.
Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is a river canyon in southern Peru that is famed as the second deepest canyon in the world. Colca Canyon also serves as the habitat for the great Andean Condor with a wingspan of over 3 meters.
Mirador de los Andes
Lookout Mirador de Los Andes is located at an altitude of 4910 meters above sea level. This viewpoint is also the highest paved road in the South American continent.