TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN AREQUIPA, PERU

TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN AREQUIPA, PERU's, WHITE CITY: The second most beautiful town of Peru is UNESCO World Heritage, with beautifully restored colonial old town: A MUST SEE!

Top 10 Things to do in Arequipa, Peru's White City

The white city, this second most industrialized and third most populous city (861,145 inhabitants) is called for being constructed with sillar, a light grey volcanic stone, that looks almost white in the sun. Sillar is hewn from quarries on the slopes of the Misti volcano, that together with the Chachani and PichuPichu Volcanoes tower over the city.

Founded on August 15, 1540 and granted city rights by King Charles V, Arequipa became an important economical city during the colonial era, while its political importance rose during independence, as the center of uprising against the Spanish crown, and from 1835 - 1883 it was declared capital of Peru.

Culturally, Arequipa became internationally famous, when its splendid historical center of was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city increasingly became renowned as a fantastic tourist destination. Together with Cusco, Puno-Titicaca and Nazca, the city was incorporated in the "Southern Peru Tourist Corridor".

The beautifully restored old town Arequipa is concentrated in about 5 blocks around the Plaza de las Armas and most colonial churches and mansions can be visited on foot on short walks, usually in relatively mild temperatures, as the city is lies at an elevation of about 2,250. A few monuments will require you to take a taxi. Walking in the center is considered safe, also in nighttime, when many buildings are beautifully lit. While some buildings are in use as banks, restaurants or government buildings, the city gives a feel of being a modern present-day city while at the same time a fantastic historical open-air museum. 

The Museo Santuarios Andinos Museum, just a few blocks for the Plaza de las Armas, is home to the "Dama de Ampato" aka  Juanita, a well-preserved frozen sacrificed Inca 11-15 year old girl, as well as a collection of pre-colonial artifacts.

For those spending a bit more time In Arequipa, it is well worth visiting the Molino de Sabandiá, Arequipa, at about half an hour distance by taxi, in the countryside.

Built on the shores of the Chili River, bridges were essential to Arequipa, with the oldest being the Puente Bolognesi Brigde, built in the early 1,600s. Much more recent, but monumentally no less important is the Puente Fierro Bridge an iron bridge designed by Eiffel; both are still in use.

Arequipa's Plaza de las Armas with facade of the Cathedral.

Arequipa's Plaza de las Armas from the Cathedral.

Arequipa's Cathedral.

The cathedral of Arequipa has been rebuilt after a major earthquake and actually is rather modern on the inside, but nevertheless an impressive building with and impressive view over the city and the Plaza de las Armas from its roof-top.

Typical upper-class houses of early twentieth century.

Bottom: Courtyards of colonial mansions, some of which have been remodeled to serve as commercial or government offices, like the one on the bottom right.

Courtyard of a wealthy Arequipa mansion.

 Some of the Arequipa's mansions have been turned into banks, stores, restaurants and departments.

Compaņia de Jesus Church.

The Compaņia de Jesus Church of the Jesuits, no doubt is the most beautiful church of Peru, just like its sister church, the Compaņia de Jesus Church in Quito.

San Agustin Church, Arequipa.

La Merced Church, Arequipa.

San Fransisco Church, Arequipa.

San Juna de Yanahuara Church, Arequipa.

Convento de Santa Catalina is the most visited building from the Spanish era of the city. Described as a city within a city, this beautiful place with its colors, flowers and little streets will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. Quite close to the Plaza de Armas.

Santa Catalina Convent entrance, Arequipa.

Santa Catalina Convent court yard, Arequipa.

Santa Catalina Convent kitchen, Arequipa.

Santa Catalina Convent gallery, Arequipa.

Construction of the Bolognesi Bridge, Arequipa, started in 1577 and finished by 1608. Later it has been widened to facilitate modern traffic and pedestrian walkways. It is the oldest major colonial bridge in Latin America, built across the Chili River, being yet another top 10 thing to do in Areguipa, Peru's White City. In the background the Pichu Pichu volcano rising about the city.