AREQUIPA TOURS
Arequipa is the capital of the Province, Department and Region
of the same name. Arequipa lies in the Andes mountains, at an
altitude of 2230 meters above sea level(7,314 feet); it is the
second largest city of Peru.
The city is surrounded by 3 volcanoes; El Misti, still active
at 5822m, the higher and extinct Chachani 6075m and Pichu Pichu
5571m.
The Incas highly respected these volcanoes since the melt water
from their snow-capped peaks form the headwaters of the mighty
Amazon River, thousands of kilometers away.
Arequipa is well known for its glistening white buildings made
from sillar, a white volcanic rock, which gives the city its nickname
'La Ciudad Blanca' or 'The White City'. Reportedly, it first acquired
this nickname in the colonial era, because most of its inhabitants
were Creole of Iberian descent. The historic centre of Arequipa
was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, in recognition
of its architecture and historic integrity.
One of Its main attractions is the fact that Arequipa has probably
the nicest weather of Peru with an average of 300 sunny days a
year. The city keeps its ancient architectural treasures, but
also shows a modern side with many luxurious hotels and casinos.
Arequipa gives tourists the opportunity to spend a pleasant time
in the city and its outskirts. It is also the departing point
for wider circuits...
|
