Arequipa

Under the volcano

Arequipa, also called "the white city" lies in the south of Peru. At 2325 m above sea level, Arequipa is part of La Sierra. The city, in the middle of a fertile Andes valley, is surrounded by spectacular volcanoes. One of them is El Misti (5822 m), with a perfect conical shape and a snow-capped summit. The city suffers from many earthquakes. Unfortunately Arequipa was hit by a severe earthquake in June 2001. For that reason the Arequipeños have learned not to construct high buildings. From an aesthetic point of view this is an advantage, because it gives the city a well-balanced structure. The low buildings combined with the white stone make Arequipa a truely magnificent city. The city is one of Unesco's World Heritage Sites.

Arequipa, the white city

Arequipa, with 621,000 inhabitants, is a prosperous city. The atmosphere however is quiet and colonial. Very worthwhile to visit is Monasterio Santa Catalina. This immense convent is a city within a city, and is now a sort of open-air museum. The landscapes around Arequipa are beautiful, with el Misti and the Reserva Nacional Salinas.

The Plaza mayor with the cathedral. Image © Heinz Buehler