Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru (around 800,000 people), is located in the Andes at an altitude of 7661 feet. Quite close by are 3 volcanoes which provide great hiking for the daring and magnificent views for those who wish to look at them from afar. The weather is temperate -- about 68 degrees most of the time. Arequipa is called the "white city" because of the use of the white volcanic stone sillar, which provides some stunning architecture, and just as many of the cities in Peru, it has Spanish colonial aspects and architecture, making it quite picturesque, just in case the view of the Andes isn't enough!
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Arequipa also will provide us easy access (by plane) to Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, the hubs of Incan life. One of our goals for this trip is to learn more about the Incas, and we have a good start from our trip to Ecuador last year.
The area is also quite close to the famous Nazca lines and to Lake Titicaca. Also, Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world, has some of the best viewing of wild condors in the world. And if that's not enough, Arequipa is 1 1/2 hours from the ocean.
sigh
I agree that all things Incan, Lake Titicaca, and Colca Canyon are must sees. I'm not sure about the Nazca lines though. I think the real thrill is taking a little plane to view them from above. Otherwise, you're just standing in a big field.
ReplyDeleteYou are our very first replier. Congratulations. You get a reward -- not sure what it will be yet, but something!
ReplyDeleteI suppose I should also have mentioned that you and JoeD suggested the location!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! You have seen a lot already! We will be interested in following your experiences, because - who knows - we could end up there next year! :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you arrived safely!
Jean and Roger