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Santa Catalina Monastery, Arequipa - Peru This monastery founded in 1579 and located in the center of the city is one of the best examples of Arequipa's colonial architecture. It is built in white ashlar, extracted from the Chachani volcano, and pink ashlar, from the Misti volcano. With the endorsement of Viceroy Francisco Toledo and by donation of Doña María de Guzmán, this convent was built to house nuns of the Order of Saint Catherine of Siena. It once contained a population of 300 women. In its streets and rooms you can see the old way of life of the sisters, the cells where they lived, the work they did and works of art of great patrimonial value. In addition, there are ruins and evidence of the effects on this place of an earthquake that occurred in the sixteenth century, which completely demolished an upper floor it had. From 1970 to the present, this building has been managed by a private company, which has kept a sector to house a few nuns and the rest to be exploited for tourist, cultural and event rental purposes. What to do in Santa Catalina Monastery? Observe its particular architectural style. The typical Arequipa colonial style manifests its beauty with colorful blocks of ashlar stone forming arches, vaults, large cells and patios. Stroll through its streets, cells and rooms. You will be able to see the Locutorio -where the nuns had contact with the outside world-, the Sala de Labores, the Patio del Silencio -where they prayed-, chapels, oratories and a laundry. It also has a cemetery, warehouse and kitchen. The cells where they lived had a private patio and kitchen, which included a clay oven. Climb to the lookout point. From there you will have a spectacular view of the imposing Misti volcano.

Routes of the Sillar About 14 kilometers northwest of Arequipa, in the Cerro Colorado, are these enormous ashlar quarries, originated millions of years ago, where the process of obtaining, carving and carving of this stone, originated by the eruptions of the Chachani volcano, can be appreciated. The material from which most of Arequipa's buildings were constructed is extracted from this site. Ashlar is a volcanic stone that is very abundant in the area and is used to make blocks for construction and handicrafts. For some it is the Petra of South America. The Sillar Route is two thousand meters long and is one of the essential sites you must visit in Arequipa to understand the architecture that characterizes the city. What to see and do in the Rutas del Sillar? To observe and learn the artisan work of cutting and carving ashlar. You will be able to see the whole process of extraction, cutting and carving of the ashlar. In addition, tourists are taught how to do it with their own hands. Do you dare to try it? To admire the megatallado of the Church of the Society of Jesus. A replica of this temple will leave you open-mouthed. The level of detail in this large carving is astounding. Walk through the Quebrada de Culebrillas. A canyon formed by the erosion of the water, where you can walk between its walls of about 20 meters high. When you reach the end you will see some millenary petroglyphs. Appreciate beautiful landscapes. The natural environment where the quarries are located will allow you to enjoy a place with unrepeatable views. See characteristic animals of the area. It is common during this walk to see viscachas crossing your path. Buy handicrafts. If you wish, you can purchase a beautiful souvenir made of ashlar

Choqolaqa Stone Forest Five hours away from the center of Arequipa, in Tisco, on the way to the Colca Canyon, there is this incredible scenery of stones that seems to be located on another planet. The Choqolaqa Stone Forest has an area of 25 hectares, is 5200 meters above sea level and is also known as Nauqqa Arequipa or Nueva Arequipa. Millions of years ago, volcanoes in the Arequipa region were very frequently active. During the eruptions, pyroclastic flow -a combination of gases and solid materials- was released, which accumulated at this site and transformed its shape through erosion, generating this spectacular forest of stones. In the geopark you can observe rocks with curious shapes of castles, animals and human figures. The inhabitants of the area tell a legend about this place, which says that it was once a great city with streets, buildings and palaces that was turned to stone by the gods as punishment for not having heeded their commands. What to see and do in the Choqolaqa Stone Forest? Discover shapes in its majestic stones. Unleash your imagination and discover what the rock formations resemble. Visit Tisco. This small and picturesque town is the closest to the forest, where you can stop to eat, buy provisions and visit its beautiful colonial church built in white ashlar. He does trekking with wildlife watching. It is interesting to hike to the geopark, where you can appreciate a wonderful environment with llamas and alpacas, among other typical animals. Take original photographs. This site is a set design that looks like something out of a science fiction movie. Don't forget your camera and take spectacular pictures. Enjoying the silence. Breathe the peace and the light sounds that nature gives us, in this quiet tour among millenary stones. Interacting with the locals.

El Mirador De Yanahuara Built in the 19th century, the Yanahuara lookout point has the best views of Arequipa and is one of the city's tourist emblems. It is located in the district of Yanahuara and consists of ten ashlar arches, in a walk from where you can get an excellent panoramic view of the White City and the surrounding volcanoes. In each of the arches there are inscriptions that belong to verses of important poets born in Arequipa. Being close to the center of the city, its visit can be done on foot without difficulty and its tour does not demand more than half a day at most. While walking, you can also visit the Yanahuara neighborhood, which is very nice. What to see and do in the Mirador de Yanahuara? Take the best panoramic pictures of Misti and the city. The best views of the city, of Misti and also of Chachani and Picchu Picchu Picchu are here. So get your camera ready before you go and take home a beautiful souvenir of Arequipa's landscape. Visit the Church of San Juan de Yanahuara. Next to the viewpoint is this beautiful baroque church, which was built in 1750 and is worth a visit. Appreciate the old district where it is located. The district of Yanahuara is one of the most traditional of the city and where you can best see the typical houses built in sillar. Its narrow cobblestone streets are ideal for a break and a leisurely walk. Buy food and/or handicrafts. Being one of the most recognized and visited tourist sites in Arequipa, you will see craft and food vendors. It is a good place to buy souvenirs. We also recommend that you try the classic "queso helado arequipeño". Read the inscriptions engraved on its arches. On

Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve This protected area includes volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, lagoons, forests and an abundant and varied fauna of beautiful native species. It covers an area of almost 367,000 hectares and was created in August 1979 to preserve the flora, fauna, geological heritage and natural beauty of this region. The reserve extends behind the Misti volcano, which is located within the reserve, some 80 kilometers from the city and also contains the Chachani volcano - its highest point at 6075 m.a.s.l. -, Ubinas and Picchu Picchu. It is home to the Chucura and Huanacante snow-capped mountains and several lagoons, among which the Laguna de Salinas stands out. Inside the reserve you can see vicuñas, guanacos, flamingos, parihuanas, tarucas, among the hundreds of animal species that coexist in the place. There is also the possibility of fishing, trekking, cycling and mountain climbing. What to see and do in the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve? See thousands of vicuñas. One of the main objectives for the creation of the Reserve was the preservation of the vicuña, Peru's most symbolic animal. If you visit between July and December you will be able to observe the chaku or "vicuña shearing". Its wool is considered the finest in the world. Appreciate its diverse flora and fauna. In addition to vicuñas, you will see guanacos, llamas, alpacas, flamingos, parihuanas, tarucas, pumas and Andean cats and foxes, among other species. It is also home to hundreds of species of grasses and shrubs that are the main food for camelids. Visit the Salinas Lagoon. This lagoon is located in an environment of peat bogs and wetlands, with flamingos as its friendly inhabitants. Interact with local people. Within the reserve there are several communities that will be happy to show you their work, traditions and

Arequipa Cathedral and its Museum Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa It is a World Heritage Site and one of the first religious buildings built by the Spanish conquistadors in Arequipa. Its style is neo-Renaissance with influences of Gothic architecture. The Cathedral of Arequipa began to be built in 1540, during the founding of the city, and in 1656 its construction was completed. This great work of architecture is made entirely of sillar, the white volcanic stone from the eruptions of volcanoes in the area. In 1844 it endured a fire and in 1868 an earthquake, so its structure had to be rebuilt. Architect Lucas Poblete was in charge of this work. In 2001 another earthquake seriously affected the two towers of the Cathedral, which collapsed and had to be raised again. In the museum you can visit four rooms: two belong to the Treasures of the Cathedral - it contains crowns and religious pieces of ancient gold and silver work -, another one to Ornaments and Cloths and the last one to Religious Paintings. What to see and do in Arequipa Cathedral and its museum? Tour its façade. The beautiful front of the Cathedral has 70 columns, with three portals and two lateral arches. Its two beautiful towers are in Renaissance style and underwent changes from the original ones due to the 2001 earthquake. Admire the impressive Loret organ. Made in Belgium, this majestic instrument of the Cathedral of Arequipa is 12 meters high and has 1206 tubes. If you are lucky enough to be there on a Saturday you will be able to hear his music. It is the second largest in South America. Enjoy the beauty of the sculpture of the 12 apostles. Made entirely of wood, this work stands out together with a carving of King David and

Tourist Places of Arequipa Most popular attractions and sites in the city of Arequipa Discover the best tourist places to visit, activities, attractions and things to do that Arequipa "the White City" has to offer. Plan your trip and enjoy. Misti Volcano: The Misti volcano is the emblem and guardian of Arequipa. It can be seen from almost any point in the city and is one of the most significant attractions. Cathedral of Arequipa and its museum: It is a World Heritage Site and one of the first religious buildings built by the Spanish conquistadors in Arequipa. National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca: This protected area includes volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, lagoons, forests and an abundant and varied fauna of beautiful native species. Viewpoint of Yanahuara: Built in the 19th century, the Yanahuara lookout has the best views of Arequipa and is one of the city's tourist emblems. Choqolaqa Stone Forest: Choqolaqa Stone Forest is at 5200 meters above sea level and is also known as Nauqqa Arequipa or Nueva Arequipa. Sillar Route: These huge quarries originated from the eruptions of the Chachani volcano and are located very close to Arequipa. Colca Canyon: The Colca Canyon is ranked as the second deepest in the world and the first in the continent with its 4610 meters deep. Cotahuasi Natural Reserve: This protected area was created in 2005 with the objective of preserving natural, scenic, biological and cultural assets. Sumbay Caves: The Sumbay Caves were discovered in 1968 and house around 500 extraordinary cave paintings. Andean Sanctuary Museum: The frozen body of "Juanita" , a girl from Inca times found during an expedition to the Ampato Volcano, is the main attraction of this museum. Santa Catalina Monastery: This Monastery founded in 1579 and located in the center of the city is one