Category: Arequipa

Hot springs of La Calera, Arequipa - Peru This complex located 3 kilometers from Chivay has five pools (three indoor and one outdoor) with waters between 32° and 40°, with relaxing and beneficial properties for the body. The water in these pools originates at the top of the Cotallumi volcano at a temperature of 80°. To make it suitable for human use, its temperature is reduced to an average of 38°, taking advantage of its calcium, zinc and iron content, which is favorable for alleviating bone, muscle and skin ailments. The surroundings of the complex offer beautiful views from the top of the mountain. It also has a site museum, where you can see pieces found in various archaeological excavations that were made in the Colca Canyon. La Calera owes its name to the lime mines that abound nearby. What to do in the hot springs of La Calera? Relax in its five swimming pools. With different sizes and temperatures, the different pools of La Calera allow visitors to take comforting baths in its pleasant thermal and mineral waters. Visit the museum. Next to the hot springs there is a small museum where elements found in archeological excavations in the Colca Valley are exhibited. Crossing the suspension bridge. This beautiful and rustic bridge allows you to cross to the other side of the Colca River. Tour Chivay. It is the closest town to the hot springs. There you can appreciate the way of life of the Wititis, local inhabitants of the Colca, who express their culture with traditional dances, handicrafts and native foods. You will also see its church and buildings from the time of the Spanish foundation. Admire the imposing Colca Canyon. There are numerous viewpoints from where you can observe the majestic landscapes of the area and the

The petroglyphs of Toro Muerto - Arequipa - Peru Catalogued worldwide as one of the sites with the greatest amount of rock art on the planet, the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto contain around 2,600 blocks engraved in low relief with geometric, zoomorphic and atropomorphic images. Located in the district of Uraca, province of Castilla, this place is in a desert area, with a numerous presence of volcanic rocks due to the proximity to the Chachani and Coropuna. They are located at an altitude ranging from 400 to 800 meters above sea level, very close to the Majes valley. The age of these engravings is estimated to be between 800 and 1500 years old. Today, the more than 5 square kilometers of surface where these rocks are found continue to be investigated, as it is believed that there could be more. The appearance of this find from the pre-Hispanic era was known in 1951 and the use of different artistic techniques, such as beating, scratching, rubbing, engraving or chipping, can be appreciated in the works. What to do at the Toro Muerto Petroglyphs? To appreciate the magnificent lithic art. You will be able to see large stones carved with representations in low relief of different figures, which had an important religious, spiritual and socio-cultural value for the ancient inhabitants of this place. Visit the Jurassic Park of Querullpa. This park is 11 kilometers from the petroglyphs, where dinosaur footprints and fish fossils were found in 2002. It has life-size representations of dinosaurs built in fiberglass. Enjoy the Majes Valley. Beautiful views of a landscape of snow-capped mountains, green mountains and the Majes River as protagonists. In the waters of this river you can practice canoeing. Visiting wine cellars. On the banks of the Majes River you can visit different wine and

Arequipa Main Square - Peru - Historic Center The entrance gates to know the history, culture and idiosyncrasy of Arequipa are undoubtedly its Plaza de Armas and its historic center. There you can learn about the most important events that took place in the city, its urban characteristics and the rhythm of its social life. The Plaza de Armas is surrounded by important buildings of mestizo architecture and has in its center the figure of "Tuturutu", a messenger soldier of the XVI century. From there, it is also possible to catch a glimpse of Misti, the guardian of the city. The colonial buildings built in white sillar -a volcanic stone- are a symbol that gives identity to the city and can be found in several neighborhoods, but are especially abundant in the historic center. Museums such as the Andean Sanctuaries or the Viceroyalty Art and religious buildings such as the Cathedral or the Convent of Santa Catalina, are just some of the many places of interest that can be visited in the historic center of the city. What to see and do in the Plaza de Armas - Centro Histórico? Observe the traditional buildings that surround it. In addition to the Cathedral, three granite portals and brick and lime vaults are located around the Plaza. Their names are Portal de la Municipal, Portal de San Agustín and Portal de Flores. Visit the Cathedral of Arequipa and its museum. Built in the 15th century, the Cathedral of Arequipa underwent major remodeling throughout history with the different earthquakes that affected its structure. In its interior jewels and sculptures of great value stand out, besides an organ of 12 meters high. Visit the complex of the Society of Jesus. This building is the best example of the mestizo style of Arequipa architecture. Enter

Sabandia Natural Park, Arequipa - Peru Only half an hour from downtown Arequipa is this park where you can enjoy nature and sports activities in a family atmosphere. The Sabandia Natural Park is an ideal space for outdoor leisure, with multiple proposals for all ages -especially children-. From a peaceful break to enjoy the sun or read a book to zip-lining or horseback riding. Its proximity to the city and its varied offer of sports and recreational activities make it a popular place for Arequipa residents and tourists to spend a day full of fun without having to leave the city. What to do in Sabandia Natural Park? Have fun with the zip line, water games, climbing and more. Fun is guaranteed in Sabandia. All these activities and others such as horseback riding or archery will test your skills. Having contact with farm animals. Geese, chickens, sheep and many other animals walk through some sectors of the park and are part of various educational and recreational activities for children. Cooking barbecue. If you plan to spend a full day in the park, a good option is to take advantage of the grill area for lunch. Visit the village of Sabandia and its mill. Sabandia is a peaceful and charming colonial town with beautiful views of the volcanoes in the area. You will find good picanterias where you can taste typical dishes. Its well-known mill, built in 1621, is a very visited point of interest. Getting to know the Arequipa countryside. Rural life at its best is reflected in the fields and workers of this area. Crop work and animal husbandry are the activities that sustain this district and provide fresh produce to the city on a daily basis. How to get to Sabandia Natural Park? To get there by car

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.

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