Info Links
AREQUIPA
Net Member
Called the "White City" because of the ashlars (volcanic rock) used in its constructions.
CLIMATE: Warm and dry with almost always clear skies, especially in April to October, the time when there are few landslides or precipitations. The average temperature minimum of 5ºC and maximun of 23ºC.
ACCESS: By air: The airport is located at 9 kms. from the city. Flight time from Lima is a hour and 10 min; from Cusco, 30 min; from Juliaca,20 min. By land: Connected with the cities of the coast through the Pan-American Highway. Also there is a train that goes to Juliaca and Puno as well as with Cusco.
PLACES
TO VISIT:
THE CATHEDRAL.- Located in the Plaza de Armas its front occupies the entire north side. The first religious monument of the 17th century was the Cathedral’s Basilica, covered with gothic arches of brick. The actual neo-renaissance cathedral replaces its colonial ancestor burned in the fire of 1844. Relics of great value like the Gold Throne, the Sacristy and the enormous organ which was brought over from Europe.
MONASTERIO DE SANTA CATALINA.- This Spanish citadel of the 16th Century has Medieval streets with names of Spanish cities such as Sevilla, Burgos etc. to which are added hidden lanes with a large number of cells. These cells are all types and sizes. Some were austere with one room and a kitchen, others were luxurious country residences with dormitories, patios, terraces, gardens and quarters. This place was occupied by nuns and their servants. Painted in the original ochre red color.
LA COMPAÑIA.- Its located in General Moran and Ejercicios Street. It was a Jesuit convent and was the first church in 1573. It was destroyed by the earthquake in 1584. Another church was started in 1595 and finished 1698, due to the inscription sculpture in the front.
LA MERCED.- This church is located on the third block of La Merced street. The front of the church and its tower are worth a visit. The convent is dated from the first years of the colony, the temple was constructed in 1607.
SAN FRANCISCO.- It's located in the second block of Zela street and the 28th of February Square. The best of San Francisco is its beautiful stone choir which is located above the entrance. The front is exquisitely worked with relieve in the mestizo style, you also find a carved, Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, San Francisco and Santo Domingo.
CASA DEL MORAL.-Located at Moral and Bolivar street and called the Mulberry House because in the main patio exists an ancient mulberry (Mora Tree), as old as the house. It has a particularly interesting entryway, its interior is magnificently decorated, its large rooms display carvings in its high vaults, just as its doors and windows are artistically worked.
PALACIO DE GOYONECHE.- This house is located in the district of Sachaca and was built as the residence of the wealthy Goyoneche family. It gives the impression of a castle with a magnificent view of the fields. It is actually conserved as a relic.
CASA TRISTAN DEL POZO.- A very old place of the San Geronimo Seminar. Its located in San Francisco street, and was built in 1738. Its front constitutes an archaeological jewel. In Arequipa it represents the highest expression of the architecture of the past.
CASA DE LA MONEDA.- Located at the intersection of Ugarte and Villalba street. It is called the House of the Money because in 1708, when it was built, money was stored there. Later it was the residential home of the illustrious Quiroz family, whose motto "After Quiroz, God" was carved in the interior.
UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN'S ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM.- Has sections of history and Anthropology, Natural Science, Minerals etc. Also has a section for the art of the Cusqueña School.
OUT SIDE OF THE CITY.
CAYMA.- This district is 3 kms. from the center of the city. It is a heaven for nature lovers. This knows as "The Balcony of Arequipa" because from the church you can appreciate the entire city and country side.
YANAHUARA.- The town has narrow streets, very large old houses with large patios and main passages with the flavor of old Spain. The churches demonstrate excellent examples of early architecture, particularly their frontage.
SABANDIA.- A neighboring town to Paucarpata and Jununa. Its 10 kms. from the city, its beautiful landscape with its crops cultivated in different levels, an Inca method of cultivation. Using its waters, they had built wells, being the main one the Molino de Sabandia.
TINGO.- This resort town is 5 kms from Arequipa, has 3 swimming pools and a small lake with rowboats for the visitors.
TIABAYA.- 9 kms. from Arequipa, it has a beautiful landscape with willow and eucalyptus wood.
PAUCARPATA.- Its 7 kms. from the city. Agricultural plantations in different levels at the Inca style.
SOCABAYA.- Located at 10 kms. from Arequipa. The beauty of this place is unsurpassed for its variety of agriculture, an excellent place for authors and painters. Its wells are found in caves, with giant water-falls.
HOT SPRINGS.
YURA.- This baths are at 30 kms. from the city. Its has 5 different thermal waters especially for person with arthritis and skin problems.
SOCOSANI.- This resort is located at 7 kms. from Yura. Noted for its beautiful country side and especially for its bath with its concentration of iron.
JESUS.- this resort is located on the Arequipa-Puno highway at 9 kms. from the city. Also excellent for its curative waters.
PLACES TO VISIT.
PETROGLIFOS DE TORO MUERTO.- Located in the valley of Majes in an area of 5 kms. Its one of the richest zones for rupestrian drawings in Peru.
CAÑON DEL COLCA.- Located in the province of Cailloma in Cabanaconde. The minimum time for a visit to this place is of 2 or 3 days, staying at Achoma. This cañon has more than 100 kms. of length and its very deep starting from Chivay. One of the few places to have the opportunity to see Condors and excellent for white water sports lovers.
VALLE DE LOS VOLCANES.- At 377 kms. from Arequipa in Andagua in the province of Condesuyo behind the Coropuna peak 3,450 mts. above sea level. Great quantity of flora and natural views. Exists about 60 volcanoes one after another, 30 of them have clefts on its top (craters).
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ANY PARTICULAR TRIP OR GUIDING SERVICE, CONTACT US.
Monasterio de Santa Catalina