Arequipa the “white city” is excitingly beautiful, but the centre only. The city lies at the foot of vulcan El Misti and Chachani. The Santa Catalina monastery is a must (www.santacatalina.org.pe) but there are several other interesting museums, e.g. Casa del Moral
If you want to continue to the higher mountains, e.g. Lake Titicaca ( 3800 m altitude) it is recommended to adapt for some days in Arequipa (2350 m altitude).
Recommended hotel: la Posada del Monasterio
Because occupied we stayed in the near by hotel Crismar (opposite the main post office). Good quality but only slightly cheaper than Posada de Monasterio, but not comparable with that hotel! Free Internet.

Impressions of Arequipa

landscape by Arequipa (Nevada Chanchani) Plaza major Plaza major Plaza major, arcades Jesuit church La Compañia, Jesuit church La Compañia detail Jesuit church La Compañia, interior Patio behind the church La Compañia View to Vulcan El Misti Nice shopping street in the historical city centre Patio in the historical city centre Patio in the historical city centre Patio in the historical city centre Patio in the historical city centre Nice gate of a patio

Monastery Santa Catalina in the heart of Arequipa

Map of the monastery Map with the buildings Entrance to the monastery Buildings of the blue district buildings of the blue district Altar One of many kitchens Buildings of the red district Buildings of the red district Buildings of the red district Buildings of the red district Buildings of the red district Buildings of the red district “Laundrette” Decorative flowers Decorative flowers Decorative flowers Buildings of the red district The red district with fountain and two of the authors The red district, nicely carved door Painting Painting

Casa de Moral

Casa de Moral interior furnishings interior furnishings interior furnishings Patio

Surroundings of Arequipa

Yura near Arequipa, spa with hot springs. In the background Nevada Chanchani. Wild Solanum (tomato) Slipperwort (Calceolaria) Nice white flowers, could not find the name. Nice flowering shrub, nicely smelling Flowering cactus (Cylindropuntia). Nevada Chanchani, road to Puno. Information sign for the nature reserve Salinas y Aguada Blanca Nice sandstone formations on the hillside, An unusual traffic sign: take care for Lamas, in the background volcano El Misti. Flat dried lake, in the background Vicuñas. Puna vegetation and Vicuñas, in the background Nevada Chanchani.