Walking Tour of Arequipa
Arequipa, Peru
Trip Type: Walking Tours
Duration: 3 hours
Join this 2.5-hour walking tour of the beautiful city of Arequipa with the company of your professional guide.
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Join this 2.5-hour walking tour of the beautiful city of Arequipa with the company of your professional guide.
Arequipa is located in the southwestern part of the country and is the second biggest city of Peru, with a population of almost one million. It is also the capital of the department of Arequipa, 663.8 miles (1,068km) from Lima. The city sits at an altitude of 2,325 meters above sea level in a mountainous desert in the western Andes, at the foot of El Misti Volcano.
El Misti is currently inactive, but had strong eruptions between the years 1438 and 1471. It is located between two small volcanoes, Chachani “The Bottom” and Picchu Picchu “The Top”. Both names come from the Quechua language from the Inca Empire. Arequipa has more than 80 volcanoes, most of which can be found in the Valley of the Volcanoes. Unfortunately the city was built on a very earthquake prone area and was completely destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions during the 1600’s.
Its colonial buildings were erected in ashlar (pearl coloured volcanic rock) which was used with abundance throughout the city, giving it the nickname of ‘The White City’. The historic center was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in December 2000 due to its architecture and historical integrity. “The historic center of Arequipa is an example of ornamental architecture, representing a masterpiece of the European creative coalition and native characteristics.”
Generally considered the second most beautiful city in Peru after Cusco, Arequipa has attractions for all kinds of tourists, many of whom come to visit the Colca Canyon, the high volcanoes or just to walk around the colonial city.
The White City of Arequipa has become the center of economic growth in the south and is one of the most important milk producers in the country. This has allowed Arequipa to develop and grow in population and change over the years. In the mid-twentieth century there was an influx of immigration from the highlands and mountain areas, and now Arequipa’s population is a mixture of Spanish, indigenous and mixed.
The places you will visit during this tour are the oldest neighborhood of Arequipa, the first church built, classic Arequipa streets. You will also play with lamas and alpacas, you will have time for optional shopping and enjoy free potato samples with typical sauces.
El Misti is currently inactive, but had strong eruptions between the years 1438 and 1471. It is located between two small volcanoes, Chachani “The Bottom” and Picchu Picchu “The Top”. Both names come from the Quechua language from the Inca Empire. Arequipa has more than 80 volcanoes, most of which can be found in the Valley of the Volcanoes. Unfortunately the city was built on a very earthquake prone area and was completely destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions during the 1600’s.
Its colonial buildings were erected in ashlar (pearl coloured volcanic rock) which was used with abundance throughout the city, giving it the nickname of ‘The White City’. The historic center was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in December 2000 due to its architecture and historical integrity. “The historic center of Arequipa is an example of ornamental architecture, representing a masterpiece of the European creative coalition and native characteristics.”
Generally considered the second most beautiful city in Peru after Cusco, Arequipa has attractions for all kinds of tourists, many of whom come to visit the Colca Canyon, the high volcanoes or just to walk around the colonial city.
The White City of Arequipa has become the center of economic growth in the south and is one of the most important milk producers in the country. This has allowed Arequipa to develop and grow in population and change over the years. In the mid-twentieth century there was an influx of immigration from the highlands and mountain areas, and now Arequipa’s population is a mixture of Spanish, indigenous and mixed.
The places you will visit during this tour are the oldest neighborhood of Arequipa, the first church built, classic Arequipa streets. You will also play with lamas and alpacas, you will have time for optional shopping and enjoy free potato samples with typical sauces.
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