Destinations

Arequipa

The Misti volcano may be dormant, but Arequipa wakens every morning amidst a whirl of activity. And although the summit of the volcano is often wreathed in wispy clouds of smoke, the Arequipa people proudly invite visitors to stroll through the streets of white stone and traditional squares. The lordly city of Arequipa owes the characteristic white color of its buildings to the white sillar stone that is abundant in the region.

Visitors to Arequipa marvel at the neo-Renaissance cathedral, the impressive Santa Catalina Convent, colonial mansions and museums, all of which are reason enough to visit Arequipa. 

But what truly shouldn’t be missed is the local cuisine: try the rocoto relleno (stuffed hot chili pepper), adobo (marinated roast beef) and the spicy chupe stews, which are simply irresistible.

Colca

The Colca Valley, just four hours northeast of the city, boasts some of the most breath-taking landscapes in Peru: superb terracing, snow-capped peaks, dizzying canyons and towns dating back to the sixteenth century. The Colca canyon is the second deepest in the world; the visitor will surely be fascinated by the astonishing views, the magnificent flora and the impressive fauna running wild. Colca is also a haven for adventure sports fans.