TOUR IN PERU offers great packages around the country! On this article we will talk about Arequipa, one of the most important cities in Peru, a place filled with wonderful attractions, and surrounded by majestic nature. You will certainly enjoy our Arequipa city tour to the fullest!
Arequipa City’s History: Inca Times, Later Spanish Rule and Peruvian Republic
Arequipa region was part of the Inca empire back in the day, although in an Andean region much closer to the Pacific ocean. It was founded by the Spaniards some years after their invasion, on August 15, 1540, and was Peru’s capital from 1835 to 1883.
Did you know? Arequipa is located at 2.328 meters above sea level. Its downtown is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and typical remain of the Spanish colonial era, with their urban design, mostly medieval architecture and art.
A mix of Spanish and Andean: Areqiupa Catherdral
Arequipa became part of the Inca empire, and their officials organized the region the Inca way, that is, took control over the lands, organized crop production and taxed the area by using its workforce for a variety of state projects. This is how the region went on, until the Spanish invasion, which drastically changed the economy from an agricultural base to an intensive mining one, when Inca people lost the status they had with the empire.
As it happened in most parts of the Andes, Arequipa became a synthesis of Inca and Spanish culture, although the invaders’ cultural structures were certainly dominating; after the independence from Spain, Arequipa followed the path that most Peruvian cities followed as well, of incorporating more and more elements of Western modern civilization. Today, Arequipa is a contemporary city that offers all the comfort and technology of 21st century, but, as is the constant in the Andes, it is blended with wonderful natural and historical beauty. Thus, is a perfect destination for a short break in Peru.
Arequipa City Tour: Another Great Experience in Peru
Arequipa is called the White City, for its colonial constructions made of volcanic material; actually, it is a wonderful volcanic zone, although most of them are extinct but still make a great attraction. The Misti volcano stands wonderfully tall and visible from all over the city. An unforgettable memory to share in a family adventure.
We offer daily departures for this amazing city tour; wear comfortable clothes and tennis shoes, and don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sun hat and sunblock, because the Arequipa area is particularly sunny most of the year.
This city tour has two starting hours, either 9 am or 2 pm, when our staff will pick you at the hotel, to visit the following attractions:
Get close to the Misti Volcano in this tour
Mirador de Yanahura (Yanahura Gazer): this place is well-known for its gazer, from where you can see the entire city, the Misti volcano and the Chili river valley. A truly relaxing and peaceful spot, also great for photographies.
Paucarpata: this place is proud of its wonderful colonial churches with paintings from the Cusco school. Here you will find typical food restaurants; Arequipa, like all Peru, has a delicious cuisine. We recommend you the nationally-famous shrimp soup.
Molino de Sabandía (Sabandia Mill): it is a beautiful mill built in 1621 by the Spaniards and still in use. From there you can see mighty volcanoes such as: Chanchani, Misti and Pichupichu. This is a unique farming village with Inca constructions and many hot springs.
Santa Catalina Monastery: the most important and impressive religious site in Arequipa, it was opened in September 1579, by Santa Catalina of Siena. It is a must attraction for the city tour, the most famous in Arequipa, which resembles a small village with its own urban design.
TOUR IN PERU offers our customers the option of private tours and private services with professional, experienced top guides, and also you could customize the entire city tour to suit your schedule, itinerary or accommodations requirements. TOUR IN PERU has a top quality service at the most affordable prices in the market. Besides, this wonderful Arequipa City Tour could be a great plus to your Machu Picchu visit; please check our website www.tourinperu.com for more information about all amazing packages.
Contact our travel experts for booking your unforgettable Peru vacation!
