Hostal La Casa de Margott

Places that I missed... but you SHOULD NOT!!

by besbel

I went to Arequipa in a business trip and I had just one day to make tourism, that's why I missed so many places like:
- Santa Catalina Convent, which is a symbol of Arequipa. It was founded in 1579, but it was not till 1970 that it was open to public. Admired for its paintings, and interior design that remain intact from the XVI century.
- Church of La Merced (in the corner of La Merced and Tristan streets, in downtown, with a baroque architectonic style)
- Church of La Recoleta: built in 1648, it houses a huge library and a nature museum that contains the pieces and discoveries of Franciscan missionaries in the jungle, during the XVI-XVIII century period.
- Outside Arequipa: Colca and Cotahuasi canyons to do some kayaking and other outdoor activities, as well as Petrogliphs of Toro Muerto (volcanic stone with representations of animals and plants, near Colca).

Dining Above the Cathedral

by Grzybicki about Mixto`s Cebicheria

Mixto`s has a diverse menu that will meet the needs of any palette. Located on the narrow pedestrian street immediately behind the Cathedral, you can dine on the terrace and actually look over the entrance to the Cathedral. The staff is friendly and helpful and the food was better than average. The Wantan Camarones (shrimp filled wontons) were excellent and served with three sauces. The wontons were not heavy and while fried, were light.

Day trip to Colca Canyon

by krissyM

AFor years it was under debate whether this was the deepest canyon in the world. However, at 3191 m deep it is a clode second to the neighboring Canon Cotahuasi which is 163m deeper. It is still an impressive site to stand on the ledge and to look down into the abyss that is th canyon.

The ledges are a popular stop early in the morning when it is common to see the Condor flying overhead.

There are a number of small tour companies around the main square of Arequipa that sell trips to Colca Canyon. Most trips are 2-5 day trips. We arranged a day trip to the Canyon but we had to leave our hotel at 4am in order to be in time to see the Condors fly. It was a long day but well worth it. The day trip was about $50 per person for a guide and driver.

Cayma

by kiwigal_1

After visiting Yanahuara we decided to keep walking and see if we could find the plaza and church at Cayma. We found them eventually with the help of a friendly local and the lonely planet instructions.

More of Arequipa pics

by harrymora

"Colonial buildings"

"Market"

Open market where locals shop, by the bridge...

"Church"

"Pibe y bambinos are best"

If you like ice cream try the lucuma

"Plaza de Armas"

"Old colonial house"

"Volcan Misti"

"Culinary"

Good food is usually found in places that normally tourist would not dream in entering to...just exercise good sense if you do and again be careful with your stomach; carry emodium if you do not want to ruin a vacation for having the wrong meal or the wrong drink...