Hostal Wayra River

The city of earthquakes!

by besbel

Because of its proximity to the Nazca submarine geological failure, and its location on a volcanic area (the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanos are around), earthquakes are a common thing in Arequipa. People has pretty gotten used to them!
The last strong earthquake was in 2001, and one of the most important places, the Cathedral, was severely damaged when losing one of their towers. However, it was one of the few buildings that suffered any damage.
Therefore, if you go to Arequipa and all of a sudden you feel the earth moving down your feet... just calm down and go to any open area :)

Monasterio de Santa Catalina

by acemj

The Santa Catalina Monastery was founded in 1579 only 40 years after the Spanish arrived. It is one of the most peaceful spaces that I saw in my entire Peruvian visit. It's really more of a separate city within a city, created over time and reconstructed due to earthquakes and tremors over the years. The nuns who lived here (and continue to live here today - there are about 30 active nuns) were given isolated quarters that allowed them to pursue their lives of solitude and devotion to God. As you walk through the heavily walled 5 acre complex, you'll pass by these individual quarters, each with their own charm. There are separate courtyards (the Courtyard of Silence, the Courtyard of Oranges, etc) and there is even a cafeteria where you can sample the foods prepared here by the nuns.

Check out my travelogue for more pictures.

Mercado San Camilo

by kiwigal_1

One thing I like to do in towns in South America is visit their central market. They are usually colourful, bustling places and the market in Arequipa didn't disappoint. We saw fruit stalls, veges, meat (including something called "criadosas" which I think are bulls testicles!

While I was here I had a fresh mango juice inside the market that they prepared for me with purified water.

Tranquil, Sophisticated Arequipa

by gt4715b

"Arequipa Overview"

Peru's second largest city is well worth a visit. Many people use Arequipa a base for climbing the nearby mountains or visiting Colca Canyon, but Arequipa is and should be a destination itself. Arequipa is one of those places I wouldn't mind staying for a while. It's a good mix between being small enough to get to know the place well and big enough so that feel bored.