Arequipa was founded by the Spaniards in 1540.  The name 'Arequipa' means 'behind the mountains'.  Built from the white sillar rock tossed from the surrounding volcanoes, it is known as the 'white city' and is set to a backdrop of the snow-capped volcanoes of El Misti and the Nevada Chachani. 

In 2000 the historical centre of the city was named a UNESCO world heritage site due to the historical architecture where Colonial buildings predominate. 

There are many delights in Arequipa that should not be missed including the Main Square with the Cathedral and the stunning Baroque-style Jesuit Church.

The Monasterio de Santa Catalina

This cloistered convent was founded in the 16th century and originally accepted daughters from wealthy Spanish families, as tradition of the time indicated the second child of a family would enter religious service. 

The convent is a complete miniature walled colonial town measuring 20,000 square metres.  Originally housing up to 400 Dominican nuns, now only around 20 nuns are resident in the northern corner and the rest of the complex has been open to the public since 1970.   Visitors can explore the maze of cobbled streets, flower-decked cloisters and buttressed houses. 

The Museums of Arequipa

The most famous museum in Arequipa is The Museo Santuarios Andinos.  This museum houses the mummies found by local climber Miguel Zarate and archaeologist Johan Reihard in 1995.  The mummy of Juanita, La Nina de los Huelos is the best preserved.  This 550 year old Inca girl sacrifice was found on the nearby Volcan Ampato after the eruption of a nearby volcano melted the summit snow revealing the sacrificial site.  Her mummy is housed in a glass case in full Inca finery.

Other museums worth of a visit are The Archaeological Museum of the University which showcases ancient pottery from the region, The Municipal Museum and the Museum of Art.

The Monasterio de Santa Teresa

Opened to the public in 2005 for the first time, this convent maintains a wonderful atmosphere and is a quieter, more authentic alternative to The Monasterio de Santa Catalina. 

The convent is still home to 23 nuns of the Carmelite Order and indeed some of the rooms are still used by the nuns once visitors have departed for the day.  On display are many beautiful examples of dowries given by families when their daughters joined the convent. 

A tour takes between 45 - 60 minutes with enthusiastic and knowledgable guides.

Restaurants

There are numerous restaurants in the city where traditional Peruvian cuisine can be sampled. 

Sol de Mayo is a fantastic luncheon spot, especially in good weather as tables are located on a terrace around three sides of a square, overlooking a central garden where a band plays traditional music each lunchtime.    

Zig Zag is an intimate, friendly restaurant serving traditional food and is a must for meat lovers.  Likewise, Tratoria del Monasterio is a fantastic local restaurant located on a picturesque square.