Arequipa: Peru’s Second City - By: Tony Maniscalco

If you’re looking for walking holidays, Peru has got plenty to offer. Verdant tropical forests, the rambling Andes and sprawling plains - all offer something different for those in search of a serious hiking trip. However, few visitors to the country discover the delights of the country’s second largest city, Arequipa. The city is located in the Andes Mountains, making it an ideal base for those looking for mountain walks. The El Misti volcano stands over the city, and rock from the mountain has given La Ciudad Blanca (the White City) the distinctive aesthetic that saw it receive UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.

Arequipa

If Arequipa is your base for walking holidays, Peru’s second city will probably seduce you as soon as you arrive in town. Built from the distinctive sillar rock sourced from the El Misti volcano, the town combines the architectural styles and methods of both the European colonists and the native tribes. This mixture of efforts by European artisans and highly skilled Crillo and Indian masons has produced a unique Baroque fusion style. For these reasons, students of architecture travel from across the Americas to study the walls, vaults and courtyards of the historic city centre.

Plaza de Armas & Cathedral

The Plaza de Armas is considered by locals to be one of the country’s most beautiful, and if you’re exploring the cities during your walking holidays, Peru’s beautiful squares will be well known to you. The distinctive stone that forms the area is a type of dressed sillar known as ashlar. The cathedral that is located on the square is considered one of the most unusual and visually striking Catholic churches in the country. Building began four years after the city was founded in 1540, and the church was assembled in the local ashlar - only to be reduced to rubble in an earthquake in 1583. The church’s history has been one of battling against the combined forces of earthquakes and volcanoes ever since.

Casa del Moral

For those who have an interest in architecture and culture, as well as in walking holidays, Peru’s second city has plenty of gems waiting to be discovered. One of the most popular is the Casa del Moral, a large house built in 1730. As well as being one of the best-preserved examples of the Baroque-Mestizo style found in the area, the Casa del Moral also houses a significant collection of artworks from the distinctive Cusco School - a prominent colonial art form.

About the Author

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a Canada hiking holiday to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.

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