Arequipa and the deepest canyons on the world
Located in the southern Peruvian highlands Arequipa became in the most important andean city and is Peru's second city in urban and economic development.
The Convent of Santa Catalina, opened to the public in 1970 after 400 years of cloistered religious life, is the most characteristic feature of the city. Once in the city, the Plaza de Armas, the 'La Compañia de Jesus' church, which has cloisters with ashlar (volcanic white stone or 'sillar") arcades, should not be missed.
On the outskirts of: the city some districts stand out because of their beauty, like Cayma, which temple was built in 1730, or Yanahuara, which belvedere offers a great view of the city surrounded by volcanoes.
Also important are the Yura Chapel, the San Lazaro quarter the SabandÃa Mill and the Añazhuayco quarries, from where the ashlar ('sillar') is extracted. Arequipa is known as 'La Ciudad Blanca" (White City) because of the color of its ashlar buildings.
Aguada Blanca National Reserve
Pampa Cañahuas located at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, behind the Chachani peak. At about 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) a.s.I. this larger plain represents one of the best habitats and the most important reserve for the protection of one of the Peru`s symbols the Vicuñas. a Peruvian camelid, internationally known for its fine fleece. In Pampa Cañahuas, a lot of these animals can be seen running completely free and, therefore, without the shyness and apathy that seems to characterize them under captivity.
The region of Arequipa features Peru`s deepest conyons, the Colca (3.400m - 11.154 ft.) and the Cotahuasi (3.535 m - 11.598 ft).
The Colca Canyon
Colca is the Quechua word for a "granary". The canyon is formed by the Colca Riverand is it covered in hundreds of pre-hispanic terraces, which are still used today and are proof of the high degree of farmingexpertise of the ancient Peruvians
Is one of the most beautiful sites in the Peruvian highlands.visit the small towns and villages that maintain their ancestral customs even today, as well as beautiful Colonial homes, churches carved in white volcanic stone, the Valley of Dwarf Volcanoes, stone carvings, llamas, alpacas, condors, thermal baths, etc.
The Colca Valley has become a paradise for adventure travelers since it is ideal for river running, trekking and mountain bikking as well as other sports.
