AREQUIPA

Arequipa is the capital of the Arequipa Region in southern Peru. With a population of 904,931 (2009 – World-Gazetteer.com) it is the second most populous city of the country. Arequipa lies in the Andes mountains, at an altitude of 2,380 meters (7,800 feet) above sea level; the snow-capped volcano El Misti overlooks the city. The city has many colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, from which it gets the nickname La Ciudad Blanca ("The White City"). The historic centre of Arequipa was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000, in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity.

It is often said that the city's name comes from the Quechua phrase "Ari, quepay" which means "under the mountain" which is said to have been the response of the fourth Sapa Inca — Mayta Cápac — upon seeing the site of the great city, which was later destroyed in an earthquake but reestablished by the Spanish in 1540. Nowadays it is assumed that the name derives from Aymara "ari" (peak) + "kipa" (locative) and means something like "near the mountain" in reference to the nearby El Misti volcano, which towers 5,822 meters above sea level.

Tourism
Arequipa lies in the so-called South Tour Corridor of Peru, which includes the cities of Nazca, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, as well as the Inca Trail. It's also called "the city where the volcanoes rest" because it's surrounded by three impressive volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and PichuPichu. Volcanoes are visible from almost every place from the city . Unlike the other cities in the corridor, Arequipa is a well-conserved sample of the Spaniard and "mestizo" culture, but not native Indian culture, providing an important cultural landmark for those who visit it.

The mix of natural attractions (volcanoes, rural path, hot spring fountains) and historical well-preserved monuments and houses is the seal of this 470-year-old city. Its people, well known as strong characters and hard workers all over the country, are also something difficult to forget to the visitor. They are called "Characatos" and the name refers a culture in result of the mix of Spaniards (founders of the city) and skilled locals who developed a unique way to survive and live in this beautiful territory.

The rural route or "La Campina"
Part of the attraction of the city is its connection to its rural area. Green cropping fields surround the city. Many of the most traditional towns are in this area. Sachaca, Sabandia, Paucarpata are some of them. Several bus tours are available and last from two to four hours.

The rural area hides some of the most well preserved buildings of the colonial era of the city. The Founders House, Goyoneche Castle, and Sabandia Mill are among the best preserved.

Yumina is the area with the longest and most ancient terraces in Peru:

• Carmen Alto and Cayma with its picturesque valley between the volcanoes.
• Arancota with its typical local restaurants. }
• Paucarpata with its tradition of guinea pig preparation.