Considered the second most important city in Peru, Arequipa stands out as the main center of the alpaca textile world. It is located on the Chili valley and flanked by three volcanoes: Misti, and Pichu Pichu Chachani.
Known as "White City" because of the volcanic rock with which most of the buildings are built the city retains a colonial style, which combined with the beautiful valley that surrounds it and the eternal blue sky, makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
Plaza de Armas
Surrounded by the Cathedral and various state buildings, the Plaza de Armas has a beautiful bronze fountain of three dishes on top the figure of a soldier of the sixteenth century. A character that is called the "Tuturutu", the story telss that he was the one in charge of warning of anything new. Around the square you see three portals made of granite and brick vaults and limestone: the Portal del Cabildo (City Hall), the Portal de las Delicias (Portal of San Agustin) and Joy Portal (Portal Flores).
Colca Valley
North of Arequipa we find the spectacular Colca Valley, a picturesque Andean valley with towns founded during the Colony, typical of the valley are some of the deepest canyons in the world, the Colca Canyon (3400 meters) and home of the majestic condor as well.
Monasterio de Santa Catalina
City within a city, home to the Dominican nuns for centuries. Its construction began in 1580 and was subsequently expanded in the seventeenth century.
Chivay
Located at an elevation from 3.633 mts a.s.l. (11920 feet) Chivay is the link between the two sides of the canyon, it owns the only bridge over the river.
Chivay has also an eighteenth century church, "Nuestra Señora de la Asunción", and an Inca bridge foundations, which are worth a visit.
Despite these attractions, the town is best known for the thermal baths of Calera, which are located at four kilometers from the town itself.
Traditions and crafts of Colca Valley
Today, the Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley where ancient traditions are still alive. The women often wear the traditional Inca clothing and are experts in the intricate art of embroidery Colca.
Many traditional festivals are still vibrant and celebrating these days, some of which last for days and are excellent opportunities to enjoy the dances and regional customs.
The Colca Canyon is also known for its unique style embroidery which often evoke the native hummingbird, the largest hummingbird in the world.
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