A panorama photo taken on the way from Nazca to Arequipa. We managed to survive the most dangerous road alongside the cliffs. At this point we were leaving the coast line from Peru to approach Arequipa at 2600m above sea level.
Arequipa's location below the snow capped mountains combined with the unique sillar stone architecture, make it one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. The light colored colonial buildings which set Arequipa apart from other Peruvian cities, are made from sillar. This is a volcanic rock which is particularly bright when the sunlight strikes it. For this reason Arequipa is often referred to as the white city. Arequipa was founded in the 1500s shortly after the Spanish conquest. Today it is the commercial center for southern Peru. Arequipa's historical city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center of Arequipa spans an area of 332 hectares and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic heritage, natural scenery and cultural sites, make the city a national and international tourist destination. Its religious, colonial, and republican architectural styles blend European and native characteristics into a unique style called "Escuela Arequipeña".
Locals from the market in Arequipa.
