Peru holidays to Arequipa and the Colca Canyon condors will introduce you to a charming colonial city that was once the Spanish capital of Peru. Lake Titicaca tours can easily be added.
Arequipa is one of the loveliest cities in South America and its old town centre is a World Heritage Site. Once known as the ‘White City’ because of the light volcanic sillar stone used in the construction of its colonial buildings, today it is called the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ because of its clement weather. Surrounded by a ring of volcanic peaks that include the famous El Misti, it’s easy to explore this scenic town on foot, with its large central plaza and quaint cobbled streets.
Essential sights on Peru holidays to Arequipa include the lovely Santa Catalina Convent built in 1579, and the richly decorated and gold-filled Jesuit Church, as well as the magnificent cathedral in the centre of town. There are also some interesting small regional museums, packed with Inca artifacts. Juanita, a well-preserved mummy of a young Inca girl that was found on a nearby volcanic slope, is sometimes on display here. Much of the architecture is Spanish, but the cuisine and the three majestic volcanoes that flank the town are very much Peruvian.
Arequipa is also the jumping off point for tours to the spectacular Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world and where old Inca terracing is still used for growing crops. On the journey you will see herds of vicuna, as well as llamas, alpaca and much birdlife. People come here to walk in the canyon and enjoy its hot springs, but the Colca Canyon condors are another major attraction. An early morning trip to the ‘Cross of the Condor’ lookout point should reward you with sightings of these majestic condors leaving their nests in the craggy ravine below and soaring high on the thermals. Afterwards you can enjoy the hot springs, or continue overland on Lake Titicaca tours.
On Peru holidays to Arequipa that include the Colca Canyon condors and Lake Titicaca tours, be aware that you will be travelling at very high altitude, so walk slowly and do not exert yourself.
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We have been arranging Peru holidays to Arequipa, Colca Canyon condors & Lake Titicaca tours for over 20 years.
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