Arequipa and Colca
Arequipa is located at 2230 meters (7,300 feet) a.s.l. It is the second largest city in Peru.
The Pan-American highway takes you south down the coast and then you take another good road off to Arequipa. There are 1,020 krn (630 miles) between Arequipa and Lima and 400 km (250 miles) between Arequipa and Tacna, on the Peru Chilean border.
It is a 1 hour flight from Lima, a 30 minutes flight from Cuzco and a 20 minutes flight from Tacna or Juliaca.
The trip from Puno to Arequipa by the South Railroad takes 10 hours, leaving on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
One of its main attractions is the fact that Arequipa has probably the best climate in Peru with an average of 300 sunny days a year. The city has many ancient architectural treasures to explore. Many buildings are constructed of ashlar (volcanic white stone or 'sillar") which help to give the city it's distinctive look. Arequipa is known as 'La Ciudad Blanca" (White City) because of the color of its ashlar buildings.
Places to visit in the city include the Plaza de Armas, the 'La Compañia de Jesus' church, and the renowned Santa Catalina Convent. 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, such as Cachani, 1,076 meters (3,529 feet) a.s.l.
Also important are the Yura Chapel, the San Lazaro quarter, the Sabandía Mill and the Añazhuayco quarries, from where the ashlar ('sillar') is extracted.
Mejia Lagoons
The Mejia Lagoons National Sanctuary is located on the coast of Arequipa, near the mouth of the Tambo river, 20 km (12 miles) south of the port of Mollendo and 150 krn (93 miles) from the city.
Aguada Blanca and Salinas
Behind el Misti volcano, as seen from the city, over an extensive plain at 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) a.s.l. is the Aguada Blanca dam, declared a National Reserve. It is a shallow artificial lake originated by the Blanco river containment. A little to the south, behind the Pichu Pichu peak, is an even larger lagoon called Salinas. These lagoons are sanctuary for a large population of birds such as flamingos. There is a strong migratory relationship between these birds and the ones from Mejía, 180 km (111.6 miles) from Salinas.
Pampa Cañahuas
Located at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, behind the Chachani peak. At about 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) a.s.l. this large plain represents one of the best habitats for the protection of vicuñas. a Peruvian cameloid, internationally known for its fine fleece. In Pampa Cañahuas, these animals can be seen running completely free and, therefore, without the shyness and apathy that seems to characterize them under captivity.
The Colca Canyon
To the north of Arequipa is the higher course of the Colca river valley whose deep canyon is renowned among rafters. The section previous to the canyon consists of an encased valley that runs from east to west, beginning in the cold puna and running down to warmer regions, showing its great scenic beauty and cultural attractiveness.
"Cruz Del Condor"
As is usual in such deep canyons, rising winds are surprisingly strong, allowing condors take advantage and soar into the sky easily.
Between Maca and Cabanaconde, where the winds are even stronger, is the Cruz del Condor, an observation point, perfect for watching the condors.
"Colcas"
One of the survival skills of the ancient Colca people was the ability to store large amounts of grain for hard times the warehouses, known as 'colcas', gave name to the valley. In the 'cool' caves of Pumunuta, it is possible to see circular colcas a meter in diameter, made of mud and straw.
Rafting Along The Colca-Majes River
From December to March, expert rafters can go along the upper and middle sections of the river. It includes very difficult and isolated rapids. Although the low section may be ran over in rubber rafts, only experts, trained in kayac rafting can do it in the canyon sections.
The name of the Colca river changes as it flows down to the Pacific ocean, past the canyon, its becomes the Majes River. Here, there are more opportunities for tourists to go rafting. The chances of finding shelters and access points are better. Although its navigable section (Andamayo-Aplao river) does not have long rapids, the beauty of landscape and the clean river course allow for an enjoyable and comfortable trip. The area is open year round to visitors.
Ethnic Richness
An ethnic group, the Collaguas, has dwelled in the valley for more than 2,000 years. The Collaguas arrived in the Colca valley from the high regions and seem to be descendants of the Aymaras because of their language and customs. Even under the Inca dominion, they kept themselves relatively independent, and preserved their own traditions. It is said that the supreme Inca Mayta Capac married a Collagua princess in order to formalize the conquest of the valley, and he built for her an elegant country house made of copper, near Sibayo.
Churches
There are almost 20 towns along the valley, which people preserve the ethnic richness of their past more than any other region of the country. The main ones are Chivay, Cabanaconde, Huambo, Maca, Achoma, Yunque, Larl and Coporaque, all very religious towns, whose Catholic faith also keeps alive pre-Columbian elements.
Valley of the Volcanoes
Entering the -so called- 'Valley of the Volcanoes" of Andagua means going back several geological eras to witness some outstanding phenomena that only happen in two places In the world: the Canary Islands and here in Arequipa.
The Andagua river valley runs along the foothill of the great Coropuna volcano, the highest in Peru and the tenth highest in South America. Geothermal activity in this area has given birth to about 80 volcanoes, all of them extinct which give this area a moonlike aspect. Later, the Andagua river disappears in a 17 km stretch, running underground between the Chachas and the Mamacocho lagoons before flowing into the Colca. Andagua can be reached only by highway from the west.
Hot Springs
Because of the volcanic nature of the region, there is hot springs in different areas of the valley. The main ones are Yunque, Chivay, Callalli, La Calera, Huancarama, Yura and Jesus. Furthermore, these hot springs are frequently related to 'puquiales", natural sources of cold, extremely pure and 100% potable water.
Tourist Flights
Spectacular airplane flights are available allowing a unique and extraordinary view of the main attractions of Colca, that can only be seen from the air. There are landing strips in Huambo (in the canyon), Orcopampa (near the Volcano Valley), Coporaque (the high part of the valley), Tiabaya, near Arequipa and also from the city airport.
