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Arequipa, la Ciudad Blanca, or "White City," is one of Peru's most culturally and industrially important cities. It is often said that the city's name evolved from the Quechua phrase, "Ari, quepay," meaning, "Yes, stay." Others contend that the name stems from the Aymara words "ari" and "kipa," which together translate to "near the mountain." The largest city in the Peruvian Andes, Arequipa is also the most beautiful.
Arequipa lies in the shadow of El Misti, a breathtaking and active snow-capped volcano. It is nicknamed the "White City" because many of its buildings are built with sillar, a white rock formed from petrified volcanic ash that is both beautiful and resistant to the earthquakes that plague Arequipa. El Misti looms above the city, attracting mountain-climbers from around the world. The volcano is visible from nearly every spot in town, but is perhaps best viewed from the rooftops of the labyrinthine Convento de Santa Catalina.
Arequipa is a modern city that offers everything necessary for an unforgettable trip. It contains more Spanish colonial architecture than any other Peruvian city, but is also firmly rooted in the Indian traditions of the antiplano. The city boasts mysterious and majestic monuments and exceptional geography, with wonderful green landscapes, luminous valleys and impressive geological areas. Arequipa's clear mountain air is often filled with the music of Andean pan pipes, which famously inspired Simon and Garfunkel's hit song "El Condor Pasa."
The districts and villages that surround Arequipa are also well worth a visit. These include:
Yanahuara
A traditional district located about two kilometers from downtown. It is an old, established village—which today is part of the city—of Indians from the valley of the nearby Chili River. It has colorful, narrow and aged side streets, houses with family orchards and a church of baroque facade from the year 1750 in the main plaza. But the most outstanding feature here are the arcs of sillar of the famous Mirador of Yanahuara, from which the entire city can be appreciated; the arcs made of the whitish volcanic rock sillar, sport engravings with the philosophy of life and inspiration of the Arequipeños.
Sachaca
Located five kilometers from downtown, it has some of the oldest homes in Arequipa, and is located between green and beautiful countryside. What makes this inspiring district famous are its picanterías, which are typical restaurants where the best regional dishes are served, always accompanied by Creole music and impressive views. In addition, we find the Casa Goyeneche, a fortress of neoclassic style with heavy walls and a moat.
Cayma
Located three kilometers from downtown and past Yanahuara, this district, on the right shore of the Chili River, is called "The Balcony of Arequipa" because from its heights one can see the entire city. Its main plaza has a church which houses the image of the Virgin of the Candlemas, donated by King Carlos V.
Carmen Alto
A district with many pre-Columbian features, and in whose fields it is possible to camp. It was also the site of battles during the Arequipa civil war and has a modest museum that illustrates those historical battles.
Characato
This is a town 14 kilometers from the city. The Merced Church and an old manor house from 1795 are located in the main plaza. Characato also features an observatory and a geomagnetic and seismic station as well as another that tracks satellites.
Socabaya
The most interesting aspect of this town, located 10 kilometers from the city, is its wonderful landscape, which has been a source of inspiration for Arequipean poets and painters. Visitors can hike and camp the in the natural caves of Las Peñas.
Chilina
Only a 10-minute drive from the city, this district is for many the most beautiful and romantic of the Arequipean countryside. Out of its fields rise two volcanoes and the most splendid dawns. It also has perfect fields for camping trips and hiking to observe the precious wildlife and plant life of the region.
Tiabaya
This district, nine kilometers from downtown, offers countryside with delicious traditional pear trees and picanterías (traditional restaurants).
Yura
Synonymous with medicinal-mineral or thermal waters, this locale is 30 kilometers from the city. In its swimming pools, for multiple and individual use, visitors can acquire therapy for a variety of ailments. In addition, it has diverse recreational centers for camping or sports, and a hotel properly equipped for tourists.
Socosani
Seven kilometers from Yura, we find another assembly of thermal waters, which is bottled for drinking, appreciated throughout the country. In addition, it has impressive waterfalls and immense fields for camping. It is flanked by hills suitable for hikes and rock climbing.
These are the most outstanding districts of Arequipa. The downtown area is also considered a district, El Cercado, "The Surrounded One," where the historical center of the city is located as well as several colonial churches and manor homes. There is also a great diversity of stores and cultural centers that feature art from this wonderful region.
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