Misti Volcano
* Click Image to Enlarge

Unlimited sunny days, year round perfect weather and beautiful surroundings. Sounds like the ideal place to vacation. It doesn’t matter what time of the year you are considering. Every season is desireable to visit this beautiful city. With 300 days of sunshine, it is always the perfect climate. Arequipa, one of the most attractive city’s in Peru, is the country’s second largest city, and the capital of the Department that shares its name. It is a prime spot to consider when vacationing in Peru.

Arequipa boasts the convenience of visiting some of the best natural attractions within the country. Some of the more popular sights near Arequipa are the Peru volcanoes. If you are into climbing, there are package deals that will take you up to the volcanoes, midst the hot springs at Chivay, Huancarama and Yunque. Or, you can sit outdoors at one of the many fine resaurants and gaze at the spectacular views of the volcanoes that immerge from the “Valley of Volcanoes” which extend to 20,000 feet above sea level. El Misti, Pichu Pichu and Chachani are the three volcanoes that display their majestic greatness. A sight and wonder to behold. Another nearby attraction is the Colca Canyon. When you think of canyons think of twice the depth of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. You may also have the opportunity to see some of the famous Andean Condors while visiting this spectacular sight. If you love excitement you can take a ride down the river on a raft,or simply go by foot, hiking the trails midst the breathtaking scenery.

Plaza de Armas
* Click Image to Enlarge

For more cost effective possibilities you can tour Arequipa with a hired guide and see all of the main attractions in the city. Some of the more popular places to visit are the Plaza de Armas and its 16th century convent of Santa Catalina and the historic city center, which, by the way, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at anyone of the outstanding restaurants. Peruvian food is unforgettable and can be experienced from the finest dining to the more reasonably priced restaurants. Transitioning from day time activities to the city’s popular nightlife is all part of the excitement of this city’s attraction. Find your way to the streets of Santa Catalina and San Francisco. These are the two main streets for locating your evening hot spots, including wonderful bars and clubs to enjoy a fun evening. At the end of a satisfying day you can rest up for your next day of adventure in any one of the lovely hotels available in this city.

Arequipa, Peru is located in the southwestern part of the country. If you are visiting Cusco, located 325 miles north, you may want to take a short trip by plane, which takes a quick half hour. Traveling from Lima, about 635 miles north, there are daily flights which take about an hour. Trains and buses are also available for a more leisurely travel, however, there are very reasonably priced flights which will by you allot more time to tour this splendid country that is awaiting you.