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Nazca

city and a system of valleys on the southern coast of Peru

414km

-14.828889-74.943611
Sights (3)

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

The first cathedral was built I need 1544. This reconstruction dates from 1848, with a substantial repair after the 2001 earthquake caused the towers to collapse through the roof. The tour takes you into the Basilica, and to see the cathedral's collection of liturgical items in precious metals & gemstones, and sacremental garments. You are also taken up to the roof to see the bell tower and for views of the Plaza de Armas and the city.

88m

-16.3981-71.5364

Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, Arequipa

The most visited building from the Spanish era of the city. Described as a city within a city, this beautiful place with its colors, flowers and little streets will make you feel like you are back in time. Quite close to the Plaza de Armas. The guides speak many different languages; ask at the desk to the left after the entrance. The guide will tell you about the history of the convent and the life of the nuns in the convent. You can also do the tour by yourself at your own pace: there are helpful descriptive signs in Spanish and English in all the rooms that contain mostly the same information.

371m

-16.39527778-71.53694444

Colca Canyon

valley

93km

-15.59722222-71.87916667
Nature

we will see

Arequipa

Peru
Someday we will visit Arequipa or begin to dream about going there! However, for now its not on our radar. Let us know in the comments if you think that should change!

Arequipa

Arequipa is a city in the Southern Coastal region of Peru just below the edge of the Altiplano, at 2,380 m (7,810 ft) above sea level and surrounded by three impressive volcanoes. It's Peru's second most important city, and the second most popular among tourists.

The early inhabitants of the Arequipa City area were nomadic people who relied on activities such as hunting, fishing and gathering for survival. Later, pre-Inca cultures domesticated llamas and became sedentary with the development of agriculture. During this time, major irrigation channels were built within the valley of the Chili river, which allowed the development of agriculture by means of terraces built on both sides of the valley. The Yarabaya and Chimbe tribes settled in the city's current location, and together with the Cabana and Collagua tribes they developed an agrarian economy in the valley.

74.2% of the GDP of the Department of Arequipa is generated by the city of Arequipa, according to studies by the National University of San Agustin. The GDP of Arequipa Department is the second highest in Peru, after the Department of Lima. In the period 2003–2008 was the "City with greatest economic growth in Latin America", according to the report in 2009 of "America Economia" presenting a percentage change in GDP per capita of 66.1%. Also in 2007–2008 was the city with the highest percentage change in GDP in Latin America with a variation of 9.59%.

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Climate

Average temperatures

Jan

21.8°C8.5
Precipitation: 27.5 mm

Feb

21.4°C8.7
Precipitation: 39.9 mm

Mar

24.2°C8.3
Precipitation: 20.6 mm

Apr

24.7°C7.1
Precipitation: 0.6 mm

May

22.3°C6.2
Precipitation: 0.1 mm

Jun

21.7°C5.4
Precipitation: 0.1 mm

Jul

21.7°C5.2
Precipitation: 0 mm

Aug

22.2°C5.4
Precipitation: 1 mm

Sep

22.7°C6.2
Precipitation: 0.8 mm

Oct

22.8°C6.4
Precipitation: 0.2 mm

Nov

22.7°C6.6
Precipitation: 1 mm

Dec

22.5°C7.6
Precipitation: 4.7 mm
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