Peru: Arequipa – Exploring Arequipa

Besides the Plaza de Armas with the Cathedral and the nearby Monastery of Santa Catalina, Arequipa has many other treasures hidden around its old town and cobblestone streets. Several churches – Campania, Ricoletta, San Augustine – all date to 16 centuries and are exquisitely carved on the outside (they are all made of volcanic stone), while jam-packed with gold colored altars and wooden figures of bloody Jesuses inside. Finally, there is a high point in the city – Mirador de Yanahuara – with absolutely stunning views of the volcanoes at sunset and the golden city below.