Peru 2024 - Part 10 - Arequipa

Monday, 30 September 2024

Today we start a private tour of southern Peru, flying from Lima to Arequipa. The main reason for going to Arequipa is to somewhat acclimate to high altitudes (Arequipa is about 7500 ft above sea level) before going to Lake Titicaca (12,500 ft above sea level). But Arequipa is worth visiting on its own.

The view from the plane is forbidding, but desert-beautiful.

The far outskirts of Arequipa.

Although only about 50 miles from the Pacific, Arequipa is another world. It is surrounded by volcanos. The Chachani range is in the distance to the north, with the Rio Chili valley in the foreground. 

Volcan Misti dominates the horizon to the northeast.

Chachani in the distance.

The fountain in the plaza at Yanahuara.

Yanahuara

The Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

Another side of the Plaza de Arias with the basilica (cathedral) in the background.

Churches

Arequipa has many beautiful churches dating from Spanish colonial times.

Carvings on the exterior of the Parroquia San Juan Bautista church at the Yanahuara overlook combine Christian and indigenous themes.

Jesuit Temple just off the Plaza de Armas. Again, the richly decorated exterior combines Christian and indigenous representations.

Inside the Jesuit Temple.

A depiction of the Last Supper where cuy (guinea pig) was served.

Inside the Basilica.