From the category archives:

Arequipa

Peruvian Food in Arequipa

by admin on October 31, 2009

I have mentioned the Arequipa region before, because it is a beautiful area for sightseeing. Just as each region of Peru offers different scenery, the food in each area is different based on the specific native ingredients that grow there and the traditions of the people. In Arequipa, you can try the food at restaurants called picanterias, where food is warmed on a firewood cooker. A great dish to try in Arequipa is Rocoto Relleno, or stuffed hot peppers. Peru is home to many different varieties of hot pepper, and this dish is a delicious way to try some. You can also try Chicharrones in Arequipa, which are pieces of deep-fried pork. You can easily take a flight to Arequipa from Lima, so include this fascinating area in your travel plans – you won’t regret it.

Nevado Mismi in Arequipa

by admin on October 5, 2009

This stunning mountain is Nevado Mismi, a peak in the Andes Mountains. Hikers and tourists often explore the mountain on guided tours that last several days. Peru is a fantastic destination for adventure travel, and Mismi is another great place to spend a few days while trekking through this fascinating country. Mismi is one of the highest peaks that form the Colca Canyon, which I have written about in past posts – the Grand Canyon in Colorado looks small in comparison to this impressive natural attraction. In fact, Peru is home to two of the deepest canyons in the world. This gorgeous landscape is found in the Arequipa region.

Photo courtesy of Phillie Casablanca, under Creative Commons License

 

Arequipa’s Santa Catalina: Nuns in the Lap of Luxury

by admin on June 28, 2009

Arequipa is one of my favorite places to visit in Peru. I took this photo from inside the Santa Catalina convent after climbing dozens of stairs to get to a vantage point that would allow me to photograph Misti, one of the three volcanos that surround Arequipa. The pine tree in the foreground is growing on the property of the Convent which is remarkably intact having been built in 1579. According to our guide, the novices of this Convent were first born daughters of wealthy citizens who were privileged to live there. Unlike the vows of poverty that are often associated with those who dedicate themselves to religious lives, these girls lived in luxury, being waited on by servants and receiving gifts and food from their wealthy families. It is a great tourist attraction and if you have children their imaginations will run wild as they walk the cobblestone paths, peek their heads in the doorways of the bedrooms and walk through the chapels.