Highlights of Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa is the second largest as well as the second most economically important city in Peru, and a World Heritage site to boot, and yet it does not enjoy a destination profile anywhere near that of Cuzco. Not being in the heart of the Inka Empire has that effect.

Truth be told, Arequipa falls into the “really pleasant without being exceptional” category of towns. Its historic center - similar to what we have seen in Lima - offers points to admire here or there, interspersed with pockets of nothing to see. The biggest visual impact comes from high volcano peaks surrounding the city that provide background to many perspectives. For instance, looking at the Arequipa cathedral from the edge of the main town square, you glimpse the cluster of Pichu Pichu in the distance.

Plaza de Armas de Arequipa unmistakably resembles the main plaza of Lima, including the centerpiece fountain called Tuturutu. That’s the name of the little figure at the top, a legendary messenger for one of the last Inka kings who roused people across the empire with the sound of his trumpet.

In a slight bit of annoyance, it appeared closed for entry for the majority of my time in Arequipa. I even chatted up a priest from a remote convent who made some sort of pilgrimage and was not sure how to gain access beyond the locked gates. If a clergyman was so stumped, a layman obviously had no chance. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).