Articles, maps, guided tours and resources for tourism, sightseeing, sports and recreation, for the Peruvian south coast city of Arequipa, known as the White City.
The Monastery of Santa Catalina in Arequipa, Peru is not a single building but many within a complex of 20,000 square meters that was home for Dominican nuns for centuries. Opened to the public in 1970, this religious community is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture, art and life in a city within a city.
Enter the gates into the adobe brick walled community of the ]Santa Catalina de Siena Monastery in Arequipa, Peru and step back 400 years in time. Opened to the public in 1970, this religious community is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture, art and life in a city within a city.
"Arequipa, al pie del Misti, hermoso cono nevado de más de 5,500 mts., se encuentra rodeada de majestuosos volcanes, en uno de los cuales precisamente se halló a la mundialmente famosa "Momia Juanita". Ubicada a 2360 metros de altura sobre el nivel del mar, en los contrafuertes de los Andes peruanos, es la segunda ciudad del Perú."
Portal to the city, with photos, events, recipes, attractions and information about the city.
Text and photos by Andrys Basten.
"Arequipa also offers an exquisite cuisine, beautiful landscapes of countryside, majestic volcanoes, the Colca Valley, challenges and adventures in Colca Canyon, natural reservations, and the heat of friendly people willing to make the tourist enjoy their visit to Arequipa."
Destination guide from American Airlines includes attractions, events, nightlife, hotels, restaurants, historical background and a district guide,
Click on a thumbnail for larger views of some of the city's attractions.
Photos include scenic views of the city and surrounding area as well as scenes from daily life.
Brief descriptions of the city, nearby communities and local attractions, plus a history of the city.
Descriptions, photos, recommendations and getting there information.
"The Center for Archaeological Research in Arequipa (CIARQ) is a non-profit organization that exists to conduct archaeological research and public education on archaeology and preservation in Arequipa and surrounding areas of southern Peru."
"The historic centre of Arequipa is an outstanding example of a colonial settlement, challenged by the natural conditions, the indigenous influences, the process of conquest and evangelization, as well as the spectacular nature of its setting."
Begun in 1580, forty years after the city was founded, the monastery was enlarged over the centuries until it became a city within the city. At one time, 450 nuns, lay people and servants resided within the community, closed off from the city by high walls.
"No longer the sole preserve of backpackers and climbers, the Peruvian Andes have recently been crowned with luxurious retreats like this remote Orient-Express outpost in Colca Canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. It's tough to access (a three-hour drive from the nearest airport, in Arequipa) but worth the detour." Conde Nast review
"Located in the center of Arequipa, Santa Catalina is the pride of its townspeople, covering an area of more than 29,426 square meters. It is a masterpiece of colonial architecture, and houses some of the finest examples of Spanish American religious art."
Click on a thumbnail for larger views of this must-see Colonial monastery now open to the public.
Text and photos of a visit to this important part of Arequipa's history.
"The White City, Colca Canyon, news, forums, polls, photo gallery tours packages."
Colca Canyon, visited from Arequipa, "the second largest and most beautiful city in Peru, which is tucked away on the altiplano at an altitude of 2325 metres."
