By air, there are daily 1 -hour
flights from Lima to Arequipa, 30-minute flights from
Cusco, and 20-minute flights from Tacna or Juliaca.
The trip from Puno to Arequipa by the South Railroad takes
10 hours, leaving on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Arequipa is the capital of the Province, Department and
Region of the same name. It is located at Z230 meters
(7,314 feet) a.s.l. it is the second largest city of Peru.
One of Its main attractions is the fact that Arequipa
has probably the nicest weather of Peru with an average
of 300 sunny days a year. The city keeps its ancient architectural
treasures, but also shows a modern side with many luxurious
hotels and casinos. Arequipa gives tourists the opportunity
to spend a pleasant time in the city and its outskirts.
It is also the departing point for wider circuits.Once in the city, the Plaza de Armas, the 'La Compañia
de Jesus' church, which has cloisters with ashlar (volcanic
white stone or 'sillar") arcades, and the renowned
Santa Catalina Convent should not be missed. On the outskirts
of: the city some districts stand out because of their
beauty, like Cayma, which temple was built in 1730, or
Yanahuara, which belvedere offers a great view of the
city surrounded by volcanoes, such as Cachani, 1,076 meters
(3,529 feet) a.s.l.
Also important are the Yura Chapel, the San Lazaro quarter
the Sabandía Mill and the Añazhuayco quarries,
from where the ashlar ('sillar') is extracted. Arequipa
is known as 'La Ciudad Blanca" (White City) because
of the color of its ashlar buildings.
MEJIA LAGOONS
The Mejia Lagoons National Sanctuary is located on the
coast of Arequipa, near the mouth of the Tambo river,
20 km (12.4 miles) south of the port of Mollendo and 150
krn (93 miles) from the city. It is an isolated ecosystem
and the only vestige, between the north of Chile and Pisco,
of the ancient flooded lands that were part of the American
coast, drained for agriculture for centuries. In spite
of being located at sea level and 170 S latitude, the
annual average temperature in the Mejía Lagoons
is usually 18º C (64.40 F), under the effect of the
Peruvian (Humboldt) warm stream.
The lagoons are separated from the ocean by a large fringe
of beaches and sandy pits. Within the protected area (690
hectares/1,704 acres), several habitats are grouped, including
lagoons of different degrees of salinity, salt marsh,
reed patches, salt mines and wild grass that form a complex
ecosystem. This particularly valuable scenario homes 157
bird species, of which 72 are residents, 62 are regular
visitors and 24 sporadic visitors.
Conservationist and investigation efforts are being made
today to entirely preserve this natural treasure.
AGUADA BLANCA AND SALINAS
Behind the Misti volcano, as seen from the city, over an extensive
plain at 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) a.s.l. is the Aguada Blanca
dam, declared a National Reserve. It is a rather shallow and
artificial lake originated by the Blanco river containment.
A little to the south, behind the Pichu Pichu peak, is an
even larger lagoon called Salinas. These lagoons are a place
for resting and nesting for a large population of birds like
the colorful flamingos. There is a strong migratory relationship
between these birds and the ones from Mejía, 180 km
(111.6 miles) from Salinas.
PAMPA CAÑAHUAS
Located at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, behind the
Chachani peak. At about 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) a.s.I.
this larger plain represents one of the best habitats for
the protection of vicuñas. a Peruvian camelid, internationally
known for its fine fleece. In Pampa Cañahuas, these
animals can be seen running completely free and, therefore,
without the shyness and apathy that seems to characterize
them under captivity.
THE COLCA VALLEY
To the north of Arequipa is the higher course of the Colca
river valley which deep canyon is renowned among rafters.
The section previous to the canyon consists of an encased
valley that runs from east to west, beginning in the cold
puna and running down to warmer regions, showing its great
scenic beauty and cultural attractiveness.
COLCAS
One of the survival skills of the ancient Colca people was
the ability to store large amounts of grain for hard times
the warehouses, known as 'colcas', gave name to the valley.
In the 'cool' caves of Pumunuta, it is possible to see circular
colcas a meter (3.28 feet) in diameter, mad of mud and straw.
CRUZ
DEL CONDOR
Usually, in such a deep valley, the rising winds are surprisingly
strong which big condors take advantage of to soar into
the sky easily.
Between Maca and Cabanaconde, where winds are even stronger,
is the Cruz del Condor, an observation point, perfect
for watching the condors while they fly majestically.
RAFTING ALONG THE COLCA-MAJES
RIVER
From December to March, expert and trained
rafters can go along the high and middle section of
the river, explored by the 1979 Polish expeditions.
It includes very difficult and isolated rapids, as the
towns are far from the torrent. Although the low section
may be ran over in rubber rafts, only expert people,
trained in kayac rafting can do it in the canyon sections.
The name of the Colca river changes as it flows down
to the Pacific ocean, Past the canyon; its name is Majes.
Here, there are more chances for tourists to go in rubber
rafts. The chances of finding shelters and access ways
are better. Although its navigable section (Andamayo-Aplao
river) does not have long rapids, the beauty of landscape
and the clean river course allows enjoying the comfortable
trip. The area is open year round to visitors.
ETHNIC RICHNESS
An ethnic group, bearer of ancient and still strong traditions,
has dwelled the valley for more than 2,000 years. They are
the Collaguas who arrived to the Colca valley from the high
regions and seem to be descendants of the Aymaras because
of their language and customs. Even under the Inca dominion,
they kept themselves relatively Independent, and preserved
their own traditions. It is sold that the supreme Inca Mayta
Capac married a Collagua princess in order to formalize the
conquest of the valley, and he built for her an elegant country
house made of copper, near Sibayo.
PETROGLYPS
The early settlers of the valley left their own peculiar trace
in petroglyphs such as Sumbay and Toro Muerto. Dancers with
bizarre headdresses, different mammals, condors, and lines
of unbreakable codes encompass the repertory of vast figures.
CHURCHES
There are almost 20 towns along the valley, which people preserve
the ethnic richness of their past more than any other region
of the country. The main ones are Chivay, Cabanaconde, Huambo,
Maca, Achoma, Yunque, Larl and Coporaque, all very religious
towns, whose Catholic faith also keeps alive pre-Columbian
elements. Each town has its own church, bearer of its Hispanic
and an example of architectural sobriety and purity based
on the ashlar stone.
VALLEY OF THE VOLCANOES
Entering the -so called- 'Valley of the Volcanoes" of
Andagua means going back several geological eras to witness
some outstanding phenomena that only happen in two places
In the world: the Canary Islands and In this Arequipa valley.
The Andagua river valley runs along the
foothill of the great Coropuna volcano, the highest in
Peru and the tenth highest in South America. Geothermal
activity In this area has given birth to about 80 volcanoes,
all of them extinct which give this area a moonlike aspect.
Later, the Andagua river disappears in a 17 km (10.5 miles)
stretch, running under the ground between the Chachas
and the Mamacocho lagoons before flowing into the Colca.
Andagua can be reached only by highway from the west.
HOT SPRINGS
Because of the volcanic nature of the region, there is hot
springs in different areas of the valley. The main ones are
Yunque, Chivay, Callalli, La Calera, Huancarama, Yura and
Jesus. Furthermore, these hot springs are frequently related
to 'puquiales", natural sources of cold, extremely pure
and 100% potable water.
Spectacular airplane flights are available allowing a unique
and extraordinary view of the main attractions of Colca, that
can only be seen from the air. There are landing strips in
Huambo (in the canyon), Orcopampa (near the Volcano Valley),
Coporaque (the high part of the valley), Tiabaya, near Arequipa
and also from the city airport.
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