Sparkling in the sun, Arequipa is called
the White City because of the sillar, a white volcanic stone
that makes up its buildings, modern as well as Spanish colonial.
Peru's second-largest city (pop. 635,000) sits surrounded by
towering mountains -- including the 19,000-ft/5800-m volcano
El Misti. The city itself is the home of the monastery of La
Recoleta (with a museum and library) and several interesting
churches, but its highlight is the Santa Catalina Convent.
Built in the late 16th century (but closed to the public until
1970), the convent was a self-contained community, a place
where nuns could worship and live in total isolation. Walk
through the well-preserved convent, soak up the peaceful atmosphere
and discover the tiny, secluded plazas and lovely courtyards
within. Hostels in Arequipa |
ROOMS PERU
