An active city, some 2400m above sea level, and with a relatively wealthy population of over three-quarters of a million, Arequipa maintains a rather aloof attitude toward the rest of Peru. Most Arequipans feel themselves distinct, if not culturally superior, and resent the idea of the nation revolving around Lima, and with El Misti , the 5821-metre dormant volcano poised above, the place does have a rather legendary sort of appearance. But besides its widespread image as the country's second biggest and arguably, after Cusco, most attractive city, Arequipa has some very specific historical connotations for Peruvians. Developing late as a provincial capital, and until 1870 connected only by mule track with the rest of Peru, it has acquired a reputation as the centre of right-wing political power : while populist movements have tended to emerge around Trujillo in the north, Arequipa has traditionally represented the solid interests of the oligarchy. Sanchez Cerro and Odria both began their coups here, in 1930 and 1948 respectively, and Belaunde, one of the most important presidents in pre- and post-military coup years, sprung into politics from one of the wealthy Arequipa families. In recent years, despite the tastefully ostentatious architecture and generally well-heeled appearance of most townsfolk, there has been a huge increase in the number of street beggars and Arequipa typifies the social extremes of Peru more than any other of its major cities. Hotels in Arequipa |
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