Arequipa is a very beautiful city, the second largest city in Peru with just over 1 million people. Most of the buildings in the center of town are all built from natural white volcanic sillar stone and are very impressive. There are two large volcanos next to the city but El Misti dominates all the views. Unfortunately it was raining and cloudy the entire time we were there so we never got to see the postcard views. I tried to arrange a trek to the summit of El Misti but the guides said there was too much snow above 5000 meters so I could not go. I also asked about the Colca Canyon tour but was told the clouds had settled into the canyon and there were no views and the condors were hiding in the cliffs so I passed on that tour as well.
We all decided to visit a famous monestary that was built almost 500 years ago and has continuously been added on to. All the different architectural styles over the centuries are represented and the entire complex is a real maze of corridors, rooms and kitchens. Some places felt like a live M.C. Escher design with stairs and corridors that lead to nowhere! What an amazing place to play hide and seek all day long! The artworks and cathedral were very impressive. There are still many nuns living in the convent maintaining their vows of silence. The flower gardens were spectacular as was the ornate tile work and details on the newer buildings. A very cool place to check out.
The night life in Arequipa was a bit slow but our group of 6 Brazilians, an Argentine and myself managed to turn the dial up a few notches. The city seemed very safe even late at night and we only experienced a minor incedent in one of the discos.
The Hostel we stayed at was family owned and very clean. The only issue was that their hot water heater was solar powered. The sun did not shine the entire time we were there so a quick cold shower was best way to wake up each morning. The family was very nice and their pet parrot was more than happy to sit on my shoulder squawking HOLA! He didn't seem to like Carla so much and would start to nip at her as he climbed up her arm.
The food was great, the city was nice, Carla's cousin and friend were a lot of fun but we were all dissapointed that we didnt get to see El Misti. Gabriel left for Cusco on the second night as his vacation time was running short and he need to see Machu Picchu. After three night in Arequipa it was time to part ways with my new Brasilian friends. They were all headed to Chile while I was set to go see Machu Picchu near Cusco. It was very sad saying goodbye and I miss you all very much. I hope to meet up with you all in La Paz, Bolivia at the end of January. BIG HUGS & KISSES to Carla, Bel, Machi, Rafaela, Mi and even to you Pedro!!!
I booked an overnight bus to Cusco, said my goodbyes and continued my adventure. . .
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