Arequipa - A hidden gem in Peru

Every traveler has broad list of attractive sites that dreams to visit. One interesting place that offers uniqueness is Peru. Many travelers relate this country with Machu Picchu and the old Incas Cilivizaltion- although it is pretty spectacular, Peru has a lot more to offer! One secret gem that has not been explored enough is the city of Arequipa. Peru’s second largest city.

As a traveler, I always thrive to find something new, something that has not been explored before. During my latest visit to this unique country, I was able to find that next frontier. My new destination in Peru was the Spanish colonial city of Arequipa. I must emphasize that for a moment, I felt confused and had the weird feeling as I had traveled to some of the old European cities. This impression was generated by the enormous presence of Spanish Colonial architecture combined with theme parks and high peak mountains makes Arequipa a unique and completely different city from all the other places I have visited in this South American country.

Plaza de Armas – The Main Square

Arequipa was founded by the Spanish settlers as a small village somewhere around 1540s. Due to the strong European Influence, various styles of design were incorporated in the city. Concepts such as Baroque, Rococo, neoclassicism, were all combined into a unique city. The city has a large numbers of churches, chapels, monasteries and other colonial building – the most famous being the monastery of Santa Catalina.

Arequipa - A World Heritage Site

The city of Arequipa has been is listed as World Heritage Site. However, compared to the other travel destination in Peru, the Colonial Spanish influence that is the dominant here. Furthermore, Arequipa doesn’t have Incan temple ruins or structures from ancient times. This is a city build by the Spanish conquerors. One interesting site that is a must-see is the so-called Plaza de Armas which is the main square. The attraction about this site is the fact that all the shops, restaurants and public organizations are located in historic buildings. With its architecture, cathedral, and colonial structures, Arequipa offers a broad spectrum of neoclassical collections. The downtown area of-of Arequipa has a interconnected road structure, thus making it relatively simple to find your way.

On that note, it is important to emphasize that there are around 50 blocks of the original Spanish Colonial structural design. Each block has its own uniqueness and focus. A lawyers street, shoes block, an optometrist block, a furniture block etc. Doorways and Gates are placed right on the edge of the sidewalks with a impressive courtyards in the background. Although surprisingly Arequipa represents a quiet city. Compared to Lima, there is a significant traffic combined with lots of people walking on the street. However the unique architecture and the relaxed lifestyle makes everything to look so simple. You will not even notice that there are almost million people living there.

Maybe because the air is thinner compared to Lima and that seems to slow the city jam down a little bit. Perhaps it’s the natural scenery. Huge snow-capped mountains surrounding Arequipa make you feel the greatness of the natural environment.

Arequipa is a special city. It does not matter if you see it as architectural symbol of the new world the Spanish Empire build in Peru or you can experience it as a simple spot in the greater nature that offers peace and relaxation. Nevertheless the indigenous crafts, combined with its European patterns, makes Arequipa to fully deserve its heritage place and should be visited by every traveler.