The sun shines on Arequipa almost every day, but because of its altitude, the days are pleasant instead of hot, and the nights are cool. In addition to its climate, Arequipa has excellent museums, colonial architecture, and serves as the gateway to Colca Canyon.
Sights
Wander through beautifully preserved Santa Catalina Convent, stop along the narrow streets to visit the living quarters and common rooms of the wealthy nuns who spent their lives in seclusion there.
At the museum of the Universidad Catolica de Santa María, see the frozen mummified body called Juanita. Juanita was a young Inca girl sacrificed on top of Mount Ampato over 500 years ago to appease the gods . If she isn’t in residence, you will see the second ice maiden, Sarita. Juanita was found by accident, recently emerged from melting ice. The video presentation and guided tour are excellent.
Activities
Arequipa is the starting point for trips to Colca Canyon to hike and explore.
Shop for alpaca sweaters, scarves, and gloves. Real alpaca is expensive, and sometimes blends or llama wool are used. Llama wool smells when it is wet, so spring for the real thing.
If you need a rest, have a drink or cup of coffee in one of the second story balconies that overlook the central square.
Courses
Spanish lessons are available.
Places to Stay
There are several inexpensive guesthouses in the streets around the central square.
Getting Around
Walk everywhere, and enjoy the colonial architecture. Use a taxi to get to the airport or bus station.
Getting There
There are several bus routes to Arequipa. From Nazca, take the overnight luxury bus. Budget flights to Cuzco and Lima are advertised outside travel agencies on the square.
Altitude
If possible, plan your trip so that you arrive in Arequipa before Cuzco, so that you can adjust to an intermediate altitude. Arequipa, at 7500 feet (2300 meters)
makes a sort of halfway point between sea level and Cuzco, where sections of the city are over 11,000 feet (3500 meters). Machu Picchu is lower than Cuzco, giving your oxygen deprived body a bit of a boost. If you are concerned about altitude and are traveling by bus, be sure to check out the height of the passes along the route. | 
