The White City

Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, located in the mountains in the south and is surrounded by five volcanoes. It is named the ‘White City’ as most major buildings are constructed with a distinctive white volcanic stone. The central plaza is a squared green park, surrounded by a massive white cathedral on one side and white buildings with arches on the other sides. Behind the cathedral rises a perfect cone-shaped volcano, called ‘El Misti’, to just over 5800 metres. Although placed a little bit in the shadow of the more touristic places in the south, for example Cusco and Lake Titikaka, Arequipa is definitely one of my favourite places in Peru.

The central square by night

 

A volcano rising above the city

 

Outside the city. Everywhere volcanoes.

 

At Sabandia, a little rural village a few minutes from the centre.