After Lima, Arequipa seems to be the second important town in the country, and one of the most beautiful.
It's also called "Ciudad blanca" - the white city - because the historical centre is built from white, volcanic stones. One of its most famous sights is Santa Catalina Monastery, right in the city centre. Surrounded by the picturesque cone shaped volcano Misti, Chachani und Pichu Pichu the towns altitude is a comfortable 2300m with a year around stable climate.
From here you are starting your adventures to Colca Canon, Cotahuasi or the remote Laguna Salinas to observe thousands of flamingos during the season. [edit text][editors]