General Data.

Location: Southwest of the country
Extension: 63 345 km2
Capital: Arequipa (2335 m)

 

 

Altitude

Low: 9 m (Punta de Bombon)
High: 4525 m (San Antonio de Chuca)

Relief: Arequipa presents a varied relief, begins in the desert
coastal and rises in the Andes, reaching high in the tops of
snow capped Ampato (6288 m) and Chachani (6075 m) or
its volcanoes - as the Misti (5825 m).
Arequipa It also has two of the deepest canyons of the
earth, Cotahuasi Canyon and the Colca Canyon.

 

History and Traditions of Arequipa

Of the first inhabitants of the region they have remained as testimony some samples of rock art dating back more than 8000 years old.

Misti

El Misti volcano is asleep, but Arequipa wakes up every morning in constant boil. And although the summit is regularly see small clouds of smoke, not why the -orgullosos arequipeños as few of his earth- stop inviting tourists to walk its streets and traditional white squares. The lordly city of Arequipa owes the
characteristic color of its houses and other constructions to the ashlar stone, of volcanic origin, with which they are made.
Founded as Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de Asunta, was granted the city hierarchy in 1541. Arequipa has also been, throughout its history, cradle of illustrious men of politics and Peruvian culture. Today, the visitor finds in its spectacular neo-Renaissance Cathedral in the impressive monastery of Santa Catalina and its mansions and museums, more than enough reasons to visit Arequipa, on the outskirts of the city are important attractions.
The Colca Valley is without doubt the most recognized nationally and internationally. Located only 4 hours in the north west of the city, is perhaps one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Peruvian geography: exquisite natural platforms, snowy, deep canyons, towns founded in the s. XVI. There are fourteen towns that still exist in the valley since those ancient times, in them Collaguas and Cabana, which until then were scattered in the area were pooled. The visitor who travels the insurance Colca be captivated by its small streets and richly decorated churches.
In the Colca also they practice all kinds of adventure sports.
Other points of interest are the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, Stone Forest Imata, Canyon Cotahuasi, etc. But if there is something that unites the various locations of Arequipa is its exquisite food.
The visitor can not help but try it: the famous Rocoto Relleno, Adobo and suck Arequipeños are truly irresistible.

HISTORICAL REVIEW
Of the first inhabitants of the region they have remained as testimony some samples of rock art dating back more than 8000 years old. Within the different groups that inhabited highlighted Collaguas Arequipa, a town of great weavers possessed large herds of alpacas.
The name of Arequipa is attached to an old legend. Reportedly, an opportunity the Inca Mayta Capac spent with his soldiers in these lands and decided to camp, but to give the order to leave some of his men asked him to stay. Then the Inca responded in Quechua "ari quepay" which means "yes, stay."
On August 15, 1540, on behalf of Francisco Pizarro, Garci Manuel de Carbajal and almost a hundred Spaniards they founded the city of Arequipa.
Built at the foot of Misti, the city was becoming with the passing of time in center of the Spanish and Creole presence.
During the Republic, Arequipa was the cradle of revolutionary political proposals and scene of clashes between various warlords. Great politicians XIX as Francisco Javier de Luna Pizarro, president of the Congress on numerous occasions, and Nicolas de Pierola, revolutionary and president of Peru, are just some of the illustrious figures who were born in this department.
In the nineteenth century, Arequipa became an important center of export of sheep and alpaca wool to England, thus achieving establish its economic strength in the country.
Nowadays Arequipa, undoubtedly retains its economic leadership and has become the center of trade and industry in the south.

Folklore
Arequipa has a variety of dances and musical events that complement the colorful clothing of the dancers.
The most characteristic dances are Arequipeño Carnival, typical group dance celebration of carnivals and the anniversary of the founding of the city (August 15); the Yaraví of Quechua origin and Pampeña considered primitive Huayno, in which
dancers wear chacarero (1).
(1) Chacarero, Person who works and lives on a farm (farm).