Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Melgar 303; admission S10; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, to 1pm Sun)
This gorgeous 17th-century
Carmelite convent and museum is filled with priceless votive objets d'art, murals, pre-
cious metal works, colonial-era paintings and other historical artifacts. A charming shop
at the front of the complex sells baked goods and rose-scented soap made by the nuns.
CASA DE MORAL
(Moral 318; admission S5; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Built in 1730, this stylized baroque-
mestizo
house is named after the 200-year-old mulberry tree in its central courtyard. Owned by the
BCP bank, it serves essentially as a museum, notable for its antique maps, heavy fur-
niture, religious art, and extensive coin and banknote collection.
| Historic Building
CASA RICKETTS
| Historic Building
(Casa Tristán del Pozo; San Francisco 108; 9:15am-12:45pm & 4:30-6:30pm Mon-Fri, 9:30am-12:45pm
Sat)
Built in 1738, the ornate Casa Ricketts has served as a seminary, archbishop's palace,
school and home to well-to-do families. Today it is the most splendiferous working bank
in the city - possibly in Peru. Even if you're not here for a transaction, it's worth nosing
around the interior courtyards with their puma-head fountains.
Activities
Trekking
The spectacular canyons around Arequipa offer many excellent hiking options. Most
agencies can arrange an array of routes to suit your timeline and fitness level, through
canyons, gorges and charming rural villages. Although it is possible to trek year-round,
the best (driest) time is from May to November. There is more danger of rockfalls in the
canyons during the wet season (between December and April). Easier treks in the Cañón
del Colca can be beautifully lush during the wet season, however, while more remote
trails, especially those in the Cañón del Cotahuasi, become inaccessible.
For detailed information on the area's canyons, turn to
Click here
.
River Running
The
Río Chili
, about 7km from Arequipa, is the most frequently run local river, with a
half-day trip suitable for beginners leaving almost daily from April to November (from
