Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Arequipa & Canyon Country
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Why Go?
Arequipa province is Peru's big combo ticket. Authentic historical immersion and white-
knuckle Andean adventure inhabit the same breathing space here. Imagine the cultural
riches of one of South America's finest colonial cities just a few hours' drive from the
world's two deepest canyons and you'll get a hint of the dramatic contrasts. Ample urban
distractions can be found in Arequipa, the arty, audacious, unflappably resilient metropolis
that lies in the shadow of El Misti volcano. Beckoning to the northwest lie the Colca and
Cotahuasi canyons whose depth, while impressive, is a mere statistic compared to the An-
dean condors, epic treks, and long-standing Spanish, Inca and pre-Inca traditions that lurk
in their midst. Other unusual apparitions include the lava encrusted Valle de los Volcanes,
the haunting Toro Muerto petroglyphs, and the barren Paso de Patopampa where a main
road ascends to 4910m, higher than any point in Western Europe or North America.
