Arequipa

The White City, so called because of its construction from volcanic material, is the capital and commercial centre of the Southern Highlands. Situated beneath the impressive vista of the El Misti volcano, this is a city to be savoured, not only for its history and beauty but for a unique 'vibe' which is fast, exciting and yet strangely relaxing.

Not such a dedicated international party town as Cusco, it nonetheless has some great bars, restaurants and places to chill while acclimatising. Arequipa has some curious sites to visit such as the intriguingly weird Santa Catalina convent, famous for its rich and secluded nuns, who have worshipped while being waited on by servants for the past 300 years.

The repenting sinners' donning of barbed- wire underwear certainly impressed me as to their dedication to a cause!

The frozen remains of aristocratic Incan children provide another informative diversion at the Universidad de Catholica. Here after a small explanatory film you can visit (amongst others) the mysterious Incan teenager the Ice Princess Juanita, who was sacrificed to the Incan mountain gods after a processional march from the Incan Capital Cusco and only recovered after volcanic activity exposed her remains. At that time, people believed that every mountain housed a different god; these deities demanded sacrifices occasionally to prevent such natural phenomena as landslides and storms. Arequipa is a fine introduction to Peru for our Red Spokes Tour and the starting point for Chivay and the Colca Canyo.