A Glance at Arequipa on 21/05/10 by Alexandria Prain

Nicknamed the "Rome of Peru," Arequipa is a beautiful white colonial city, known for its religious inhabitants, delicious food, sunny weather, volcanoes and historic center constructed on white volcanic stone. This unique Peruvian city offers visitors a chance to experience a number of truly authentic and interesting activities.

The Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons are the areas largest tourist draw. These deep canyons and the surrounding areas offer stunning natural rock formations, volcanic and desert lands, Condor sightings, pre-incan tombs and a number of areas with great hot springs.

Also just outside of the city is the charming coastal town of Camana. This quaint fishing village offers sandy beaches, delicious sea-food and a large amount of wildlife. You can expect to see inca sterns, sea stars, sea lions, pelicans, and sea gulls. Another nice seaside town is Quilca, which lies just a little further past Camana.

Food is a very important tradition in Arequipa, and perhaps one of its most important cultural trait. Typical cuisine in the area tends to be on the spicier side of Peruvian dishes and  everyday of the week has a typical meal, mainly consisting of some form of soup and potatoes. The most traditional dishes are Adobo, Rocoto relleno, Tamales, Chupe de camarones, Rachi de Panza and pastel de papa. Another favorite with the locals in the Chicha de Jora or home fermented corn beer.

Within the town of Arequipa there are a number of interesting plazas, monuments and mummies. So make sure to take a nice long stroll throughout the town. Come and enjoy true Peruvian culture and life in Arequipa!