Capital: Arequipa
Population: 1,219,000
Tourist Attractions: Mt. El Misti, Colca Canyon, Colca Valley, Cruz del Condor, Mama Junita, Hiking, White Water Rafting, hot springs
Peru Guide – Importance Rating: High
This volcanic region of Peru is located in the south-west of the country, and borders Ica, Ayacucho, Apurímac and Cusco in the north, and Puno in the south. This region has a rough topography which is characterized by desert on the coast, vast areas of spent volcanic rock further in-land and deep canyons contrasted by large active volcanoes. Arequipa is a popular destination for tourists, and is often the starting point for a tour of the beautiful Colca Valley. The Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US) offers excellent opportunities for hiking, and early morning visits to the view point Cruz del Condor present the opportunity to see Giant Peruvian Condors. Other popular tourist attractions include hiking El Misti, white canyon rafting and Mama Juanita nick-named the Incan Ice Maiden – recently found in 2005.
See the many other pages of our Guide to Peru, detailing tourist information, attractions, hotel reviews, restaurant guides, travel advice and our insider travel tips!
