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| AREQUIPA |
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*Location,
Altitude, Area and Population
*Brief Historical Outline
*Tourist Attractions
*Climate, Weather and Seasonal Information
*Routes and Means of Access
*Typical and Local Cuisine
*Calendar of Festivities and Tourist Events
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LOCATION,
ALTITUD, AREA AND POPULATION
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The
department of Arequipa is situated in the southwestern area of Peru.
On the north, it borders with the departments of Ica, Ayacucho and
Apurimac; on the east, with Cusco and Puno; on the south with Moquegua;
and on the west with the Pacific Ocean, Its territory includes coastal
and highland areas. It has an area of 63,399 km2 and a population
of 943,000 people. The Departmental Capital is the city of Arequipa,
which lies at an altitude of 2,335 meters above sea level and possesses
an urban population of 680,500 people. One of the largest cities in
Peru, Arequipa is also among the most beautiful, famed for its elegant
architecture built mainly from white volcanic pumice -hence its sobriquet
of “the White City”) - and lovely and verdant countryside.
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HISTORICAL
OUTLINE |
The
region possesses very ancient historical roots. There are human remains
dating 8,000 years back to the late Paleolithic period. Evidence of
Paleolithic man is to be found in the areas of Yaramba in Pampa Colorada,
and in Sumbay, in the vicinity of the El Misti Volcano. In these sites
there are caves with paintings. Arequipa was never a place of origin
or main seat for any of the great paramount Civilizations of Peru,
such as Chavin, Nasca, Wari, Mochica or Inca. However, the influence
of all of these –in varying degrees- was perceived and assimilated
by the local populations, who developed adroitly crafted techniques
of ceramics and textile production, as well as efficient methods of
irrigation, soil management and cultivation of crops. When the Inca
expansion reached this area in the XV century, they found two well-established
and clearly defined ethnic groups inhabiting it, mostly in the area
in and around the Colca Canyon (see below). These were the Collaguas
and the Cabanas, both characterized by a very proficient level of
agricultural development. The remains of their hillside terracing
and well designed and built irrigation channels can be perceived to
this very day. Many of these are still in use.
The Spanish landed in Peru in 1532. On August 15th of the year 1540,
the Spanish captain García Manuel Carbajal founded the Villa
Hermosa de Arequipa, although a number of other historical sources
ascribe the founding of the city to Francisco Pizarro, who was Carbajal’s
commanding officer. Whatever the case, one year after the founding,
the Habsburg King Charles of Spain (Charles I as king of Spain, Charles
V as German emperor) raised it to the status of city and granted a
coat of arms, which it continues to bear in present times. As a Spanish
built city, with no major native or Inca presence, and of recent founding,
the colonial history of Arequipa was somewhat uneventful. But from
the beginning of the XIX century, the pro-independence movement led
by Peruvian born Criollos of European descent became very active.
Among some of the most prominent names of these men can be mentioned.
Juan Pablo Vizcardo y Guzmán, author of a controversial revolutionary
treatise entitled “Open Letter to the Spanish Americans”,
calling for secession from Spain; Francisco Javier de Luna Pizarro,
president of the first Constitutional Convention in 1822; and the
poet Mariano Melgar , executed by a Spanish firing squad in Humachiri.
On the other hand, the pro-Spanish element in Arequipa was very strong,
as was also the case in Lima. However in Arequipa it was far more
powerful. Many prominent Arequipeños fought in the Spanish
army. One of the most successful and efficient generals in the Spanish
army, who inflicted several defeats upon the patriots, bringing most
of Bolivia and parts of northern Argentina back under temporary Spanish
control, was José Manuel Goyeneche, born in Arequipa. And one
of the last Spanish Governors of southern Peru, General Pio Tristán,
was also from Arequipa. But once independence was fully established,
the city became and remained forever faithful to Peru.
Nowadays, Arequipa is the most important commercial and industrial
center of southern Peru. A crossroads of railways, roads and air routes,
it is also surrounded by major mining establishments. It is likewise
known for its very politically independent minded citizenry and has
been the staging ground for several revolutions against the central
government. At the same time, several prominent political leaders
and presidents of Peru came from Arequipa. Up |
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| TOURÍST
ATTRACTIONS
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| IN-TOWN
ATTRACTIONS |
The
Cathedral The first XVII century Religious monument in
Arequipa. The original older Cathedral was destroyed by fire in
1844. It was restored in 1868 by Lucas Poblete, native-born arequipeño.
It shows neo-renaissance style with some French influence; constructed
with local materials (white pumice, or “sillar” stone)
and faces upon the north end of the Plaza de Armas.
The Church of La Merced Church and Convent, of
baroque style, built in the XVII century. It possesses a library
from the Viceroyalty period and many valuable paintings.
The Church of San Agustín – Has a fine baroque façade
with abundant ornamentation sculpted in sillar (pumice) stone. Its
Sacristy represents an outstanding example of modern mestizo craftsmanship.
The Church of Santo Domingo XVII century Church, with very interesting
sculpted work upon the right lateral doorway.
The Church of San Francisco Contains a library
of over 20,000 volumes, a major art collection and a chapel, all
classic representations of the unique Vice royal architectural pattern
of the XVI century.
The Monastery of Santa Catalina Considered by many
to be the most important and impressive Religious monument in Peru.
Founded in September of the year 1579 under the invocation and protection
of Saint Catherine of Siena, it remained closed to the outside world
until 1970. With an area of 20,426 m2, it preserves in virtually
intact form, the architectural patterns and context of the XVI and
XVII centuries: narrow courtyards, gardens, passages and streets,
bearing names from Spanish cities such as those of the old neighborhoods
and sections of Seville and Granada. Both of its site museums exhibit
priceless relics, religious ornaments, etc.
The
Iglesia de La Compañía (The Church of the Company
of Jesus or Jesuit Church) The façade of the Iglesia
de la Compañía is the one that most stands out among
the mestizo Plateresque style Churches, Its structure has two level,
and the pulpit is made of carved and engraved woodwork, as is also
the sacristy. The monastery of la Compañía displays
vaulted archways and semicircular arches with sculpted columns.
La
Recoleta Franciscan Convent founded in 1648 with cloisters
that represent a very clear example of the architecture of Arequipa
of the Vice royal period. It holds a library containing some 25,000
works that date from the XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries. It also
possesses an Amazonian Museum, which displays objects and memorabilia
from the missionary activity carried out by their order in that
area during those centuries.
Casa
del Moral Traditional XVII century manorial house. Beautiful
portal and staterooms with vaulted ceilings.
Casa
Tristán del Pozo Presently owned by the Banco Continental.
A small site museum operates in it as well as a site gallery. The
craftsmanship of the façade as well as that of the inner
courtyard is noteworthy.
Casa
de la Moneda (The Old Mint) Built in 1798. It preserves
its original characteristics due to the solidity and strength of
its construction. It functioned as the Mint of Arequipa.
Casa Goyeneche XVIII century manorial home of the Goyeneche family
(see above) and currently the headquarters of the Banco Continental.
It possesses ample and stately proportions as well as authentic
viceroyalty period furniture.
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| TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE OF TOWN |
The
Colca Canyon – Cañón del Colca located
in the Province of Caylloma. It is 3,400 meters deep (over twice
the depth of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in Arizona,
U.S.A.) and, as such, is regarded as one of the greatest river canyons
in the world. At its bottom the Colca River runs its tempestuous
course. There are numerous features of interest for the tourist:
scenic panoramic overlooks, other viewpoints where it is possible
to view –and photograph- Condors from a distance of few meters.
The region is also famous for a remarkable series of XVI and XVII
century Colonial villages with some of the most impressive stone
and mortar built Churches and temples in Peru. These possess finely
carved façades, portals and colonnades depicting an intricate
and elaborate symbolism, a very eloquent expression of the religious
and cultural syncretism that incorporates ancient Andean ritualistic
signs and imported European Christian emblems in a harmony of style
and form nowhere else seen. There are also present the numerous
remains of the great agricultural terracing and irrigation schemes
of the original Collagua and Cabana inhabitants. Reaching the canyon
is an adventure upon itself, traversing beyond the further sides
of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes and then through the Pampa Cañahuas
Vicuña reserve.
The
Majes Valley –
El Valle de Majes Situated in the Province of Castilla, this remarkable
site contains the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, with some 5,000 large
rocks and boulders with carved and engraved representations of geometrical
figures as well as others depicting flora and fauna.
The
Valley of the Volcanoes – El Valle de los Volcanes
Located in Andahua, at a distance of 377 kilometers from Arequipa.
The panorama is truly astounding: between 80 to 100 small to medium
Volcanoes and volcanic cones, everywhere scattered about, in places
densely concentrated, dot what can only be described as a “Lunar
landscape.”
The
Lakes of Mejía Natural sanctuary –
Santuario Nacional de Lagunas de Mejía. Located on the Pacific
Ocean coast. A true showcase of nature –comprising an area
of 690 hectares- including a diversity of water habitats with varying
degrees of salinity, marshlands, reed banks, salt deposits, aquatic
grasses. As many as 157 different bird species can be distinguished.
The
Caves of Sumbay – Las Cuevas de Sumbay Situated 88
km. from Arequipa. In spite of the passage of time, within the inner
recesses of these caves are preserved numerous and invaluable examples
of cave paintings, the work of late Paleolithic dwellers of the
area. Painted on the walls and ceilings are representations of human
figures, native Camelids (probably the proto-guanaco ancestors of
the modern day Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas, all members of
the camel family) and pumas.
The
Petrified Forest of Imata – Bosque de Piedras de
Imata This is actually an extensive formation of rocks, located
on the road between Arequipa and Puno, and not a forest of petrified
tress. Nevertheless, this remarkable –and numerous- array
of curiously shaped and turned individual rock columns does convey
a feeling of the fantastic and the bizarre. Up
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CLIMATE,
WEATHER ADN SEASONAL INFORMATION |
Arequipa,
within its diverse ecological zones, possesses a great variety of
climates. The coast is arid, dry, consistently sunny and hot between
November and March- April (the southern summer). From May until October
it is colder, generally overcast and misty, but the rise in humidity
and dewy mist encourage the appearance of plant life in the otherwise
arid desert. In turn, in the further eastern end of the department,
the highland Alpaca pastureland and potato producing zones bordering
on Puno and Cusco, the extreme opposite is the rule. May to November
is very sunny, dry and also very cold–it is the “dry”
season in the tropical Andes. Whereas November to April are generally
overcast, with very constant rains –particularly in January
and February- that translate into much snow in the higher areas. However,
it is also the season of planting and growth of maize, potatoes and
other essential staples and produces. The midland area – Arequipa
city and environs- maintain a balance. The climate is more uniform,
but its proximity to the coast associates it more with the coastal
pattern, although it will receive an attenuated version of dry and
wet according to the season. Up |
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ROUTES
ADN MEANS OF ACCESS |
POVERLAND:
FROM LIMA:
A 14 hour-1,000 kilometer drive heading south on the Panamericana
Highway (Panamericana sur).
AIR TRAVEL: Daily Flights from Lima (50 minutes)
and Cusco (30 minutes). Up
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| TYPICAL
AND LOCAL CUISINE |
The
Cuisine of Arequipa has attained a degree of international recognition,
if not downright fame. It does boast a greater variety than most –though
not all- of the other departments of Peru. It is indeed characterized
by a distinct and savory seasoning that can –for those aficionados
of the more extreme piquant- become quite intense if required, through
the generous use of ají (chili peppers). It is significant
that the popular eateries where traditional regional dishes are expended
are called “Picanterías” (Piquanteries). The variety
of the Arequipeñan cuisine can be, initially, summed up in
one sweeping concept. They have created a different soup for every
day of the week. There exists an intermediate range that lies somewhere
betwixt a crème and a stew: the Chupe, type of casserole. It
is thicker than a soup and contains milk, but also diverse solids.
The most popular is the Chupe de Camarones (Chupe of Crawfish, Shrimp,
Rock Lobster, Crab and/or any other creature worthy of being considered
Crustacean, of which the sea coast and the river deltas of the region
possess a limitless amount of), but there will also be potatoes, a
bit of corn on the cob, perhaps broad beans, sometimes rice, included
as well. From there on, the main courses,: Ocopa Arequipeña
–slices or halves of boiled potatoes with a garnishing of one
or two olives, a leaf of lettuce and half of a boiled egg, all topped
by a thick creamy sauce of hot and not hot peppers, peanuts and other
goodies; Rocoto Relleno, a pepper another member of the populous Capsicum
family (which includes everything from Sweet peppers and bell peppers
to chili peppers; all native American) emptied clean of flesh and
seeds –wherein the heat lies- stuffed with sweet peas, ground
beef, diced onions, cheese, etc.
Next comes the Adobo de Chancho. This, again, is one of those semi
liquid-solid preparations, but no common fare. It is marinated for
about 12 hours in a solution mainly composed of beer and/or fermented
maize beer called chicha, with a glorious variety of seasonings and
potions added. Then, in the wee hours before dawn, the entire ensemble
is placed in an enormous cauldron upon a moderate flame and allowed
to stew in its own juice, boiling but calmly so, for the next 4 to
6 hours. Onions are added at some point and, with about one or two
hours to go, a couple of dozen rocoto peppers of all colors–uncut,
intact, completely self-contained- are gently placed upon the surface
and allowed to freely float around, in a way such that they will “sweat”
or transpire -rather than transmit- and impart a certain pungency.
It is served piping hot and reputed to be THE greatest remedy for
any and all hangovers. It is customary to eat Adobo somewhere between
9:30 and 11:30 A.M. Any later is considered a breach of culinary etiquette.
There are also Soltero de Queso (a type of cold salad); Pastel de
Papas (potato pie); Broiled ribs (Costillar frito); Cuy (Guinea Pig)
and Rabbit (Conejo) baked, broiled or steamed as well as stewed. Cauchi
(a similar form of preparation) and Chaque. As desserts, the Queso
helado (Frozen cheese) is recommended. And to drink Chicha de Jora
(fermented maize beer, and the locally distilled Anis (anisette).
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| CALENDAR
OF FESTIVITIES AND TOURIST EVENTS |
January 6th Anniversary of the founding
of Mollendo, the seaport of Arequipa. In Tiabaya, celebration
and festivity of Epiphany (Bajada de Reyes Magos – Visit of
the Magi or the Three Wise Men).
February
2nd Festivity of the Virgen de la Candelaria in the district
of Chivay
February
3rd Festivity of the Virgen de la Candelaria in the districts
of Cayma and Characato. In Caravelí, the festivity of the
Virgen del Buen Paso; celebrations last 4 days and among the vents
held are cock fights, bull fights and parades of Peruvian Paso Horses
(Caballos de Paso).
Holy
Week-Semana Santa: Religious ceremonies throughout the
entire Department of Arequipa, along with processions and spiritual
reclusion. Men and Women dress in mourning.
May
1st Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Chapi,
45 km from Arequipa. Pilgrims from all over the nation and Continent
arrive to greet and honor their Patroness.
August
15th Anniversary of Arequipa. Civic and Religious Festivities
throughout the entire week. Diverse Artistic and Cultural activities,
cockfights, sporting events, fireworks displays and Mardi Gras.
Concourse and presentation of foreign performers and artists. In
Castilla, the Festivity of the Virgen de la Asunción, with
popular festivals, Mardi Gras and various competitions among the
districts.
August
30th Santa Rosa, typically traditional Religious festivity
and celebration in Caravelí, with Holy Masses, Processions
and Churches profusely decorated with flowers and other ornaments.
In Castilla, popular verbenas, contests and sporting events are
held.
September
8th The Festivity of the Virgen de las Peñas in Castilla.
Mayor folkloric display, particularly in Aplao. The Mayordomos (Masters
of ceremonies) make all possible efforts to make their guests feel
comfortable and satisfied.
November
1st – 2nd. All Saints’ and all Souls’ Days.
Families gather at cemeteries bringing music, food, and drink to
accompany their beloved dead.
November
9th Jubilee Anniversary of Camaná. The entire population
goes out to the streets to dance, sing and party.
December
8th Festivity of the Immaculate Conception in Chivay and
Cayma. Up
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