Around Arequipa City

The Arequipa's countryside is surrounded by 3 volcanoes, the Misti 5,822 meters, Chachani 6,075 meters and Pichu Pichu 5,425 meters. Numerous villages and towns as Cayma, Yanahuara, Sabandía, Sachaca, Yura, Jesús, Characato, Paucarpata, amid beautiful landscapes in where the Inca agricultural system still exists, beautiful churches, colonial monuments and hot springs with medicinal thermal baths.

Sights & Attractions Around Arequipa City

Yanahuara

A peaceful neighborhood of narrow streets, large colonial houses, and excellent "picanterías" (a kind of restaurant). Around its beautiful plaza are located the church San Juan Bautista (1750), it housed the highly venerated Virgen del Chapi, and Yanahuara scenic viewpoint built in the 19th century, it consists of a series of "sillar" arches, on which words of celebrated Arequipans have been recorded. From here, visitors have a superb view of the city and the Misti volcano. On Easter Sunday, the plaza is the setting for the traditional Judas-burning, where a doll is burned, representing an actual member of society whose actions have enraged the people. Location 2 Km (1.2 mile) from the centre of Arequipa City (6 minutes by car).

Cayma

Is located in a high area, inner suburb of Arequipa. Cayma offers a magnificent view of Arequipa city and is often referred as the "Balcony of Arequipa". On the main plaza, the ancient church of San Miguel Arcángel (1730) is considered to be a jewel of the blended styles of colonial architecture. To the right of the temple is a dining room called "Comedor de Bolívar" and a small art museum. Here it is also a traditional celebration of the Feast of "Virgen de la Candelaria".

Sabandía

Traditional village surrounded by unique landscapes, broad terraces and three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. In the area with lots of hot springs and beautifully landscaped with andenerias (stepped terraces). Some of its houses have even retained characteristics of the viceregal or 19th century republican style. There is a recreational complex with two swimming pools fed by the springs from the surrounding area. Location 8 Km (5 miles) to the south of Arequipa City (20 minutes by car).

Sabandía Mill: Constructed in 1785, it represents the typical architecture of the zone where the use of sillar stone predominates. It is characterized by solid supports and rustic balconies. Stone grinding wheel techniques for wheat processing can be viewed here as well. Restored in 1973. Visiting Hours: Monday - Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Mansión del Fundador (Founder's Mansion), Socabaya

The Founder’s Mansion is one of the most outstanding examples of sixteenth century Arequipan civil architecture, built almost entirely of ashlar stone, with thick walls and containing numerous vaults. An air of vice-regal elegance can still be felt in the colonial-styled rooms, extolled by the antique furniture and artwork belonging to the various families who have played a part in the rich history of this mansion and that has been preserved to this day. The history of the mansion dates back to the beginning of the Spanish occupation of Peru when the founder of the city of Arequipa, Don Manuel Garcí de Carbajal, was awarded the land on which the building stands today and who gave the order to commence this monumental construction. Its penultimate owner was the illustrious Spaniard Juan Crisóstomo de Goyeneche y Aguerreverre, who converted the building into a country estate and rural palace for ecclesiastical and civil dignitaries of the era. In 1981 a group of six enthusiasts with a passion for the city’s architecture purchased the building that lay in ruin. Over three long, painstaking months they managed to renovate the entire site, equipping it with comfortable, modern facilities. Location : 9 Km (6 miles) from Arequipa City (15 minutes by car). Visiting Hours : Monday - Sunday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Jesús

Located 9 Km (5.6 miles) east of Arequipa. Jesús is well known for its thermal springs, plentiful in this area for its volcanic nature. Due to its high contain of chloride, arsenic and iron, these medicinal and tonic waters have been used to treat liver diseases and rheumatism. The pools or "puquiales" are naturally pure and 100% drinkable. Jesús has lodging centers both for patients and tourists.

Yura

Located 25 Km (15.5 miles) north of Arequipa, near the volcano Chachani. This is a population on which exists watering places assorted by springs of thermomedicinal water, ferruginous water and sulfurous water. It has lodging for patients and tourists. It also has a beautiful chapel. Very close to this place at the north part you can find the Socosani springs.

Characato

Founded by Inca Mayta Cápac, traditional religious feasts and famous for its bullfights. Geophysical observatory of the National University of San Agustín.