Is it worth a visit?

For us definitely yes. Arequipa is a city with a rich culture and traditional gastronomy. We recommend to spend 2 days here, after all, we also extended our stay by one night in hostel "Sol de Oro".

The first day was different than I imagined. As I was looking forward to warm and sunny days in South America, the cold weather surprised me in the morning. Local people were dressed at least in jumpers, some wore scarves, hats and winter jackets. "You need to realize what see level you are at," Matheo advised me. At least I could enjoy Peruvian fashion - knitted ponchos and jumpers, mostly with llama patterns.

The streets were full of merchants, tour resellers and restaurant waiters who enticed us with their services and kept reminding us, that we are the tourists in here. But also, what this part of the world has to offer. They lured us to local cuisine and to a trip to Colca Canyon.

Except for nonstop open front shop doors my attention caught the prices, they were little bit higher than I expected, but after short time spent in Arequipa I learned, that prices can be negotiated almost anywhere.

Soon we were charmed by the local markets, the prices here were more acceptable anyway, a lot was set on a scale and we weighed spices, rice and potatoes for the first time.

We returned to the hostel in the afternoon, the traffic seemed dangerous and it was a challenge to cross at the crossing. Cars were constantly honking, and from moving buses (also with open doors) the gentleman shouted stops and people jumped on. A calm atmosphere returned in our hostel, we cooked rice with liver (price 12 pen for ingredients) and enjoyed the game room.

We went for a walk in the afternoon, randomly walking in the center and discovering many cultural treasures. We were oftentimes delighted by parks, churches or other beautiful historic buildings we discovered. Because of the white building stones is Arequipa called "White city" and it would certainly impress our every fellow traveler.

street in white city

In the evening we went for Machu Picchu drink, many businesses offer 2 drinks for 20 pen in happy hour. Who wouldn't take it? Of course, we chose a place on the terrace and looked forward to a local speciality.

la Catedral de Arequipa

Conclusion

As a traveler, you don't have to worry about the possibilities of sightseeing and nature tours. I have never seen so many travel agencies in one place in my life. The prices are good and as with any private shop, they are usually negotiable. Sometimes it is more difficult to find what you need, the streets are focused on specific goods or services. If one street is full of hair salons, there is very little chance that the next will have any. Next was electronics and the street continued a la optikum. And learn Spanish, it's almost a must know in South America.

at least 5 optics shops in a row

Funny story "Mission diaries"

We realised we want to buy diaries so we can jot down notes for our articles. But we couldn't find a stationery store in any street, so we decided to ask for direction in a supermarket. The saleswoman and the salesman sent us in quite astonished in. The shop was tiny with groceries and a drugstore, but I couldn't find the diary, so I asked the storekeeper for advice. He pointed his finger in front of me and I didn't understand anything at all. I run my eyes over the sanitary napkins and read "Diaries".