Mollendo, Port city in Arequipa, Peru.
Mollendo is a port city on the Pacific coast in southern Peru, located about 27 meters above sea level. The place is defined by wide beaches, rocky formations, and a coastal landscape shaped by cold ocean currents.
The port was founded in 1872 by Henry Meiggs as the railroad line from Arequipa was being built. This connection made the city the main trading gateway for the region.
The city was named after a statue called La Negrita, which commemorates the African presence in the region. This connection remains part of the local identity today.
The city is reachable from Arequipa by bus, which takes about two hours. During the summer months, train service also operates, typically departing on Saturdays and returning on Sundays.
Forga Castle sits on rocks between two beaches and is an architectural feature from the early 20th century. Its unusual position makes it a striking element of the coastal landscape.
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