Arequipa Department
Arequipa Department, Administrative region in southern Peru
Description
This administrative region in southern Peru stretches from volcanic highlands to deep canyons near the Pacific coast. It includes eight provinces that range from coastal deserts to Andean heights above 5000 m (16400 ft).
History
Before Spanish arrival, these lands belonged to the Inca Empire and earlier cultures that had developed terraced agriculture. Colonial mining reshaped the valleys and brought new trade routes through the Andean passes.
Culture
The regional name derives from the Quechua words ari qhipay, meaning yes let us stay, reflecting the decision of early settlers to remain. Visitors today notice this connection in local Spanish, where Quechua terms for landscape features and plants remain in everyday use.
Practical
Travelers should prepare for strong temperature changes between valley and highland areas, with mornings often starting cool. Altitude requires time for adjustment, especially when visiting the higher provinces.
Did you know?
Wild alpaca herds roam freely in the eastern provinces at altitudes where oxygen is half of sea level. These animals provide wool that is still hand-spun in small villages.
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Colca Canyon
35.9 km
El Misti
102.7 kmPampa Galeras – Barbara D'Achille
262 km
Santa Catalina Monastery
96.8 km
Plaza de Armas of Arequipa
97 km
Puquios
311.1 km
Cotuahusi canion
106.3 km
Historic Centre of Arequipa
96.8 km
Coropuna
57.7 km
Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
97 km
Ubinas
154.1 km
Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reservation
113.6 kmMejía Lagoons National Sanctuary
149.1 km
Arequipa District
97.1 km
Sabancaya
42.8 km
Chachani
85.4 km
Chauchilla Cemetery
303.3 km
Ampato
39.9 km
Nevado Mismi
72.2 km
Pichu Pichu
125.4 km
Cantalloc Aqueducts
307.9 km
Sara Sara
141.9 km
Cerro Baúl
203.5 km
Estadio Mariano Melgar
97.9 km
Chilina Bridge
96.1 km
Hospital Goyeneche
98.1 km
Toro Muerto
48.4 km
Puente de Fierro
96.9 km
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