First we will visit the church and lookout of the Colonial District of Yanahuara where we get great views of the city. Then we move on to the Carmen Alto neighborhood lookout of the countryside and the bottom the Chilina valley. There are beautiful views here of the Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Pichu Volcanoes, typical Pre Inca terraces that are still cultivated, and of the Chilina valley next to the Chili river. We return to the city to visit the Cathedral, main square, the colonial area, church and Jesuits Cloisters of La Compañía and its polychromatic dome. Finally we will explore the famous Santa Catalina Monastery citadel, built in the 16th century and opened to public in 1970 after 400 years. (Ticket for the Cathedral & its Museum is not included) (No meals included) Located just south of Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries is focused predominantly around La Dama de Ampato, or the Ice Maiden of Ampato. Believed to be the victim of ritual sacrifice, this young girl’s mummified body was buried atop the Ampato Volcanosometime in the 16th century, and was not discovered until a retreating glacier exposed it in 1995. Due to yearly restoration, Juanita (as she has been named) is only on exhibit for just over six months each year, so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t get to see her. There are, however, other Andean artifacts and mummified remains on display as well, along with a 20 minute introductory video to get you better acquainted with the exhibits and their immense cultural importance. Be sure to dress warmly, as the unique nature of these archaeological finds requires them to be kept in refrigerator-like temperatures, and enjoy an hour’s look at some Inca history set right here in Southern Peru. (B/L)
http://www.casa-andina.com/destinos/arequipa/classic-arequipa/