The Juanita mummy is a must while exploring Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city. A statement that has rung true for decades but one that has recently become more widely known, as Juniata was thrust back into the public eye in October of last year when archaeologists revealed a model showing what Peru’s most famous mummy would have looked like. At the end of 2023, team Aracari visited the Juanita mummy. The experience was so impactful, that it made it onto our list of ten of the best places to see in South America for 2024. But as the site becomes ever more popular how do you get a visit to the Andean Sanctuaries Museum (where Juanita is displayed), just right? Arequipa: Home of the Juanita Mummy Since Aracari’s inception in 1996, the city of Arequipa in southern Peru has held a special place in our hearts. Found in the shadow of the mighty Mista volcano – Arequipa is dubbed “the white city” because of its iconic cityscape. Many of the colonial-style buildings here are made from sillar, a kind of chalky volcanic stone – a unique aesthetic that formed part of the case for Arequipa to become a World Heritage City, a status awarded by UNESCO in 2000. There's also a budding foodie scene, fantastic bars – and of course, plenty of culture. Tailormade itineraries such as Travel with Taste: Peru’s Spellbinding South include plenty of time to discover the aforementioned sites of Arequipa, as well as luxury lodgings at our favorite Cirqa Hotel, and a trip to the volcanic landscape of the Colca Canyon. Who is the Juanita Mummy, Arequipa? Discovered atop Ampato Mountain in 1995, in the Andes of Southern Peru, Juanita is not a mummy but a frozen 12-year-old Inca girl who was sacrificed to the gods in
The Juanita mummy is a must while exploring Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city. A statement that has rung true for decades but one that has recently become more widely known, as Juniata was thrust back into the public eye in October of last year when archaeologists revealed a model showing what…
Thanks to the seismic activity of the region, the Colca Canyon and Valley are sprinkled with natural hot springs, or thermal baths, where locals and tourists alike can relax in the warm embrace of Mother Nature. The hot springs vary in temperature, and are rich in sulfur, lithium, or iron, and thought to have medicinal healing properties. Colca is home to public baths (for which a small entrance fee is required) and private thermal hot springs at some of the best properties in Colca. The Best Natural Hot Springs Colca Colca Lodge Hot Springs The best natural, private hot springs Colca are located on the property of one of our favorite hotels in the region, Colca Lodge. The grounds boast four natural, hot thermal baths and in this bucolic setting, visitors contrast the chilly mountain air with a dip into one of the private hot springs. Exclusively reserved for guests at the hotel, these hot springs Colca are well maintained, clean, and situated in an incredibly intimate natural setting. They are perched a few meters above the river built into the stone shore, and overlook the terraced valley and the property's camelid farm. The hot springs at Colca Lodge are also conveniently equipped with a nearby bar so you can sip on a cocktail while sat in the thermal baths, as well as changing rooms and nice bathrooms. Round off a long soak at Colca Lodge's indulgent spa. Visit Colca and stay at Colca Lodge on our Highlights of Southern Peru itinerary. More Natural Hot Springs Colca Though they may lack the privacy and luxurious amenities of the hot springs Colca Lodge offers, there are plenty of other natural thermal baths in the region. El Refugio has a covered, on-site private hot spring for guests, and there are public springs near the Aranwa hotel. Here visitors can pay
Thanks to the seismic activity of the region, the Colca Canyon and Valley are sprinkled with natural hot springs, or thermal baths, where locals and tourists alike can relax in the warm embrace of Mother Nature. The hot springs vary in temperature, and are rich in sulfur, lithium, or iron, and…
Native to the mountains of South America that give the bird its name, the Andean condor can be spotted across the continent but arguably the best place to see these strikingly large animals is in the Colca Canyon of Peru. Located in the south of the country about a 4-hour drive from Arequipa, the Colca region is known for its dramatic landscapes, history, vibrant rural culture, and native condors. Aracari arranges private, tailormade trips to Arequipa and Colca where you can spot the majestic Colca Canyon condors! The best place to see Colca Canyon Condors The Andean Colca Canyon Condor The Andean condor, which has been the focus of international conservation efforts, is one of the largest land flying birds in the world with an average wingspan of 3m (10ft). The animals are very heavy, weighing up to 15kg (33lbs) so to help keep them in the air they like to live in windy areas. The rising winds in the Colca Canyon and valley are strong, which makes it one of the best homes for the animal and in turn one of the best places to bird-watch for them! The spectacular condor takes advantage of the windy Colca region to glide up and down this imposing and magic corner of the Andean Cordillera - it is truly a sight to be seen. Where to See Colca Canyon Condors Cruz del Condor - 'Condor Cross' Between the small villages of Maca and Cabanaconde, where winds are strongest, is the Cruz del Condor or ‘Condor Cross,’ an observation point where visitors scan the skies for a glimpse of the majestic birds soaring in pairs in the early morning or late afternoon. Condor Cross is the place with the highest chance of condor spottings, with birds often seen at close range. As the birds soar past the canyon walls, the lookout point also offers breath-taking views
Native to the mountains of South America that give the bird its name, the Andean condor can be spotted across the continent but arguably the best place to see these strikingly large animals is in the Colca Canyon of Peru. Located in the south of the country about a 4-hour drive from Arequipa, the…
Arequipa is easily one of the most charming cities in all of Peru, home to gleaming-white historic buildings made from volcanic ash, sillar, grand religious monasteries, and a rich cultural scene - hosting the annual literary Hay Festival. One of the city's key attractions is Santa Teresa Monastery, a living-museum where cloistered nuns still reside to this day. Far less visited than nearby Santa Catalina Monastery, another major attraction and landmark in Arequipa, I had the opportunity to visit with one of Aracari's specialist guides, Franz Grupp, the Monastery's Director. Santa Teresa Monastery Arequipa Constructed in 1710, Santa Teresa Monastery is a smaller, lesser-known monastery compared to Santa Catalina, also in Arequipa. Santa Teresa hasn't been open as long; almost 300 years after its foundation, it first opened its treasures to the public in 2005. The Nuns of Santa Teresa Monastery Santa Teresa has appeal in both the fact it functions as a comprehensive Museum of Viceregal Art, as well as a living museum: 15 cloistered Carmelite nuns still live here. These nuns remain inside the convent and do not interact with the outside world - they cannot be seen by tourists, nor see them. If you time your visit for midday, as I did, you can press your head against the wall and hear the nuns shuffle about as they head to prayer and listen to their melodic chants. Santa Teresa's Director Franz Grupp The director of Santa Teresa, Franz Grupp, guided me around the monastery, talking me through the Viceregal art exhibited there. Franz is one of Aracari's specialist guides, a veritable cultural expert, art historian and curator, who gives unparalleled insight into this historic site. Franz has been involved in important restoration projects throughout Peru, and was part of the team that presented the historical center of Arequipa to UNESCO to be regarded as a designated Cultural Heritage City,
Arequipa is easily one of the most charming cities in all of Peru, home to gleaming-white historic buildings made from volcanic ash, sillar, grand religious monasteries, and a rich cultural scene – hosting the annual literary Hay Festival. One of the city’s key attractions is Santa Teresa Monastery, a living-museum where cloistered…
Peru is the food mecca of South America, proudly laying claim to a selection of the best restaurants in the world and the #1 restaurant in Latin America. Although the gastronomic publicity tends to focus on the capital, Lima, culinary adventures await the traveler wherever they go in this country. Each region has its own specialties and while you can find them elsewhere in the country there’s nothing like trying a dish in the place that gave birth to it. At Aracari, we have explored the vast culinary offerings in Arequipa to compile this list of our favorite restaurants. The Best Restaurants Arequipa Zig Zag The upscale European - Peruvian fusion menu at Zig Zag is rightfully popular with the main courses, desserts, and wine lists combining to provide an unforgettable experience. When you visit, check out the restaurant's staircase designed by French architect, Gustave Alexandre Eiffel. Chicha It’s tough to go wrong with a menu inspired by Peru’s most noted chef, Gaston Acurio. Featuring traditional favorites as well as new takes on Peruvian cuisine using fresh local ingredients, Chicha is a sure bet for fine dining in Arequipa. La Trattoria del Monasterio Nestled within the architectural complex of Santa Catalina Monastery, La Trattoria del Monasterio serves delicious Italian with Arequipeño influences and Andean ingredients in a great location. La Nueva Palomino This is considered by many locals to be the best of Arequipa’s picanterías. Although a little touristy and a bit loud on the weekends, this is the place to go for local flavor in both food and ambiance. Crepisimo A good option for families, or travelers who are looking for something simple and international, Crepisimo is from the same restaurant family as Zig Zag and offers sandwiches, salads, and both sweet and savory crepes. Contact us for more information on a culinary tour Peru! "Must-Try" Dishes
Peru is the food mecca of South America, proudly laying claim to a selection of the best restaurants in the world and the #1 restaurant in Latin America. Although the gastronomic publicity tends to focus on the capital, Lima, culinary adventures await the traveler wherever they go in this country. Each…
The highlight of a visit to Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the most impressive colonial religious buildings in Peru. The large convent is a ‘city within a city,’ covering over 20,246 square meters (218,000 square feet) and preserving the characteristics of 16th and 18th centuries, with narrow twisting streets, tidy plazas, colorful courtyards, and simple living quarters with Spanish names like Córdova, Sevilla, and Toledo. The delicate pastel colors of the buildings contrast with bright flowers, period furnishings, and religious art making it the picture-perfect place to explore some of the history of Arequipa. Aracari can arrange a visit to Santa Catalina Monastery as a part of a private, tailormade trip Peru. The History of Santa Catalina Monastery Santa Catalina Monastery was built in 1579, but only opened to the public in 1970 after 400 years as a nunnery. Visitors to the cloister can see the spacious patios, the kitchen, and slave quarters of this convent, where entrance requirements were among the strictest in Peru. Prospective nuns had to prove Spanish origin and come up with a dowry of at least 1,000 gold pesos to join the order. About four dozen nuns still live in the northern corner of the complex, which once housed up to 500 women. Contact us for a tailormade trip to Peru including a visit to Santa Catalina Monastery! When the convent opened twenty years ago, its scandals came to light. Among them is the story of Sister Dominga, the 16-year-old who entered the convent when her betrothed left her for a rich widow. The religious life did not agree with this beautiful young woman, so she faked her own death to escape. Moreover, there was little heed paid to the nuns´ vows of poverty and silence behind closed doors in the early days. During its heyday, the sleeping cells were more like luxurious European
The highlight of a visit to Arequipa is the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the most impressive colonial religious buildings in Peru. The large convent is a ‘city within a city,’ covering over 20,246 square meters (218,000 square feet) and preserving the characteristics of 16th and 18th centuries, with narrow…
