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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

AREQUIPA

Arequipa is a large city in southern Peru, just over 1,000 km (625 mi) from Lima, and capital of the Arequipa Province. Situated in the highlands at the foot of the snow-capped El Misti, it lies in the Valley of Volcanoes surrounded by B0 volcanoes. The flne colonial Spanish buildings constructed of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, give Arequipa its nickname La Ciudad Blanca ('the white city').

Archaeological findings indicate that the fertile valley of Arequipa city was occupied as far back as 5000 BC. In the 15th century the region, at the time occupied by A5,'rnara Indians, was conquered by the Inca and soon became an important supplier of agrarnn products to the Inca Empire. The modern city was founded in 1540 by Garci Manuel de Carbajal, an emissary of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro.

Stay in the city and visit the array of temples, convents, colonial mansions, palaces and museums - in particular, the striking Convento de Santo Oatalina and the Museo de Arte Virreinal. Similarly, the city centre's bustling market places are worth exploring, as is the curious Juanita Mummy, zfr exhibition open from May to November, displaying frozen bodies of sacriflcial victims found in neighbouring volcanoes.

However, arguably the real highlights of Arequipa can be found in the surrounding countryside where oasis-like valleys, thermal springs and outdoor camping attract the more active traveller. A visit to the Colca Canyon, once thought to be the world's deepest at 3,140 m (10,300 ft) and twice the size of the Grand Canyon, is strongly recommended and deflniteiy worth the four-hour excursion. Walk, condor watch and explore the local towns whilst taking in the breathtaking views.

POPULATION: AREQUIPA

800,000 (2006) WHEN TO GO: With an estimated 300 days of bright sunshine and warm temperatures, Arequipa is suitable to visit all year round.

DON'T MISS: AREQUIPA

Claustrode de La Compania. Yanahuara Church. Colca's local dancers. The Goyeneche Palace. Casa del Moral.

YOU SHOULD KNOW: AREQUIPA

In 2000 UNESCO declared the historic centre of Arequipa a World Heritage Site, stating'The historical centre of Arequipa is an example of ornamented architecture, representing a masterpiece of the creative coalition of European and native characteristics'.