Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru

Because of centuries of Spanish colonization, over 80% of the Peruvian population identifies as Catholic. So, it’s not surprising that two important attractions we toured in the city were Santa Catalina Monastery and Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa.

Catholicism in Peru is distinct from anywhere else. Peruvians celebrate a version of Catholicism mixed with native beliefs and practices. An example is the near synonymous association of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and the Virgin Mary.

We toured Mundo Alpaca to understand the textile richness of the Andes. (Be sure to ask Leon about his experience with a charging alpaca)!

And, lastly we toured Santuarios Andinos Museum to see Arequipa‘s most globally famous attraction, the Juanita mummy. She is believed to have been a sacrificial offering by Inca priests to the volcano Mount Ampato, where she remained buried in snow for over 500 years. In 1995, the scholar Johan Reinhard, discovered her frozen body which is now on display as one of the world's best preserved mummies.

We dined on alpaca and guinea pig, which were both delicious! We also tried a drink from the Andes & Amazonian regions called Chicha Morada, made with purple maize.

And, apparently, we were SO exhausted from our travels that we slept through a 5.4 earthquake!Read more