Arequipa is the second most important city after Lima it has a more colonial style as is far more laid back than Lima. this was the first place that we started to notice the altitude but at only 2325 m (7626ft) above sea level it wasnt that high up at all.

Arequipa is surrounded by snow capped Andes and unlike Lima (when I was there anyway) has bright blue skies, but the air was cold and had very strong sun. This was the first place I noticed the altitude starting to take effect as soon as you tried to walk up a hill, you were panting for breath! Unfortunately I was really ill in Arequipa (left over food poisoning so didnt get to see very much of it at all apart form Juanita, the 500 year old mummy, all preserved skin ?n all!!!!!