Unique Landscapes and Mystical Places

Good morning!
Around Santa Lucía village are the lands with the largest concentration of alpaca reserves in Peru. I suggest you to walk around the main square and admire the surroundings, where you will surely see some alpacas strolling around.
Before departing I recommend you to get some food and drinks in some of the stores you'll find around the main square, for the road as it will be a little far and there's no place to buy anything until you get to the Pillones water falls.

To get to these beautiful falls you will have to walk a bit, but believe me it is worth it. It's a paradise!! It is advisable to wear trainers and warm clothes as the winds here can be strong and cold.
Beware of altitude sickness at all moments. These falls are located at 4600 metres above sea level. How to get there: Going along Route 34A from Puno to Arequipa, at Km 154. A dirt track opens up on the right, take this road (don't worry, it's a smooth track). At the turn you will see a booth where you can buy refreshments and food for the journey, if you wish. Continue along this track for a few kilometres until you see a sign for PLAYA (beach) with an arrow. There you can park your car and continue walking.

It is a fantastic oasis in the middle of the road. A very curious place. Outside you can see alpacas grazing in the wild and inside, a huge lounge where you can sit al fresco and have a drink or a bite to eat if you wish. There are many regional products on sale, from food, sweets to drinks and even clothes made from baby alpaca wool. The road to Arequipa is long but there are unique landscapes, typical of these lands that you will love to treasure.

I recommend you to check with the hotel, when you arrive in Arequipa because in case they have their own parking or have discounts in the car parks near the hotel, maybe you can park where they recommend you.

This monastery is so beautiful, it is like being in an enchanting place, away from everything. Its strident colours give it a special atmosphere.
You will be captivated by walking along the paths and exploring every corner. It is a large monastery, built in the 16th century by order of the viceroy of Spain, Francisco de Toledo. It is currently one of the most important monasteries in the country. It is a beautiful work of colonial architecture, which withstood the onslaught of several earthquakes throughout its history.
It has 20.000 square metres, it is like a small city, where even the daughters of important Inca chiefs, converted to the Christian religion and very devout, lived here once. There are still cloistered nuns living in a sector of the monastery and you may come across one, when you are walking through these little streets. It is a special and colourful journey back in time.
Opening hours: Every day, from 09:00 to 18:00 hs. (Last entry at 17:00 hs.) Thursdays: from 09:00 to 20:30 hs. (Last entry 19:30 hs.)
Here you can purchase your tickets in advance.

A café that will surprise you, it has a unique atmosphere, a bohemian ambience full of details and charm.
You will go just for a coffee and then you will leave with an unforgettable experience.
How was the coffee there? To tell you the truth, I couldn't care less, the place had already captivated me... hahahaha!
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 21:00 hs. Sunday: Closed.

One of the most beautiful squares in all of Peru in my opinion. The colonial buildings are very picturesque and the whole square has a very particular beauty.
I recommend you to walk around it quietly and admire the views. In this square the city of Arequipa was founded, since then it was the centre around which this beautiful city was built.That's why is the very heart of the city and you can feel it when you are there.
If you walk under the arches on one side of the square you will find a variety of shops, cafes and even a popular handicraft market.

This beautiful neighbourhood in Arequipa, is located within the area bounded by the streets: Tejada and Jerusalem with Juan de la Torre Av.
It is an old neighbourhood, with cobbled streets and low houses, very picturesque and with a unique and pleasant atmosphere.
This neighbourhood is considered a World Heritage Site, given its historical value. These houses and their streets already existed before the foundation of the city. Its neighbours are very friendly and humble people.

Beautiful bridge over the Chili River.
Walking towards the bridge, we saw an alpaca grazing in one of the parks we crossed, look carefully, maybe you will find one too!
The whole area around the bridge is very beautiful, there are parks and gardens to stroll through and admire the beauty of this city.

It's time to dine like an Inca God... Here they serve delicious dishes, grilled meats very well done. It is an extraordinary place, they have cuts of meat from all over South America (I am Argentinean, I ordered an Argentinean cut and it was delicious).
The interior environments are very picturesque and pleasant. There is regional decoration in the lounges and everything has a very exotic flair. The staff is very attentive and friendly. And if all this wasn't enough, the ambience is great...
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 22:00 hs Sunday from 12:00 to 21:00 hs For reservations click here

You will have a very pleasant moment in this hotel, which is the best in all of Arequipa, without a doubt. We were given a room that overlooked a very nice outdoor courtyard. It was like a little house. We had a great time there, it was spacious and bright. The patio was full of colourful flowering plants. Very beautiful!
The staff is very nice and they will explain everything you ask them with a smile. The location is ideal, near the monastery of Santa Catalina, I fell in love with that area.
Remember to make your reservations in advance. Check-in is from 13:00 hs onwards. Check-out until 11:00 hs.
Have a good night!
;)