Arequipa, the White City
Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa, is known as the White City due to the pale hue of its buildings, constructed with the white volcanic sillar rock mined nearby. Founded in 1540 by the Spanish, much of the city, including the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed main square, takes influence from its founders with a well preserved colonial ambience. The city serves as the gateway to the famous Colca Canyon: twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the great fissure is renowned for its beautiful terraces and gliding condors.