Arequipa is often referred to as the white city due to the white washed look of its buildings (made from sillar, the Spanish name for the volcanic white rock mined from local quarries). The city is located at about 8,300 feet in southern Peru and is surrounded by tall mountains and the prominent volcano, El Misti. However, it is only a couple of hours from the ocean by vehicle. The weather is dry, crisp and clear with pleasant days and cool … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Travel Agencies
Using Travel Agencies can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the situation and how you like to travel. Depending on the situation and type of trip, using travel agencies are often more expensive than planning and making the trip on your own. However, travel agencies will often save valuable travel time as they already have existing relationships established with guides and local tour operators. They offer pre-arranged tours and … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Santa Catalina Convent
Santa Catalina convent is a city in and of itself. Visitors can choose a guided tour from one of several languages, wander among the convent individually, or as I chose to do - combine self touring with guided touring. Guides are all women, smartly dressed in gray/light blue suits. There is no set fee for their guiding services; visitors decide what to pay them at the end of the tour (lasting approximately 90 minutes). I spent 3/4 of my time … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Other Activities
All listings on this page are alphabetized. We visited or participated in all the activities listed on this page. Colca Canyon - view our description here El Misti - towers above Arequipa at 5,822 M or 19,101 feet. Visitors to the city can't miss it; it dominates the skyline. Several options are available for hiking in its vicinity or climbing to the top. A normal climb is 2 to 3 days but those who have problems with altitude or are not … [Read more...]
Arequipa, Peru – Restaurants
We have eaten at many restaurants in Arequipa and never had a problem with the food in regards to food sickness. With that said, be sure the food is well cooked and avoid unwashed fruit or uncooked vegetables, such as lettuce. In basic restaurants we refrained from ordering fresh salads even though we were very tempted. We never had a problem eating fresh fruit and vegetables in the higher end restaurants. Some local dishes to consider trying … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA
Twenty-two miles across the sea, separated from the mainland, by the gray waters that lie in hand, is a jewel of an island by the name of Catalina, or more romantically, Santa Catalina. If you arrive at sunset you may be treated and teased by nature's wonderful display of color and light. If you arrive after dark for the first time, the sparkling diamonds of Avalon will beckon you with their mysterious, yet at the same time energizing … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – History
Human history on Catalina Island dates from about 7000 BC. The Gabrielino Indians were the first humans to live on the island. Soapstone was plentiful on the island and the natives created bowls and other implements from this rock (and then traded with natives living on the mainland). Juan R. Cabrillo became the first European to set eyes on the island in 1542. In the 1790's the sea otter population suffered tremendously due to the over … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Transportation
There are several ways to reach Catalina from the mainland including ferry, helicopter and private boat or plane. While Catalina has one airport (Airport in the Sky), this airport is not setup for commercial service. There are currently four mainland ports serviced by ferry to Avalon: San Pedro, Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point Catalina Express is the primary shuttle ferry operating out of three locations: Long Beach (the … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – Avalon
Avalon is the urban center of Catalina. It is a mix of day trippers, at times - cruise ship passengers and locals. The town is centered around the beautiful waterfront and for good reason - most passengers arrive here and it is a visually stunning part of town that at times almost looks European. The town spreads out into the surrounding hills - featuring older and often colorful wooden buildings. Brightly colored flowering flowing … [Read more...]
Catalina, CA – The Casino, Avalon
The casino is one of Avalon's most recognizable and famous landmarks. It sits on a point at the edge of the harbor on on the way to the Descanso Beach Club. It is not a casino as in gambling but rather refers to an Italian term as a 'place of gathering'. Two tiny rock hills, called Sugarloaf originally stood on this site - the larger one was removed to make way for the original casino and later the second one was also removed as it hindered … [Read more...]