The city of Arequipa is situated in the South-western part of Peru, at an altitude of 2,335 m. above sea level and is lodged in a fertile valley, between the Atacama desert´s coastal area and the foothills of the Occidental Andean Cordillera. It is the capital city of the Province of Arequipa, where it is located, as well as of the Region Arequipa, where is the province of the same name.

Arequipa´s metropolitan area is considered as the second largest in the country, occupying a territorial extension of nearly 3,000 km² and therefore, as the second most visited in Peru.

At present, Arequipa is an important commercial axis in the country´s Southern part, as it also has two industrial parks, imposing itself as the “most industrialized city after the Lima-Callao axis”, meanwhile keeping tight commercial relations with Bolivia and Brazil. It communicates by rail with the Port of Matarani; the Peruvian sea port with the greatest flux after the Port of El Callao [5]. On the other hand, the textile production of export quality camelidae´s wool stands out.

The city of Arequipa is located in the South-western part of the country, 772 km. from Lima. In its surroundings, one can observe a series of snow-covered volcanic cones like the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Its territory is rough due to the presence of the Andean Cordillera, in the continent´s occidental part and the region is characterized by thick layers of volcanic lava that cover large areas of its geography. There are plateaus of little height and dunes are typical features of Arequipa´s Desert and the ones that can be observed in the plains of Majes, Sihuas and La Joya, are particularly beautiful and developed.

COLCA VALLEY

In order to get to that valley, one must go up to 4,910 meters above sea level and then, descend to 3,600 meters of altitude. During the descent, landscapes can be appreciated with snow-capped peaks, benched terraces and lots of animals.

(Archaeology and actuality) The Collagua were the area´s ancient inhabitants, previous to the Incan Empire. They left their marks that can be seen through their archaeological remains, stone paintings and caves, where they would store their cereals.

After the Spanish conquest, the Colca´s inhabitants were gathered in reductions (reservations), forming villages that settled on both sides of the valley, establishing a special and economic organization of the territory. On the Colca River´s banks, there are fourteen 16th century villages of Spanish influence which, up to present days, preserve several of their original features.
Their traditional celebrations and profusely ornamented churches stand out.
(Natural Vantage Point) Leaving Arequipa in the direction of the Colca Valley, the first village on the way is Chivay, in which a natural vantage point stands out, wherefrom one can see condors in flight in their natural habitat, as well as the Coropuna Volcano and the snow-capped Mount Ampato.

YANAHUARA VANTAGE POINT

The District of Yanahuara is one of the 29 districts that form the Province of Arequipa, situated in the Department of Arequipa, pertaining to the Region Arequipa, in Peru.
About two kilometers from the historical center of the city of Arequipa, is located the District of Yanahuara; a traditional neighborhood of Arequipa, with its narrow cobblestone paved streets and old “sillar” (white volcanic stone) houses, with their typical gardens. Yanahuara is one of Arequipa´s most tourist places.

That neighborhood has one of the most outstanding “mestizo” regional art churches built in 1750.
The square has a vantage point with a picturesque view of Arequipa and its three volcanoes; the Misti being the most famous, the Chachani and Pichu Pichu.

SANTA CATALINA´S CONVENT

History:
It was founded on September 10, 1579, thanks to the donation of Doña María de Guzmán, widow of Don Diego Hernández de Mendoza, who became the convent´s first rector, under the name of Ana María de Jesús. In that convent, were admitted the daughters of the city´s most distinguished families who had the means to pay an allowance of one thousand pesos in minted silver and one hundred common pesos for food. Half way through the 18th century, the convent´s population was composed of fifty-seven black veil nuns, eighteen white veil nuns, fifty-one lay sisters, as well as two hundred service maids and lay women.
Santa Catalina´s Convent was veiled with mystery and silence up to 1970, when great part of the convent was opened to the public and still today, nuns live in the Northern area of the complex.
Everything was renewed in order to make it a better attraction for the public. The little streets and squares are full of colorful flowers and the walls are painted with fresh colors. The narrow passages lead to the convent´s different areas, crossing picturesque places and sites to stay and sleep among the original furniture.

Some visitors remain the whole day and relive the immobile life beyond this convent or walk around the inner streets and get lost on the path of time. The convent is located on the street that carries the same name and is located near the Main Square.
Inside the convent, one can appreciate the Cloister of the Devout Sister Ana de los Ángeles who was beatified during Pope John Paul 2nd´s visit in 1985, due to the fact that miracles were attributed to her.

Architecture:
Originally, the convent occupied a 20,000 m² land lot. The enchantment of that small city resides in the sturdiness and plasticity of its volumes, as well as in the beauty master builders achieved in the architecture of those spaces, by means of creative solutions, such as the flying buttresses or the construction of robust arches seated upon pillars.
Inside, the domes and vaulted roofs considerably enlarge spaces and increase the sensation of strength in the buildings. On the other hand and especially in the area of small streets, one can perceive the intervention of bricklayers who, for lack of a proper architectural design, raised walls, roofs, cells, patios and door frames of a simple lay out.

From the outside, one can appreciate how the same architecture has marked a strict division between the convent´s world and the outer world. A thick wall of white volcanic stones (sillar) surrounds the small city.
Today´s building treasures splendid works of art, such as a baroque altar of carved and golden wood, of one body and three aisles which embellishes the chapel, as well as several painting of the Cusquenian School of Art.