“Yes, stay,” is what “Ari qhipay” means in Quechua. One legend says that the name for the city came from this answer that was given when a visitor asked for permission to stay in the valley.
I stayed for six days, longer than I had planned. The climate is perfect, the views of volcanos in every direction never grow old, and after two months of traveling it was the right time and place to just slow down and relax.
I also had a spacious and comfortable Home Exchange house for the week, with a beautiful back garden and fresh bread left at the front gate every morning. It was hard to get motivated to leave the house!
On a walking tour of the old city, I met two fellow travelers from the US (first Americans I’ve met on this trip!) and enjoyed spending some time together. We learned that Arequipa is known as “the white city” due to the soft white volcanic stone used to build many of the buildings in the center.
I joined a long tour (leaving at 3 am) to the world’s deepest canyon, Colca Canyon. Along the way, climbed through snow-covered highlands and descended into green valleys.
The highlight was seeing the Andean condors which appear every day to glide through the valley, scoping out areas for future meals. These majestic birds have a wingspan of up to ten feet and are some of the largest flying birds in the world.
I must admit I did not expect to feel so excited and moved to actually see them flying right past us.
I can’t stay forever in Arequipa. I’m spending a few days in Cusco before leaving for six days of hiking to some fascinating ruins. I’ll be off the grid for most of it, so expect lots of photos and news of my hike when I get back!
May 5, 2024 @ 09:07
Amazing Tim it all is so majestic from the mountain to the city you have carried me away
May 6, 2024 @ 16:26
Majestic describes it perfectly.
May 5, 2024 @ 17:07
Oh, Tim!!!! You continue to amaze me!!! I do love traveling with you!
May 6, 2024 @ 16:26
Many more adventures to come!
May 5, 2024 @ 19:49
Your photos just get more and more spectacular – like something from a movie (but better!)! Couldn’t help wondering what the thing on the bed of lettuce and onions was . . .??
May 6, 2024 @ 16:27
Thanks, Stevi! That’s “cuy” or guinea pig, a specialty in Peru. I didn’t eat it – my lunch companion ordered it!
May 7, 2024 @ 14:58
Love love love these pictures. Your trip sounds so fantastic. I wish I was a little bird so I could ride on your shoulder through all these great adventures. Thanks for taking us along. Your last remaining weeks. Stay safe on your challenging hike. We Will be seeing you soon. Much love and peace to you, my friend.
May 15, 2024 @ 07:41
Thank you, Madeline. Great to see you on Zoom last night. I’ll be thinking of you on Friday.