AREQUIPA cannot be visited in just one day… Here is our second day in this lovely, pleasant and charming city.
AREQUIPA VISIT - 2nd day program
Juanita Museum – Mirador de Yanahuara – Church of San Juan Bautista – Cocktail on the Top - ZIG ZAG Restaurant
AREQUIPA VISIT - Juanita Museum
The Juanita Museum in Arequipa is the name given to the Santuarios Andinos Museum. Juanita was a very young girl who was sacrificed by the Incas and left on the summit of the Nevado Ampato glacier (6,310 m) as an offering to the gods. Her body was preserved in the ice for 500 years and was rediscovered in 1995 in remarkably good condition.
I found the visit very interesting because, included in the entrance fee (25 soles, or about €6), we had a guide who spoke excellent French. He made the story of this young Inca woman fascinating. He also explained the history of the Incas, their organization, and their customs. A must-do!
AREQUIPA VISIT - Mirador de Yanahuara
The Yanahuara district is located approximately 2 km from the center of Arequipa . It's about a 35-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. The district is situated on a hill. A viewpoint in the church square offers a view through charming white archways of three famous volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. The panorama is magnificent!
AREQUIPA VISIT - Church of San Juan Bautista
On the same square as the Mirador is this beautiful church from 1750. Baroque style, it is a major work of Métis decoration.
AREQUIPA TOUR - Yanahuara District
Above all, you have to walk and stroll through the small and narrow streets of this friendly district to admire the beautiful colonial facades.
AREQUIPA VISIT - On the top
Quickly, quickly, you have to go around 17:00 pm to the “On the Top” restaurant to admire the sunset over the Cathedral. You have to go early because you cannot reserve. So the 1st to arrive have the best tables with the VIEW! And having a cocktail with friends in such a wonderful setting is also HAPPINESS!
Remember to ask for the red ponchos: the waitress will lend you beautiful Peruvian costumes. So dressed you will really be in the mood and you will be able to take beautiful photos.
AREQUIPA VISIT - ZIG ZAG Restaurant
And to finish in style, I highly recommend the restaurant ZIG ZAG: Calle Zela 210.
We get seated and they bring you bibs so you can eat like little piggies… To really enjoy your meal, I recommend the surtido de 4 carnes a la piedra (a dish for two people at 65 Soles, or about 15 Euros for two!). They bring you an assortment of very good meats (beef, lamb, veal, and llama) with different sauces. Side dishes are your choice: mashed potatoes, Andean potatoes, ratatouille, or fries.
And now find out the next day: