Arequipa

In Arequipa, we are dropped off by the taxi driver on a busy narrow street in front of our hotel. Chef Martin leads us through a small courtyard into a huge room made of natural stone with a high vaulted ceiling. This hall is actually our home for the next five days, pleasantly cool and well shielded from the noise of the street. Most buildings in the historic city center are built in this generous colonial style and appear pretty and friendly due to the white sillar stone. The center of the picturesque old town is, like in Cuzco, a large square with the same name: Plaza de Armas. It is dominated by the huge, also radiant white cathedral. Under large shade-giving trees, between colorfully planted flower beds, the locals come together here. They chat, eat, and play, traders offer their range of goods, and people pose for the obligatory photo in front of the fountain. The lively square is framed by beautiful arcades, where you can find nice restaurants and cafes behind or on the first floor of the white buildings. A place to feel good!