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Arequipa Pisco Route
The Arequipa region, located in the southern part of Peru, is characterized by the second deepest canyon in the world, exquisite traditional dishes that offer extraordinary gastronomic experiences, a unique cultural heritage and many other natural beauties.
For pisco lovers, the flagship drink of Peru, the Ruta del Pisco is not to be missed when visiting the 22 wineries along this route.
There are 3 options to reach the Ruta del Pisco: to the north, through the valleys of Camaná and CaravelÃ; in the center through the Majes Valley; and to the south, through the valleys of La Joya, Santa Rita de Siguas and VÃtor. The latter is the closest to the historic center of Arequipa, the capital of the region that bears the same name and situated just an hour and a half away.
Along the way you will have the opportunity to learn about the ancient traditions and to taste different types of Pisco made from different varieties of grapes: negra criolla, italia, moscatel, torontel, quebranta and mollar. -
Arequipa: the Monastery of Santa Catalina
The Monastery of Santa Catalina from Siena is an unmissable visit in Arequipa, a city located in southern Peru also known as "The White City" due to the color of the volcanic stone with which the main buildings of the historic center are built. The convent was built using the sillar of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes, located at the foot of Arequipa.
The religious building was opened on September 10, 1579 by Doña MarÃa de Guzmán, a wealthy widow. It is an architectural complex often referred to as a citadel within Arequipa, occupying approximately 20,000 square meters and surrounded by high walls that isolate it from city life.
The Santa Catalina Monastery represents an excellent fusion between the aSpanish influence and local traditions, generating a unique style. Walking through the silent alleys, the kiosks, the lively colored walls, the numerous paintings and works of art of this Unesco Cultural Heritage of Humanity, you will feel a unique mystical atmosphere. -
Ica: dances of Chincha
Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas are the traditional dances of the city of Chincha, located in the Ica region, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
These famous dances are popular during the Christmas period, to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Hatajo de Negritos and Las Pallitas are the result of the combination of the African, Spanish and Andean rhythm, with roots in 17th century dances and songs.
Hatajo de Negritos is danced only by men. The Las Pallitas dance, also known as Las Pallas, is danced exclusively by women. The name of this dance is a word of Quechua origin that alludes to female people. The only musical instrument used in the Hatajo de Negritos is the violin, while Las Pallitas are animated by the sound of a guitar.
Both dances are not only staged in Chinca, but also in Huaral (Lima) and Huaytará (Huancavelica) representing the best of Peru's multiculturalism.
