Arequipa - Peru

Happy New Year to everyone.

#newyear in australia.

A post shared by jono (@dj_jondent) on Dec 31, 2017 at 5:01am PST

I hope 2018 brings much good fortune.
Sitting back watching the fireworks last night reminded me of a NYE in Peru.
2011 in Arequipa.

Such a wonderful night.
I made some great friends with whom I'm friends with to this day.

Arequipa was founded on the 15 August 1540 by Garci Manuel de Carbaja. It's beautiful, filled with baroque architecture & frequently rivaled Lima for dominance. Arequipa was for a short time the capital of Peru. It has the second biggest population. Framed by 3 volcanoes, it's high in altitude (2335m above sea level) makes it a great place to acclimatise if you are planning to hike to Machu Picchu (2430m).
We did a trip to these volcanoes (Chachani, Misti and Pichu Picchu) to test for stamina. It's a good thing to do before your hike.

The city's baroque buildings are mostly constructed from sillar, a white volcanic stone.
Even our hotel was made of the stuff.

This was the entrance to our hotel

Below are some pics of the main Cathedral.

The Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

Located in the "Plaza de Armas". It was opened in 1656.

 It's style is described as Renaissance Revival architecture.

 This is the central plaza.

 Everything was shut. It was the 1st Jan.2011.

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http://djjondent.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/travel-postcards-index-my-travel.html