We took a morning bus from Tacna near the Chilean border, heading North to Arequipa through more desert and more mountains. It remained spectacular but we were looking forward to seeing some green mountains closer to Macchu Picchu.
Arequipa is at 2400 metres so our plan was to stop for a few days, soak up some Peruvian hospitality and adjust to the altitude before climbing around the ruins at Macchu Picchu, also at 2400 metres. Our main concern was that the town of Cusco, where trains depart from bound for Macchu Picchu, sits above 3300 metres, high enough to make overnight stays uncomfortable.
Arequipa was beautiful - lots of old European influenced architecture, a magnificent main square surrounded by balcony restaurants and cafes and a backdrop of two huge volcanoes rising out of the dry desert landscape. We decided we needed 3 days to soak the place up and left on an overnight bus to Cusco.
Arequipa is at 2400 metres so our plan was to stop for a few days, soak up some Peruvian hospitality and adjust to the altitude before climbing around the ruins at Macchu Picchu, also at 2400 metres. Our main concern was that the town of Cusco, where trains depart from bound for Macchu Picchu, sits above 3300 metres, high enough to make overnight stays uncomfortable.
Arequipa was beautiful - lots of old European influenced architecture, a magnificent main square surrounded by balcony restaurants and cafes and a backdrop of two huge volcanoes rising out of the dry desert landscape. We decided we needed 3 days to soak the place up and left on an overnight bus to Cusco.
Arequipa Bus Station
Volcanoes to the West of town
On the main square
The popular park in the main square
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