Elevation
Population
Geography
Climate
Gastronomy
Economy
Language
Religion

 

ELEVATION

Altitude 2380m (7800ft) above sea level.

 

POPULATION

With a population of 904,931 it is the second most populated city of the country.

 

GEOGRAPHY

The city of Arequipa is located in the southwestern part of the country, between the coastal area of the coastal desert and the spurs of the western Andes. It possesses a series of volcanic cones such as "El Misti", "Chachani" and "Pichu Pichu". Its territory is rugged due to the presence of the Andes in the west of the continent, and is characterized by thick layers of volcanic lava that cover large areas of its geography. Its features include low-lying plains and dunes.

 

CLIMATE

The climate of Arequipa is warm and rather dry all through the year. Arequipa lies alongside the southernmost tip of Peru's Desert Coast and enjoys much sunny weather, with daytime temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C / 68°F.
However, by night, temperatures in Arequipa can drop sharply, particularly in June, July and August, when evening temperatures hover around 10°C / 50°F, and at times fall to 5°C / 41°F.

 

GASTRONOMY

Arequipa cuisine has been more heavily influenced by Spain. Spanish rabbit stew is very popular in Arequipa, peppers and hot chili peppers, various fruits and vegetables, pork, beef, sheep, guinea pig, alpaca, ostrich, fish and shrimp, milk and cheeses, corn, all providing great flavors. The restaurants where traditional food is sold are called picanterías and are where you can always find a glass of wine and Pisco (grape liquor).

 

ECONOMY

The contribution of the city of Arequipa to Peru's GDP is 5.7% (74.2% of GDP in the Arequipa region), being the second highest in the country. According to recent reports on the American Economy, it is the "city with the greatest economic growth in Latin America," presenting a percentage change in GDP per capita of 66.1% in the period 2003-2008. Also in the 2007-2008 period it was the city with the highest percentage change in GDP in Latin America with a variation of 9.59%.
Since the 20th century, the city of Arequipa has developed industries, primarily related to the alpaca and wool industries, providing a center of exchange and mediation in the southern Andes, and serving as a link between the coast and the mountains.

 

LANGUAGE

The official language is Spanish and Quecha. Currently Arequipa maintains a very intense literary life, and aims to develop a magnificent literary culture, making Arequipa the City of Culture in Peru. Arequipa is also known for the most important Peruvian writer alive, Mario Vargas Llosa, winner of the 2010 Nobel Prize of Literature.

 

RELIGION

The official religion is Catholicism. Many religious festivities are held throughout the year.