BUS TOUR OF AREQUIPA

On December 28th, we go with Laura on a
four-hour bus tour around the city of
Arequipa. This was new to us, too!
We had never taken an "official" tour before,
and we were treated to some new sights.

We have a bird's eye view of the crazy traffic
in Arequipa - we have no desire to drive here!

First stop is the Mirador at Carmen Alto,
one of our favorite views here in Arequipa.

Next, another Mirador at Yanahuara, with
an awesome view of the volcano Misti.

We had never been to the Alpaca Factory,
where beautiful handknit clothing is made.

Vicunas (above)have the most sought-after wool in Peru,

ten times as expensive as that of the alpaca (below).

Arequipa is an interesting mix of city life and countryside.

The Sachaca Tower offers another incredible
view of the entire area around Arequipa.
Halfway up is this statue of Christ.

Vista from the top!

The Mansion of the Founder ("Fundador") has
a good view of some of the "pueblos jovenes"
or resettlement villages surrounding Arequipa.

Another unexplored place for us was the Molino
Water Mill. The waterfall made me nostalgic for Montana!

Very pretty grounds...