AREQUIPA

Yet another OPTION. It is surrounded by 3 volcanoes!

Attractions:
~Monastery of Santa Catalina - considered the treasure of Arequipa (will require several hours to walk through)
~Andean Sanctuaries Museum - Displays 500 year old Juanita mummy

~Colca Canyon - one of the deepest in the world

~La Cruz del Cóndor (part of Colca Canyon.......1 1/2 hours from Chivay)

~La Calera - thermal springs (located only on the way to Colca Canyon)

~Arequipa Cathedral - located in Plaza de Armas (free admission)

~Yanahuara - historic location; best view of El Misti volcano through (A MUST SEE)

~Sabandia Mill - 300 yr old water mill set in countryside on outskirts of city; horseback riding

~Casa del Moral - 18th century mansion with Baroque architecture

Admission prices/Hours:

~Monastery of Santa Catalina: $7.50 9am - 5pm

~Andean Sanctuaries Museum: $5 Mon - Sat 9 am - 6pm (closes at 5 pm on Sun)

~Colca Canyon 2 day tour (one of several possible tours): $110 http://www.mysteryperu.com/eng/ar_colca_canyon2days.html

~La Calera Springs (price included in some tours): $1.50

~Sabandia Mill: $2 9am - 5pm

~Casa del Moral: $1.50? 9am - 5pm (not open on Sundays.....possibly not on Sat too)

Here's what I'm (Kiki) thinking so far......Fly to Arequipa on July 18. Have the afternoon to sightsee a bit. Visit the city attractions on the 19th and 20th. Begin our Colca Canyon tour on the 21st.....return to Arequipa late afternoon on the 22nd. Fly to Lima (to rest a night before Cusco) on the morning on the 23rd.

(OR, we could take an early flight out of Arequipa on the 23, and head straight to Cuzco. The more I think about it, the more I like this option......)