Highlights of Gringo Trail

Below are some of the major travel highlights for Gringo Trail. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Religious Monuments of Quito - Rio (central route)

Arequipa
Arequipa is southern Peru is the second largest city in the country and arguably the most beautiful. Located in a stunning setting at an altitude of 2380 metres and at the base of the perfect conical peak of the El Misti volcano (5882m), Arequipa was founded in 1540 and has a beautifully preserved historic colonial centre. Many of the buildings are constructed with sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, giving the city its nickname La Ciudad Blanca, or the White City. Arequipa's buildings are characterised by robust walls, archways and vaults, courtyards and open spaces, and intricate Baroque decoration of its facades. Around the arcaded Plaza de Armas lies the city's cathedral, built in 1612, which is one of the finest in South America. The Santa Catalina Convent is a miniature town enclosed within a city block that was built in 1580 but closed to the outside world until the 1970s. Once housing 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion, it provides a fascinating glimpse into their lives. Elsewhere, the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries has an intriguing exhibit of the ice mummies found atop some of Arequipa’s surrounding volcanoes. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa

Arequipa

Arequipa is southern Peru is the second largest city in the country and arguably the most beautiful. Located in a stunning setting at an altitude of 2380 metres and at the base of the perfect conical peak of the El Misti volcano (5882m), Arequipa was founded in 1540 and has a beautifully preserved historic colonial centre. Many of the buildings are constructed with sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, giving the city its nickname La Ciudad Blanca, or the White City. Arequipa's buildings are characterised by robust walls, archways and vaults, courtyards and open spaces, and intricate Baroque decoration of its facades. Around the arcaded Plaza de Armas lies the city's cathedral, built in 1612, which is one of the finest in South America. The Santa Catalina Convent is a miniature town enclosed within a city block that was built in 1580 but closed to the outside world until the 1970s. Once housing 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion, it provides a fascinating glimpse into their lives. Elsewhere, the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries has an intriguing exhibit of the ice mummies found atop some of Arequipa’s surrounding volcanoes.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Historical Centre of the City of Arequipa