Peru - Land

Lima, the largest city in Peru, sits at sea level.


Arequipa, the second largest city, is at 7600 feet and considered a mountain desert.

Arequipa's International Airport is about the size of our Walmart

El Misti, an active volcano, provides a stunning backdrop from almost everywhere in the city.



It's ringed by other mountains in the Andes chain.


The historic Plaza de Armas, with its twin-towered cathedral, is the city's center.


The plaza is surrounded on three sides with colonial buildings


dating back to the 17th century.


Known as "The White City," Arequipa is famous for buildings made of ashlar, a white volcanic rock.



The park is in the center of the Plaza.



Further from the center of town.


As the city's grown, houses were built on the sides of hills.


Stray dogs are a common sight; many of the roads are unpaved.



There's a lot of traffic closer in. Several months ago, we found a youtube video of the crazy driving, which Holly confirmed was for real.


The kids received quite a bit of instruction regarding crime. While crossing a busy street, one of the girls had her backpack opened by a thief behind her, who was scared off when she began shouting at him.



The team was here during Peru's winter. Very arid, the highs at this time of year are in the upper 60s; the lows in the upper 40s.