Arequipa known as the "White City" history dates back to 8000 years B.C. Testimony of this history is its cave-paintings and may archaeological monuments in the surrounding areas. Legend tells of Arequipa being founded by the fourth Inca, Mayta Capac, whose Army invaded and camped in the valley. When it was time to leave, some of his people asked to be able to stay, to which the Inca responded: "ari quepay", which in Quechua means "yes, you may stay". Its founding by the Spaniards dates back to August 15, 1540, when it was baptized as "Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Se�ora de la Asunci�n" (Beautiful Village of Our Lady of the Assumption

Because of its closeness and intermediate location between the sea and the cities of Puno and Cusco, Arequipa played an important role in the times of the Viceroys in the region. During the Republic, it consolidated its economy by exporting sheep wool and alpaca, vicu�a and llama fabrics, supplying the English industry, which was the most important in the world in mid 19th century. At the end of the 19th century and early in the 20th century, the city secured its economic leadership in the southern Andean highlands. Arequipa is surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, deep canyons, highland desert plains, and the Pacific Ocean. Attractions such as the Santa Catalina Convent, Colca Canyon (home of the Andean Condor), the petroglyphs of Toro Muerto, El Misti volcano, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu mountains make Arequipa a great side trip while traveling in Peru!