The Countryside
The agricultural area of the periphery of the city is embodied in beautiful picturesque landscapes. It is as a great chessboard in different degrees of green and with the Incan system of sowing in "andenerías". The Arequipa´s countryside has been inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists and poets.

To continue we will describe small towns that are located in the surroundings of Arequipa.

Cayma
Is located in a high area.Cayma offers a magnificent view of Arequipa and is often referred as the  "Balcony of Arequipa". On the main plaza, the ancient church of San Miguel Arcangel (1730) is considered to be a jewel of the blended styles of colonial architecture. To the right of the temple is a dining room called "Comedor de Bolívar" and a small art museum. Here it is also a traditional celebration of the Feast of "Virgen de la Candelaria".

Yanahuara
A town of narrow streets, very old houses, and excellent "picanterías" (a kind of restaurant). Yanahuara is also located in a high area, it has a main plaza with a beautiful church (1750), whose facade is finely sculpted in ashlar. Nearby you can find Yanahuara's "mirador" (or scenic overlook) which affords an excellent view of the city of Arequipa.

The neighborhood of San Lazaro
Very near to the historical center of Arequipa. It is formed by small narrow streets, also very old houses built in ashlar, this is one of the most typical neighborhoods.

Jesús
Located 9 km (5.6 miles) east of Arequipa. Jesus is well known for its thermal springs, plentiful in this area for its volcanic nature. Due to its high contain of chloride, arsenic and iron, these medicinal and tonic waters have been used to treat liver diseases and rheumatism. The pools or "puquiales" are naturally pure and 100% drinkable. Jesús has lodging centers both for patients and tourists.

Yura
Located 25 km (15.5 miles) north of Arequipa, near the volcano Chachani. This is a population on which exists watering places assorted by springs of thermomedicinal water, ferruginous water and sulfurous water. It has lodging for patients and tourists. It also has a beautiful chapel. Very close to this place at the north part you can find the Socosani springs.

Carmen Alto
Town in the middle of beautiful landscapes of andenería in the countryside ("andenería" or "andenes" are steps that the ancient Incas built to irrigate their mountainside fields).  Headquarters for an astronomical observatory.

Tiabaya
Lively town, located to the west of Arequipa. Is known for its traditional celebration of the Festival of the Three Kings on January 6. Founded by Inca Mayta Cápac. It was named Capital of Arequipa during President Castilla's government.

Sachaca
To the west of Arequipa, Sachaca's Founder's House, rising from the earth like a great castle, commands extraordinary view of the surrounding countryside.

Tingo
Located south of Arequipa, this town with its watering places and small lagoon, as well as weekly cockfights, attracts large Sunday crowds.

Paucarpata
Located to the southeast of Arequipa, this bucolic town have excellent views of the countryside.

Sabandia
Located 8 km (5 miles) southeast of Arequipa, this town is located in an area with lots of  springs of water and is also important for its "andeneria" and beautiful countryside. We recommend a visit to the XVIII Century restored watermill.

Socabaya
Picturesque town in the middle of the countryside, beautiful landscapes.

Characato
Founded by Inca Mayta Cápac, traditional religious feasts and famous for its bullfights. Geophysical observatory of the National University of San Agustín.

Quequeña
Located in the countryside, 15,000 year-old stone carvings can be found near the town.

Chiguata
Located on the slopes of the volcano Pichupichu, 27 km (16.8 miles) east of Arequipa, founded by the Incas, this town has a beautiful XVI Century  Church of the Sacred Spirit of the Dominican Order.