This morning we flew from Cusco to Arequipa. Arequipa is a city of over 1million and sits at the foot of El Misti Volcano. Most of the city is built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic material which is why it has a nickname of being “the White City”. It is the gateway to the Colca Canyon and is also now famous for the discovery of “Juanita”, a Incan child who was sacrificed over 500yrs ago but has been frozen so is extremely well preserved.
We spent our afternoon visiting the Santa Catalina Convent and the museum where Juanita is housed. Santa Catalina Convent was only opened to the public in 1970 after four centuries of mystery. The convent was once filled with the daughters of wealthy families. The first born daughter would be married and the second born daughter would be sent to the convent usually at age 12. The families had to pay a one off dowry of 1000 pesos and would then still be responsible for their keep and have to build them houses within the confines of the convent walls. After 4 years training as novices the girls were offered a position as a nun, if they declined they would be sent from the convent and disowned by their families. The convent has been refurbished and some of the original furniture items remain so it is really interesting to walk around and see how the Nuns used to live. The current Nuns now live next door in a more modern convent.
The museum where Juanita is housed was also very interesting. It has artefacts from the graves of Juanita and the other 2 sacrificed children that were found on the mountains. As well as explaining the history and culture behind the sacrifices of these children.
After this we all met up again at a terrace restaurant to watch sunset which was beautiful.
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