This is part 2 of our two-part series of posts about exactly which locations will be affected by this initiative. Read part 1 to see the 5 locations to be receiving the largest shares of support.

6. Lake Titicaca, Puno – US$ 14.5 million

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigatable lake in the world and with that comes a unique culture. The lake straddles the border of Peru and Bolivia where the original Copacabana lies. Puno on the Peruvian side is where travelers go to get a feel for the lake region and its people. From boat rides to floating islands made of reeds to various museums and galleries in the town of Puno itself, this is a very distinctive break from the mountains, jungles, and deserts of the rest of Peru. The investments in this area should help develop these opportunities even more.

The floating reed islands of Puno on Lake Titicaca are some of the most unique accomodations to visit or even experience during your trip to Peru.

7. Northern beaches of Piura and Tumbes – US$ 6.6 million

If sun and splash is your idea of fun, the sandy beaches of Punta Sal, Organos, Colán, Máncora, Cabo Blanco, Zorritos, and countless others between the cities of Piura and Tubes are perfect stops for your Peru vacation. The wild waves of the Peruvian Pacific draw some of the best surfers from around the world. The water shines cerulean blue all year and the rays never relent. It’s no wonder the government wants to show this area off!

8. Cusco – US$ 6.4 million

In addition to the lure of nearby Machu Picchu, Cusco has its fair share of things to boast about too.  Cusco is regarded as the oldest city on the continent and the capital of the legendary Inca Empire. In just 20 years, the population has boomed triple fold as a result of both tourism and natural growth. The San Blas neighborhood offers a bit of hippie flavor in contrast to the touristy kitsch on main roads. Then the glorious beauty of the city’s Cathedral and Plaza de Armas will leave you speechless, especially at night when illuminated with golden lamps. Sure, enough money flows into Cusco every day, but the new government investments will be put to good use.

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo in Cusco's historic center is one of the most iconic symbols of the colonial city.

9. Arequipa – US$ 4.8 million

Arequipa is Peru’s second most populated city and is dominated by Volcano Misti in its background. A number of markets, cathedrals, and other remnants from eras gone by are available for exploration. These sights are some of the most beautiful in the country because the White City, nickname Arequipa received because of its white buildings made of volcanic stone, is considered the epitome of mixed Spanish colonial and indigenous culture. Many visitors also come to check out the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Condors flying around in the open skies are quite magnificent to witness, and investments hope to bring more people to see them.

Volcano Misti loom over the Arequipan landscape in this glorious landscape of southern Peru.

The Arequipa and Colca Canyon tour takes you on a tour of Arequipa, as well as to the Canyon where it is possible to see the biggest flying birds in the world, the Andean Condor.

A room with a view in the Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa

While on your Peru Vacation, Peru For Less has a list of top recommended Arequipa Peru Hotels that have been used by our happy clients over and over.

Peru For Less’s favorite 3, 4, and 5 star Arequipa Peru hotels:

The Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection is your best bet for a fantastic Arequipa Peru hotel choice. The hotel chain maintains the highest standards of service and quality.

The Casa Andina Arequipa hotel is located in the historic center, only three blocks from the main plaza. The colonial building, built of dazzling white volcanic sillar, was La Casa de la Moneda, the mint house, since 1794. Now it is declared a historic monument, and recently restored, its beautiful lighting, vaulted ceilings, and original frescoes have turned this historic mansion an absolutely splendid hotel. Two colonial courtyards are surrounded by a mint museum, a bar, and a gourmet restaurant that serves novoandina cuisine.

The Hotel Libertador is another excellent Arequipa Peru hotel. The Libertador chain also offers excellent service and quality. The five-star colonial hotel enjoys views of Arequipa’s largest park, and beyond that, the El Misti volcano. Along the brightly colored grounds, llamas occasionally graze.

The suites include small dining rooms, plump post beds, and 24 hour guest service. Amenities include a full business center, a gift shop stocked with alpaca and vicuña fibers, a newly remodeled gym and sauna, a gorgeous pool and Jacuzzi, as well as Los Montoneros Bar and Los Robles Restaurant, which serves buffet breakfast and meals throughout the day.

This four-star hotel, Casa Arequipa, is a European-style boutique hotel in the quiet Vallecito district of Arequipa, only a short walk from the main plaza. For your Arequipa Peru hotel, Casa Arequipa offers service and quality that is hard to beat. The restored 1950s mansion is built of white sillar stone, and features elegant marble and mahogany floors.

Casa Arequipa's stunning lobby is sure to win your heart.

Interior décor include neo-colonial columns, hand-crafted wrought iron, crown molding, and beds made of handcrafted wood. Each room is uniquely decorated, with fresh flowers, brightly painted walls, and marble tile bathroom floors with antique tubs. The elegant rooftop dining room serves three course meals. The rooftop bar serves excellent cocktails. There is also a spa.

The picturesque Hotel La Casa de mi Abuela is a charming three-star option for your Arequipa Peru hotel. Located six blocks away from the main plaza, this quiet home away from home has been a popular hotel for over three decades. The rooms are standard and clean; the suites are cuter. The Bóveda restaurant is cozy and atmospheric, a typical Latino-American piano bar, with a pianist every evening at 7pm.

The Café Terraza, in the gardens, is open 24 hours. The several amenities available make this hotel a winner: a game room (foosball and table tennis), an outdoor pool, a library (with books in French, English and German), an internet room, gardens lines with swings, hammocks, and benches, and a massage room. There are also rooms available for groups of three, four, or five.

Check out our complete list of Arequipa hotels.

The city and its surrounding landscapes are literally breathtaking – due to the high altitude and thin mountain air. Visitors arriving from Lima are advised to take things slowly and get used to the altitude before attempting anything too energetic.

Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2009

Any visit to Arequipa begins in the Plaza de Armas and the surrounding area. This is Arequipa’s old colonial center, where the Spanish set about converting indigenous Peruvians to Christianity with a missionary zeal that is reflected in the grand, imposing architecture of Arequipa Cathedral.

Entrance to the Cathedral is free, but access to tourists is restricted during Mass. There are Masses every morning so content yourself by marveling at the beautiful exterior with its wide buttresses and twin spires.

The Plaza itself is well worth a walk around and you’ll find snapshots of everyday Arequipa life watching the locals enjoy the bright mountain sun, shooting the breeze and playing around the fountain.

Stop for lunch in one of the many cafés that ring the Plaza, many have second floor balconies from which you can enjoy the view while sipping your coffee. Above the rooftops you will see a distant landscape dominated by the mountains and volcanoes which make this region famous, in particular the El Misti volcano which is never far from view.

After lunch, head a few blocks north to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, one of the largest religious complexes in South America. Taking up two whole blocks, the Monastery has a long and rich history packed into its winding streets, chapels and houses which together make up a miniature city within Arequipa itself.

Entrance is 30 soles plus an optional guided tour which is available in English and is highly recommended for the fascinating insight into cloistered life within the secretive Monastery which was only opened up to the outside world in the 1970s.

You can spend an entire afternoon exploring the Monastery before heading back along the colonial streets to the Plaza to catch the sunset shooting a fiery red glow over the silica buildings.

Spend as long as you like soaking in the rich atmosphere and work up a big appetite for one of Arequipa’s many picanterias, restaurants offering hearty servings of local specialties.

Santa Catalina, Arequipa, Peru. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2009

There are many great places to enjoy Arequipa’s spicy cuisine, such as Ary Quepay, a well-known local favorite which offers everything from llama steaks, to guinea pig stews to rocoto relleno, a tangy large chili pepper stuffed with meat and vegetables and served swimming in potatoes and white cheese sauce.

If you have the energy after dinner, explore the area surrounding the main Plaza, which offers no end of cafés and bars which will stay open into the small hours, pumping out a never ending stream of folkloric music and, if you’re lucky, the occasional traditional dance.

Most Arequipa hotels offer guests a hearty breakfast, otherwise consider dropping in to a bakery and ordering a freshly baked empanada, a savory pastry filled with meat, vegetables or cheese fillings.

After breakfast, head to the Museum Santury (entrance 10 soles), a small but fascinating museum into pre-Spanish civilizations in the region. The museum focuses on the Inca’s worship of the surrounding mountains, which were considered Gods in recognition of their awesome power, frequently experienced through volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

The museum has a small staff of English speaking guides who will talk you through the many excellently displayed exhibits. The focal point of the exhibition is the refrigerated mummy of a 12-year old girl, named Juanita, who was recovered from the heights of the surrounding mountains.

Frozen in ice for over 400 years, Juanita offers a fascinating insight into the Inca world and their spiritual beliefs, which included human sacrifice to the mountain Gods. Juanita is one of hundreds of youngsters who were sacrificed in these ceremonies, in the hope that these offerings would save the Incas from natural disasters.

After the museum, take a taxi to the central market (mercado municipal). If you get here early enough you’ll experience the frenetic activity and trade in virtually everything, from traditional produce of the surrounding farmland to modern day items and consumer goods.

For those with a strong stomach, a visit to the meat and fish section is an interesting detour, but don’t be surprised by standards of hygiene which may be unfamiliar to Westerners raised in the comforts of the local supermarket.

El Misti, Arequipa, Peru. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2009

The market is a good place to stop for lunch, take your pick from any of the stalls which offer an endless range of freshly prepared food, from roast pork sandwiches, to ceviche and spicy meat stews. Don’t be shy to ask what is being served, and feel free to point at another diner’s plate to order the same!

Afterwards, head back to the Cathedral if you didn’t already get a chance to take a look inside. Much of what you’ll see is from various reconstructions following successions of natural disasters over the centuries. Of special note are the dominating statues of the 12 apostles which stand guard under the Cathedral’s columns.

If you have any energy left, catch a taxi out to the nearby Cayma neighborhood, which is nicknamed El Balcon (the balcony) for its splendid views over the city. This is a perfect spot to catch sunset over Arequipa and snatch a couple of impressive photographs to remind you of your stay in this beautiful city.

If you’re staying in town for one more night, head to Calle San Fransisco, north of the Plaza where you’ll find a large range of excellent restaurants and bars to spend your last evening in the White City before heading on to your next Peru travel destination.

The beautiful Peruvian flag

The holiday sees public buildings decked in the national colors and celebrations across the country, making it an exciting time to visit during a Peru vacation. Come prepared though: this is a busy time for tourism and Peru hotels and transportation both become booked up quickly. Plan ahead and Independence Day will be a rewarding Peru travel experience.

Known as the Fiestas Patrias Peruanas, the holiday falls every 28 & 29 July and offers a chance for the country to unite in celebration of the victorious Wars of Independence and the country’s armed forces.

Throughout July on the run-up to the holiday, the red and white national flag becomes a ubiquitous sight, while immediately before the holiday public parks and plazas across the country become stages for impromptu performances of criolla folkloric musical performances.

As the holiday itself begins a number of official and ceremonial acts are fulfilled in Lima by the country’s leaders, including a symbolic journey by the President to the Congress of the Republic where he delivers his Address to the Nation, his account of the country’s progress over the past 12 months.

On the second day, the Archbishop of Lima performs Mass to an audience of leaders and national dignitaries before the Great Military Parade begins. The Parade through central Lima is a patriotic display of the country’s military and is intended to instill pride and a sense of the nation’s strength.

For those less interested in military displays, the Fiestas Patrias Peruanas are accompanied by some of the most enthusiastic partying in the annual calendar. Outside of Lima, celebrations are also often tinged with local customs and indigenous traditions.

Ever keen to rival the capital, Peru’s second city Arequipa puts on an equally grand display with street processions and parties, with music and dance that lasts late into the night.

Cuzco's Plaza de Armas, Peru

In Cusco, foreign and national tourists enjoy street parties, fireworks and plenty of pisco while in Cajamarca, Independence Day coincides with a major livestock and agricultural fair with cockfighting, bull running and displays of the fine Peruvian paso horse.

If you’re lucky to coincide your Peru vacation with Fiestas Patrias Peruanas, you’re sure to witness a spectacle which will offer you a special insight into the national character. To get the most out of the occasion, bear in mind the following tips:

Most Peru hotels will be booked in advance so if you’re traveling independently, make sure you book ahead for the 28 & 29 July.

Banks and other essential services will be closed for the holiday, so don’t be caught short without any cash.

Transport schedules shouldn’t change, but fares may rise and tickets will be booked up in advance.

When in a large crowd anywhere in the world, use sensible caution to avoid the small risk of being pick-pocketed. Wear bags on your chest and keep valuables in inside pockets or money belts.

As a result, many of the structures are only one or two stories high, conveniently allowing for uninterrupted 360 degree views of the city’s stunning lunar-like surroundings.  Perhaps this is why Arequipeños have a reputation of being fun, lively, and always enjoying the best things in life with a devil-may-care attitude, from spicy foods to stylish shopping and a memorable nightlife; they never know when the towering giant El Misti Volcano will awake from its slumber!

With underlying strains of fierce independence (the city once tried to create its own flag and passport) and historically strong identity, it is hardly a surprise that Arequipa’s residents encourage respect and sometimes outright envy from many across the country.

The two defining elements of Arequipa? Its stunning beauty and its excellent regional culinary traditions, from Incan recipes still popular today such as rocoto relleno (stuffed pepper) and cuy (guinea pig) to rich chowders (chupes) that change daily depending on tradition; and sweet stuff, like creamy queso helado, chocolates and honey-bathed fritters.

Well aware of the popularity of Arequipeño cuisine within the rest of Peru, we researched the city’s most popular restaurants, to bring you the best variety of the city’s delicious dishes.  With picanterías (traditional cafes) on virtually every dazzling white corner and archway, excellent food is hardly difficult to come by, but (and in no particular order) here are some of Peru For Less’ favorite picks!

The city's colonial Plaza de Armas, Arequipa, Peru

Sol de Mayo:
Located in Yanahuara, the nicest neighborhood of the city, this institution of Arequipa dining has been around for more than a century.  Not only are the meals a delight, but so is the entire dining experience, with colonial style tables set in a leafy white-walled courtyard adorned by geraniums, a gurgling waterfall and strolling musicians to serenade you throughout the evening.  Traditional Arequipeño cuisine is Sol de Mayo’s specialty, with a diverse menu offering the best recipes of the region, from fresh shellfish and ostrich, to chicharron de chancho (fried pork) and a variety of tantalizing ceviche. Splurging here is highly recommended and unlikely to break the bank, as all meals cost less than $15.

Contact:
Jerusalén 207
Yanahuara
054/254-148 (reservations recommended)

Ary, Quepay:
This husband and wife – run restaurant has the winning combination of a fun dining atmosphere and a delicious menu.  With the great authentic ambiance of a traditional Arequipeño picanteria, live folklorico music every night and only the greatest classics of Arequipa cuisine on the menu, this rustic garden-themed restaurant is an excellent argument for the popularity of the region’s dishes.  Not to be missed are the restaurants’ starters of choclo con queso (white corn with cheese) or egg-based sopa a la criolla, followed by the traditional stuffed pepper, escabeche de pescado (spicy fish stew) or roasted guinea pig. Ideally located in the city center, this restaurant is popular among both locals and tourists ‘in the know;’ making it a more convenient and cheaper option than those on the outskirts of town.  Main courses cost from S/.12-27, or US$ 4-9.

Contact:
Jerusalén 502
E-mail: restaurant@aryquepay.com
www.aryquepay.com/restaurant.htm

El Turko II,

A huge favorite  known for its delicious cuisine and eclectic menú offering a variety middle eastern specialties such as falafel, baba ganush and hummus, plus other delicious fusions such as alpaca prepared by wok or smothered in coconut milk sauce, shrimp tagliatelle, crispy Mediterranean salads to cuy bathed in spicy chocolate adobo.  The surroundings in this classy establishment are a nice escape from what some view as Arequipeño rustic kitsch; the marble tiled cavernous rooms in the chic Turko II lead to a large sunny courtyard perfect for relaxing from hectic travel and merely enjoying the view. With many vegetarian options to choose from as well, this restaurant is a great choice for those unwilling (or unable) to agree on any one type of cuisine! Main courses priced between S/.12 and S/.36 (US$ 4-12)

Contact:
Calle San Francisco 315
054/ 215-729

A hearty serving of chupe de camarones, Arequipa, Peru

Tradicion Arequipeña:
The stunning view of the snow-capped El Misti volcano from Tradicion’s garden balcony is reason enough to make a taxi trip out to this popular restaurant, but a taste of the delicious spread will reassure any doubts!
Offering only lunch (or very early dinner options), proof of this restaurant’s excellent kitchen comes from the fact that much of the tourists who dine here get their recommendations from city natives. Servings of traditional Arequipeño and Peruvian food are substantial and satisfying, with the extensive menu including tasty versions of classic standbys like adobo, ceviche and cuy. Meals are reasonably priced given the elegant atmosphere and excellent location, from S/.12-39, or US$ 4-13.

Contact:
Av. Dolores 111
Paucarpata
054/246-467

La Trattoria del Monasterio:
Divided into three small rooms carved into the white ashy walls of the Santa Catalina Convent, this new addition to the Arequipa dining scene is an excellent antidote to endless recommendations of cuy and alpaca; or for those in search of a less touristic and more intimate candlelit dining experience.  Boasting an excellent menu designed by Peru’s most famous chef, Gaston Acurio of Astrid and Gaston and La Mar, this unassuming café specializes in Italian favorites like lasagna, risotto and osso bucco.  Additionally, conoscitore guests also have the option of long or short pasta. With a fine wine list and desert menu to round out the meal, La Trattoria guarantees a memorable evening of a different sort, in downtown Arequipa. Main courses priced between S18-36, or US$6-12.

Contact:
Santa Catalina 309
054/204-062

Los Gauchos Parilladas:
not for those in search of a light and balanced meal, this rustic-styled restaurant located right off the main Plaza de Armas serves up hearty, stick-to-your ribs meals for the very hungry.  In addition to a free salad bar, this restaurant also periodically offers a great lunchtime promotion with wine, soda, fries, open salad bar and any choice of meat for under $9. (S/. 25).

Contact:
Portal de Flores Nº 112
054/220-301
http://www.elgauchoparrilladas.com