The Heartbeat of Arequipa: Historic Centre

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseQuisiera ver el menú, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah ver el meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh es mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-har el pree-seh-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwahl ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Founded on August 15, 1540, by Spanish conquistador Garcí Manuel de Carvajal, Arequipa emerged as a key city in colonial Peru. Its strategic location near important trade routes and its proximity to the Andes Mountains facilitated its growth and development. Initially named 'Villa de Arequipa', the city was established in a region populated by the indigenous Quechua people, and its foundation marked the beginning of significant cultural and economic exchanges between Spanish colonizers and local communities.

The Historic Centre of Arequipa is renowned for its stunning colonial architecture, largely constructed in the 18th century using sillar, a white volcanic stone. This period saw the rise of Baroque and neoclassical styles, with notable buildings such as the Cathedral of Arequipa and the Church of La Compañía de Jesús. The unique construction techniques and artistic expressions reflect a blend of European influences and local traditions, making Arequipa a distinctive example of colonial architecture in Peru.

In 1857, Arequipa was the site of a significant rebellion against the central government which was perceived as corrupt and ineffective. The uprising was led by local elites who sought greater autonomy for the region. This event highlighted the historical tensions between the central government in Lima and the provinces, particularly in regions like Arequipa that had developed their own distinct identities and economic interests.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the people of Arequipa cultivated a strong cultural identity, characterized by a rich tradition of art, literature, and gastronomy. The city became known for its intellectual movements and the establishment of cultural institutions, such as the Universidad Nacional de San Agustín. Arequipeños take pride in their regional distinctiveness, often expressed through festivals, music, and the renowned local cuisine, which features dishes like rocoto relleno and adobo arequipeño.

In 2000, the Historic Centre of Arequipa was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition was granted due to its exceptional architectural heritage, which reflects the blend of European and indigenous influences. The designation has helped to promote the preservation of Arequipa's historic buildings and the ongoing efforts to maintain the cultural vitality of the city, while also enhancing its profile as a tourist destination.

The Historic Centre of Arequipa is accessible from various neighborhoods in Arequipa, with the most common means being taxis and local buses. Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making them a convenient option for direct travel. Local buses also connect the Historic Centre to neighborhoods like Yanahuara and Cayma. Alternatively, if you are arriving from the airport, a taxi ride will take approximately 20 minutes to reach the Historic Centre.

The Historic Centre of Arequipa is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets. Many attractions, such as the Santa Catalina Monastery and Plaza de Armas, are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances, local taxis are available, and you can also rent bicycles from various shops in the area. Public buses are available but are less commonly used by tourists.

The Historic Centre of Arequipa is generally a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas. The neighborhoods of La Pampa and some parts of Varas are known for higher crime rates, and it is advisable to be vigilant in these locations.

In case of an emergency, dial 105 for police assistance or 116 for medical emergencies in Peru. The main hospital in Arequipa is the Honorio Delgado Hospital, which can be reached by taxi. It is advisable to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For minor health issues, pharmacies are readily available throughout the Historic Centre.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing in such places. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including silence and reverence in churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly handshake and be polite. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as rocoto relleno and chupe de camarones. Don't waste food or refuse hospitality, as it may offend your hosts.

To experience the Historic Centre like a local, visit the Mercado San Camilo for fresh produce and local specialties. Engage with locals in cafés and plazas, where conversations often lead to interesting insights about Arequipa's culture and history. To appreciate the local architecture, take a stroll in the evening when the buildings are beautifully illuminated. Don't forget to try an 'Arequipeño' coffee at one of the local cafés for an authentic taste of the region.