Arequipa

On the 27th a group of twelve of us ventured south, to the city of Arequipa, located at 7661 ft (2335 m) above sea level in the Andes, at the foot of three volcanoes - Chachani, Misti, and Pichu Pichu.

Misti volcano

We stayed at a nice little hostal, the Hostal Las Mercedes, in a building erected in 1936 in a Belle Epoque style.  The hostal was furnished with original period furniture in the lobby and sitting room, which lent the place a grand -if somewhat worn- air.

Our hotel, the Hostal Las Mercedes

The Las Mercedes staff were all very friendly and helpful, making staying there a real pleasure.

Grau Bridge over the River Chilli, with Misti in the background

The hostal is a tucked a bit out of the way, next  to a bypass by the river, bit it is a relatively easy 10 min. walk from the main plaza, which made it a convenient base of operations for exploring downtown Arequipa.

Arequipa Cathedral