Arequipa, Peru

I can safely say that Arequipa is among the most beautiful, atmospheric cities in Latin America. With a mild climate, stunning colonial architecture, exciting artisinal craft shopping, innovative restaurants, and a sunny, palm-lined plaza that offers world class people watching, if you´re coming to Peru, I definitely wouldn´t miss a visit to its second-largest city.

I am staying in a beautiful hostal called Los Andes B&B, just one block off the main plaza. One of the nicest rooms I have been in on my entire trip, it has enough space to hold a yoga class in, with hardwood floors and a private bathroom! All this for a little over 10 USD, including breakfast.

I have also found a number of lovely places to eat: Fez, with cheap and excellent Middle Eastern food; Las Empanaditas, with delicious spinach, egg, and cheese empanadas; Los Turkos, with authentic Turkish hummus and fresh Arequipan olives; Zig Zag Creperie with over 100 sweet and savory melt-in-your-mouth crepes; and Cusco Coffee, with Amazon-grown beans. It´s hard to miss here as long as you don´t eat on the main plaza--the views are phenomenal but the food is second-rate.

The people here are very warm...I have spent a lot of time conversing with shopkeepers and talking to waitstaff, all of whom seem genuinely interested in talking with travelers. Do not miss a visit to the store on the 2nd or 3rd block of Calle Jerusalen that sells handmade, one-of-a-kind alpaca items. The very nice owners have the most beautiful ponchos and hats that I have seen on my trip, and at a lower price than the upmarket stores that sell machine-made items. Ask about their sister store on Calle San Francisco (it´s harder to find, but it´s walking distance and they can give you directions).

Arequipa even has one of the nicest internet spots I have been to, with your own enclosed glass cabin, and Skype access. What does this city not have? When can I move here and start a yoga school?