Outside Arequipa lie several large deposits of sillar, a white variety of rhyolite, formed in volcanic eruptions millions of years ago
These cliffs were actually hewn by humans and hand tools
This practice continues today in the traditional way, supplying the building material which gives Arequipa the nickname "La Ciudad Blanca"
Buildings made of sillar populate the city center, including the spectacular cathedral
Sillar can sustain incredible detail when carved
Unlike in many Spanish Colonial cities, whitewash is unnecessary
These stout buildings have withstood centuries of weather and temblors
One outstanding example of colonial architecture is the Convent of Santa Catalina
Occupying an entire city block, parts of buildings were painted dark red and blue because the light reflecting off the white sillar was too strong
A large portion of the Convent is now open to visitors
Extensive restoration was required to present the Convent at its best
The church at the Convent is still an active part of the community
On this occasion, a procession departed from the Convent's church and wound through several city blocks
In addition to these veiled ladies, representatives from the army, navy, German club, a brass band, little flower girls and community leaders joined
The flower girls had close chaperones, and a fellow with a garbage bag full of flower petals to refill their baskets
Statue of San Francisco de Assisi outside his namesake church
Flower girls gazing at the beautiful facade of San Francisco de Asis
A final beautiful sunset in Arequipa
Colca Canyon is on of the world's deepest canyons, measuring 3,270 metres (10,730 ft) from top to bottom. By contrast, the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is 1,857 metres (6,093 feet).
