by Anthony Narvaez

Created on: February 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 25, 2009

There is much about Latin America that provokes romance and energy. Exotic foods, music, nightlife and the heat of an oceanic jungle all add to the experience of visiting Central and South America. In contrast to popular vacation spots like Costa Rica and The Galapagos Islands, Arequipa, Peru
and the Peruvian Andes offer something different than what you would expect traveling south of the equator. If lush green valley floors, towering snow capped mountains, strangely positioned lakes and indigenous Peruvian culture intrigue you, Peru

will keep you and your sweet heart in awe.

Reserve a suite at the Hotel Libertador Arequipa and have the concierge arrange your dinner plans. Arequipa is sometimes called the "White City" due to the number of beautiful temples, convents and palaces sculpted in white ashlar. This city is host to wonderful food, amazing landscapes, open air markets and street side shopping. Arequipa
sits at 7,545 feet above sea level. Because of the strange mountainous terrain and the mixed cultural influences, this region really has its own twist on Latin American identity.

There are many places to see outside of the city walls including monasteries, mountain passes, valleys, lakes, badlands and Pacific coast. Hiring a private guide, with the assistance of your hotel staff, will keep your travel personal and exciting. The last thing you want for your romantic getaway is to find yourself part of a group tour. You can also explore and veer off course more with a private guide.

The Valley of the Volcanoes is a geological formation with more than eighty volcanoes spread across a wondrous landscape. Some equate the view to the surface of the moon. You will also want to visit the popular Colca River
Valley. Still inhabited by the indigenous people, this valley is picturesque with its low lands, hot springs, and towering bluffs. Also formed by the river is the Colca Canyon. This canyon is the deepest on Earth and offers amazing rafting, trekking, climbing and hiking. This canyon has a completely different landscape than the lowlands and is also home to the Condor.

You might also wish to visit Lake Titicaca to the north. It is the largest lake in South America and it borders Bolivia. Surrounded by mountain passes and blue skies, because of its size, you may need to remind yourself that it is a lake and not the ocean. The view is really quite magnificent, but what would you expect? Everything about Peru
is magnificent.

Arequipa and this region are only a small part of what Peru has to offer. From end to end the landscape, cities and wildlife are constantly changing and surprising. You may spend all of your time around Arequipa for this trip and save the rainforest for another. And plan yet another trip for the coastal islands and beaches. The point is, in terms of South American travel, Peru is compelling and unusual. No doubt will you return home with smiles on your faces; both in love with each other, and in love with Peru.

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