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Matarani Peru Cruise Port Guide
Location:
Matarani is a port city in Arequipa Region, Peru. It is a major port on the southern coast of Peru. There is nothing of interest in this area.
Head to Arequipa—a charming colonial city! About 75 miles away.
Cruise calendar for this port.
Watch a destination video.
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for Matarani Peru
Sightseeing:
Arequipa—a charming colonial city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture built mostly of a white volcanic rock called sillar.
Not surprisingly, it is known as "the White City," and you will learn of its enduring history as you travel. The typical, relaxed lifestyle of Arequipa’s habitants is plain to see as you tour of the main highlights, including the cathedral.
Visit the Jesuit Church whose façade is considered to be among the finest examples of Mestizo Baroque architecture—an unusual fusion of Creole, indigenous and Baroque styles.
Visit the Convent of Santa Catalina, where the firstborn daughters of the local elite were cloistered for life. This practice endured from the mid-16th century until 1970. The convent was built in 1580 and was enlarged in the 17th century. The 20,000-square-meter monastery is predominantly in the Mudéjar style, and is characterized by the vividly painted walls. There are approximately 20 nuns currently living in the northern corner of the complex; the rest of the monastery is open to the public.
Arequipa is the home of Colca Canyon and the huge South American condors.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
A cruise organized tour is your best bet here. Taking a taxi can be risky.
Arequipa is over 7500 feet in altitude so be careful of AMS. You are leaving from sea level, so that is a very rapid rise in altitude.
Nearby Places:
Lake Titicaca and Machu Pichu are also accessible from Matarani.
Shopping and Food
Arequipa is called the World´s capital of the Alpaca, a wool that comes from this Andean camels and considered very fine and valuable.
Currency:
The currency of Peru is the nuevo sol. ATMs are available in big cities, up market hotels and touristic areas.
Most restaurants and shops accept U.S. dollars, but they'll give change in Peruvian soles.
Communication:
In tourist centers like Cusco and Machu Picchu or in high class hotels, English is spoken. If you intend to visit other sites, especially in the countryside, you'll need Spanish.
Emergency numbers in Peru are 011 / 5114. In Lima ring 105.
Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers, called in Peru cabinas públicas, grow like mushrooms in Peru.
Opening Hours and Holidays:
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