Arequipa History

Its history back to 8000 years B.C. Testimony of this history is its cave/paintings and many archaeological monuments in the surrounding ares. Legend tells of Arequipa being founded by the fourth Inca, Mayta Capac, whose Army invaded and camped in the valley. When it was time to leave, some of his people asked to be able to stay, to which the Inca responde: "ari quepay", which in Quechua means "yes, you may stay".

Its founding by the Spaniards dates back to August 15, 1540, when it was baptized as "Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción" (Beautiful Village of Our Lady of the Assumption). Because of its closeness and intermediate location between the sea and the cities of Puno and Cusco, Arequipa played an important role in the times of the Viceroys in the region.

During the Republic, it consolidated its economy by exporting sheep wool and alpaca, vicuña and llama fabrics, suppliying the English industry, wich was the most important in the world in mid 19 th century. At the end of the 19 th century and early in the 20 th century, the city secured its economic leadership in the southern Andean highlands.