The white city of Arequipa in the south of Peru is definitely worth a visit. It is surrounded by three volcanoes – Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu with altitudes close to and above 6000m (18.000ft) – and there is a lot of outdoor stuff to do like rafting, hiking the Colca Canyon and biking. We combined hiking the Chachani with a bike downhill from 5000m (15.000 ft) altitude.
Mountainbiking starts with a downhill from the foot of El Misti.
Two days before we biked around the Misti with a small detour to the town of Chiguata with a beautiful old church built from the often used white volcanic stone named Sillar.
The church of Chiguata made of white Sillar blocks.
Great fun and cultural experience too because you ride through valleys with pre-Inca terraces which are still used today for growing herbs and alfalfa.
Riding through a valley with pre-Inca terraces.
Beautiful landscape close to Arequipa.
The bike tours are offered by Aldo Pena, who was several times Peruvian champion in mountainbiking and road cycling.
An eagle at the church of Chiguata.
Buena Siesta 
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