Plaza Yanahuara

This is our new barrio in Arequipa. We live right behind this beautiful plaza. Plaza Yanahuara is known for its beautiful view, El Mirador de Yanahuara. The plaza sits on top of a hill and has signature old volcanic stone archways, serving as gateways to your viewing pleasure.

Mirador de Yanahuara. There is a steep decline down and to the right that provides a great view. Our apartment is  similarly located atop the same hill which gives us a spectacular view from our rooftop terrace. 

In the plaza itself, there are beautifully manicured palm trees that are constantly trimmed by men atop incredibly tall ladders. Around the plaza there are a handful of restaurants, bakeries and bodegas. There is also an American restaurant that we thus far have refused to try (even though it looks kind of good). 

The yellow building is the Municipal building of Yanahuara (it has recently been painted white with yellow accents). The majority of the plaza is to the left and the view (mirador) is to the right. I'm not sure what the story is with the totem pole, but it's a serious work of art.  

Alex standing outside a bakery in the plaza that we frequent. It's a dangerous place to enter sometimes...

In addition, there is an old volcanic stone church, La Iglesia de San Juan. There are many weddings here and even more husbands and brides come to the plaza just to have their wedding photos taken. On my way home from class today, there were 3 different couples having their wedding photos taken at once at the plaza. 

La Iglesia San Juan

This alley is off the side of the plaza and leads to our apartment. This is also one of the more popular backdrops for wedding photos and there is often a bride (in her gown) and groom standing under this archway. Excuse us. 

These flower pots line the streets of Yanahuara. This was taken in the alley shown above on my home.