El Misti
USA is an American
company founded with the intention of introducing the world to
Peruvian history and culture through the works of many talented and
gifted artisans. Much of their work depicts the rich
culture of their various regions.
Allow us to
introduce some of these talented artists through their
exquisite original designs and handmade products. The
creativity of these talented artists is
exemplified in their work, using both new and ancient
techniques, to make beautiful, unique and distinctive
treasures.
Our company’s name honors the famous volcano,
“El
Misti” (19,150 feet), which
is flanked by two other volcanoes: Chachani in the NW (19,960 feet)
and on the SE by Pichu-Pichu (18,400 feet). El
Misti is located in the
city of Arequipa (Are-ah-keep-ah) and
has become the city’s enduring symbol.
Arequipa is located in the
Southern
Andes at a mean altitude of
2,350 meters or 7,600 ft above sea level. It is a historically rich Peruvian city. Its
architecture represents an integration of European and native
building techniques that can be appreciate in historical buildings,
such as, convents of Santa
Catalina and
churches. Other examples La Compania, Santo
Domingo, La
Catedral (The Cathedral) and other famous historic mansions as
Goyoneche and Huasacache. These landmarks were built
with the white
volcanic lava called "Sillar" (See-yar). Some of the monuments date
to the sixteenth century. Arequipa is also called “The
White City” because its historic centre was built with this famous
volcanic stone “Sillar”.
Its name comes from the Quechua
word “Ariquepay” which means “Si quedaos” (Please stay) and the area
has been occupied as far back as 5000 – 6000 (BC) by Aymara people.
In the 1400s, the area was conquered by Incas and came to serve as
the Inca’s most important supplier of agricultural.
The new city of
Arequipa was founded on August
1540, by Manuel Garci Carbajal a representative of the conquistador
Francisco Pizarro. During the Spanish colonial period, agriculture
was the principal economic activity of Arequipa, and it was also the
center of commerce and trade between Lima (Peru’s Capital) and the
Southern territories.
Arequipa was the
center of Peruvian nationalism during the nineteenth century and
became a symbol of freedom with the independence. The civic pride
and daring temperament of Arequipans (Arequipeños) made them
supporters and visible leaders of revolutions, and eventually this
is why Arequipa is
referred to as the "Land of
Leaders."
Arequipa today
is the economic heart of southern Peru. Its
districts and towns have many things to offer For example, wonderful
green landscapes, artistic and cultural traditions of the settlers,
impressive valleys, beautiful architecture, exciting travel
opportunities. You may also try delicious, exotic and
traditional foods using its regional spicy flavors, considered the
best of Peru.
In 2000,
UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural
Organization) declared Arequipa
“Cultural World Heritage” site.
Visit our Travel
Service
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