From Arequipa we saw the impressive mountains: volcano El Misti (5822m), nevado Chachani (6075m) and the lower peak of Pichu Pichu (5571m) Many of the city’s buildings date to colonial times and many are built from a very light-colored volcanic rock called sillar. It’s common to see unfinished houses from poor people that move from the highlands to the city looking for better opportunities in life.