The thermal waters of Arequipa are celebrated throughout the Pacific Coast, the springs of Yura and the Aguas de Jesus being known to everyone familiar with this region. The latter are located about a league from the city, on the slope of one of the cerros belonging to a chain that begins between the Misti and the Pichu-pichu and extends as far as Paucarpata, just east of the capital. It is a pleasant outing to visit the Aguas de Jesus, and many parties make the trip, to enjoy the scenery along the route, which is superb, and to take advantage of the beneficial waters. The spring is enclosed in a stone building, and is under the direction of the Benevolent Society. Yura, which is two hours’ train journey from Arequipa, is a popular health resort, not only for the people of the capital but of all Peru. Its baths are famous for their curative qualities, and are of different kinds, including sulphurous and ferruginous, which possess wonderful properties. Their fame increases constantly as the remarkable benefits derived from their use by citizens and travellers become known.
At a short distance from the city, on the slope of the Misti, the Astronomical Observatory of Harvard University is situated. This scientific institution was founded eighteen years ago, in order to enable astronomers to make observations at the greatest possible altitude above the sea level. The location of the observatory is perfect for the purpose designed, and satisfactory results have been obtained. At present this institution is under the direction of Mr. Frost, of Harvard University. The local authorities extend every courtesy to the scientists of the observatory, who speak in high terms of their politeness and kindly interest.
The population of the Department of Arequipa is two hundred and forty thousand, of which the capital city claims forty thousand. An illustrious writer, referring to its people says: “The heart of the Peruvian nation lives here.” The annals of its people show that in all that has contributed to the nation’s greatness and prosperity, in all that has grown out of patriotic sentiment and devoted loyalty, in everything pertaining to the national spirit, as expressed in its literature, its art, and its social advancement, the lovely valley at the foot of the Misti has been represented by noble children, worthy of a high place on the national roll of fame.
HARVARD OBSERVATORY AT AREQUIPA.
CHANCHAMAYO, ON THE EASTERN SLOPE OF THE SIERRA.
CHAPTER XVIII
A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY
ON THE WAY TO MARKET.