a city of Peru in South America, situated in W. Long. 73°. S. Lat. 17°. It is one of the most beautiful cities in all Peru, being delightfully situated in the valley of Quilca, 100 leagues from Lima, and 20 from the sea, with which it communicates by a fine river. The entrance into the harbour is rather shallow for ships of great burden; but when once they are entered, they may ride securely in 18 fathoms water. This city was founded in 1539, by order of Don Francisco Pizarro, in a place known likewise by the name of Arequipa; but its situation being found disadvantageous, the inhabitants obtained leave to remove move to the place where the city now stands. The houses are built with stone, and vaulted; and, contrary to what is usual in warm countries, they are lofty, neatly furnished within, and finely decorated on the outside. The inhabitants also are exempt from many diseases common in other parts of Peru; which perhaps is owing to their keeping the streets clean by means of canals which extend to the river. The temperature of the air is extremely good; and though sometimes a flight of frost is perceivable, the cold is never excessive, nor the heat troublesome, so that the surrounding fields are clothed with perpetual verdure. These natural advantages however, are considerably allayed by its being very subject to earthquakes, by which it has already been five times laid in ruins; notwithstanding which, it is populous, and has among its inhabitants some of the noblest families in America.