Founded on August 5, 1540, by Manuel Garci de Carbajal the city's name comes from the Quechua phrase "Arequipa i" which means "Yes, stay". It's not just by chance however that its name has held true throughout time; in the city streets, in its 'sillar' walls and in the attitude of it's people you feel a peculiar energy, a strange impulse, inviting you to stay on in the city.