MOLLENDO

Until the middle of the 20th century, this noble city of antique homes and lovely beaches was the main port of the region and united the areas of the coast with the plains of Juliaca and Puno.
Mollendo, which is the capital of the province of Islay, began to grow in 1950 with the construction of the port of Matarani, one of the most well known in the country.
Although the city lost its harbor reputation, it maintained its fame and stamp of traditionalspas, with large houses that erected at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
The avenue Marshal Castile and the second block of the street Commerce conserve antique constructions. An example is the Villa Velasquez which was declared a historical monument in March of 1991.
The Levee Ratty, the Civic seat, the old railroad station, (which was constructed in the same factories as that of the Eiffel Tower), along with the Aquatic park are all urban corners of great interest. The greatest attraction however, is the 35 kilometers of beaches, perfect for prolonged swims in the ocean and opportunities to partake in nautical sports such as fishing and submarine hunting.

1. Mejía
   Mejia is the most exclusive neighborhood in Arequipa and in the whole south of Peru. Its traditional and colonial homes contrast with the modern constructions that have been popping up in the area in the more recent years.
   
   In the areas nearby Mejia there are various beautiful beaches like beach One, Two and Three. These areas have lots of sun, an arena and the enchanting ocean which separates the central part of the area from other more secluded sects. The waters there are tranquil making it a relaxing place to visit.
   There are other corners of the coast that are wonderful to visit such as ¨El Conto, ¨part of the beach Three which is home to La Motobomba, a sandy beach area which is close to the National Sanctuary of small lakes of Mejia.
   Less then 10 kilometers from Mollendo, you will find hotels, restaurants, sport fields and a sophisticated private club area with discos, pubs and other centers of entertainment.
2. Santuario Nacional Lagunas de Mejía
   A refuge and place of rest, there are numerous birds that migate from the north to the south, being for many of them, the only stop for more than 2,000 kilometers of land along the coast of the Pacific.
   With a vegetation that is predominated by reeds, grass and cane, this important coast in the province of Islay ( in the region of Arequipa ), was declared a National Sanctuary on February 24th, 1984. In this protected zone, there are 609.6 hectares that protect the flocks of birds that reside in this area and are in danger of becoming extinct. The migrated birds arrive here at this Sanctuary for protection and for rest.
   Other objectives in this Sanctuary are to preserve the smaller lakes in the area, the marshes, the surrounding swamps and all of the natural habitations in the area that provide food and shelter for the various species that live nearby.
   En the smaller lakes of Mejia there are 75 different species of birds that reside in the area and 80 different types that mígrate from the area of the Amazon and the Artic. In the Sanctuary, one can observe examples such as the Calidris alba, the Laurs modestus, the Larus dominicanus and the Podiceps Rolland.
   You can find the sanctuary located about 11 kilometers from the section of Mejia and 146 kilometers from Arequipa.
3. Punta de Bombón
   

   This is lovely district of mollendino with 25 kilometers of beaches towards the arena.  Names of the beaches in this area are Catas, Bombón, Punta Corio (recommended for the extraction of fish), Playuela Chica y Grande, Punta Cordel (named for the type of fish that can be found there) among others.

   
   The beaches are perfect for camping and for fishing. In the waters you will find an abundance of different types of fish such as sole and lorna drum. This can be found about 16 kilometers from Mejia.