Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery
Discover the charm of the White City, its colonial architecture made of sillar, and the vibrant Santa Catalina Monastery.
Tour Type
Group Tour | Adventure
Duration
Half Day
Elevation
2,335 m / 7,660 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Departure
Arequipa Hotels
Destination
Arequipa
Latitude
-16.3989
Longitude
-71.535
Tour Overview
Explore the historical heart of Arequipa, affectionately known as the White City due to its stunning colonial architecture built entirely of white volcanic stone (sillar). This half-day walking and driving tour provides an excellent introduction to the city’s rich history, culture, and religious heritage.
Your journey begins at the magnificent Plaza de Armas and the impressive Basilica Cathedral. From there, you will step back in time as you enter the Santa Catalina Monastery, a vibrant, colorful "city within a city" where nuns lived in absolute seclusion for centuries. The tour also visits the traditional Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the imposing Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes towering over the city.
Highlights
- Santa Catalina Monastery: Explore the colorful alleys, plazas, and cloisters of this historical convent.
- Plaza de Armas: Marvel at the stunning white stone architecture and the impressive Cathedral.
- Yanahuara Viewpoint: Enjoy iconic views of the Misti volcano framed by traditional sillar arches.
- Carmen Alto: Take in panoramic views of the Chili River valley and Arequipa's three volcanic guardians.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arequipa City Highlights
09:00 AM / 02:00 PM
Pick up from your hotel in Arequipa.
09:15 AM / 02:15 PM
Visit to the Carmen Alto viewpoint for panoramic views of the agricultural terraces and volcanoes.
10:00 AM / 03:00 PM
Explore the traditional Yanahuara district and its famous arched viewpoint.
10:45 AM / 03:45 PM
Guided walking tour around the Plaza de Armas, the Basilica Cathedral, and the Jesuit Church of La Compañía.
11:30 AM / 04:30 PM
Enter the Santa Catalina Monastery for a fascinating guided tour through its historical streets and cloisters.
01:00 PM / 06:00 PM
Tour concludes in the city center or return to your hotel.
Includes
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel in central Arequipa
- Official bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
- Tourist transportation
- Entrance tickets to Santa Catalina Monastery and La Compañía
Excludes
- Meals and drinks
- Gratuities
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Camera or smartphone
- Light jacket or sweater (weather can be breezy)
- Cash in local currency
Pro Travel Tips
- Arequipa sits at 2,335m (7,660ft). It is a great place to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes like Colca Canyon or Cusco.
- The sun is very strong during the day due to the altitude; always wear sunscreen.
Private Experience
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