Arequipa City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery
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Arequipa City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery

Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

You are more than welcome to discover the beautiful city of Arequipa with our tour to the city and Santa Catalina Monastery, declared a World Cultural Heritage. Admire its lovely streets as well as the historic center with an amazing architecture around. Stroll through the old `forbidden city` of Santa Catalina Monastery, meet the Jesuit church and enjoy majestic views of the Misti volcano. Enjoy a half day tour in Arequipa and explore this fantastic city located in the south of Peru.

Available options

Arequipa City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery

Pickup included

What's included

Ticket entrance fees to Santa Catalina Monastery
Professional guide
Round trip transportations to and from your Arequipa hotel

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Your journey begins with the pickup from your hotel located in the historic center of Arequipa to start an incredible excursion around one of the most beautiful and touristic cities of Peru. This will be an interesting tour and the order of the visits could change anytime.

2
Stop 2

We are going to visit the Plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful in the country and also neighbor of the imposing Cathedral of Arequipa, built in the seventeenth century and completely rebuilt after several earthquakes.

3
Stop 3

We will see the Cathedral and the Church Compañía de Jesús (1590), considered a classic example of the local baroque architecture that keeps inside a sample exceptional paintings and murals. Later, we will visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina, an authentic medieval cloister built in 1579 that is still in use to this day. This mysterious convent was built with ashlar, the main material of local architecture, and it has an extension of 20 thousand square meters.

4
Stop 4

The first person who lived here was Maria de Guzman, a woman who decided to moved there during the construction of the convent after her husband, Diego Hernandez de Mendoza, passed away. Currently, there are still cloister nuns living in this fantastic small citadel.

5

Then, we will visit the district of Yanahuara. This neighbor has panoramic views to the Misti Volcano. It is a perfect place to take pictures.

6

Then, we are going to visit the district of Carmen Alto, to have an another panoramic views of the amazing colorful countryside, without a doubt a fantastic image.

7
Stop 7

You will explore the district of Cayma visiting the Plaza Mayor and the Church San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma located in front of the square. Inside the church, you will find an anonymous collection of paintings that show the miracles of the Virgin. After this great experience visiting Arequipa and Santa Catalina, we are going to drop you off at your hotel.

What's not included

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Round trip transfers to and from hotels located out of the historic center

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The Santa Catalina Convent closes Good Friday, Christmas and New Year.
If your hotel is not located within the area of the historic center, you can go to the meeting point located in Calle Zela 301, Hotel Mirador del Monasterio

Important notes

If you have any question, do not hesitate to contact us!
OFFICE NUMBER: (+54 11) 5185-9997 (Mon to Sun from 09 to 18 Hs)
EMERGENCY MOBILE: (+54 911) 4991-4035 (After office hours)

About Arequipa

Arequipa, known as the White City for its colonial buildings made of white volcanic stone, is a stunning destination nestled in the Andes. It offers a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a vibrant food scene, making it a must-visit in Peru.

Top Attractions

Santa Catalina Monastery

A stunning 16th-century monastery that is like a small city within a city. Its colorful buildings and courtyards are a must-see.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours $10

Yanahuara Viewpoint

A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Arequipa and the surrounding volcanoes, including El Misti.

Nature/Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Colca Canyon

One of the deepest canyons in the world, famous for its stunning landscapes and condor sightings.

Nature/Adventure 2-3 days for a full experience Varies by tour and accommodation

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rocoto Relleno

A spicy stuffed pepper dish filled with meat, cheese, and sometimes olives, topped with a creamy sauce.

Main Dish Contains meat and dairy

Adobo Arequipeño

A traditional stew made with pork, potatoes, and a spicy sauce.

Main Dish Contains pork and dairy

Chuño

Freeze-dried potatoes, a staple in Andean cuisine, often served as a side dish.

Side Dish Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Trekking in Colca Canyon Mountain biking Horseback riding Visiting hot springs Exploring parks Enjoying local cafes Visiting museums Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

April to November

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F) 50°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: Quechua
  • English: Limited

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Arequipa is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
  • • Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air
  • Rodríguez Ballón International Airport • 6 km (4 miles) from city center
By bus

Terminal Terrestre de Arequipa

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses, known as combis and coasters, are the primary mode of public transport. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, InDriver

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cayma San Lázaro Yanahuara

Day trips

Colca Canyon
165 km (103 miles) • Full day or overnight

One of the deepest canyons in the world, offering stunning landscapes, hot springs, and condor sightings.

Sibinacocha Lake
120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Santa Catalina Monastery
City center • Half day

A stunning 16th-century monastery that is like a small city within a city.

Festivals

Festival de la Virgen de la Asuncion • August 15 Arequipa International Film Festival • August

Pro tips

  • Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
  • Visit the Yanahuara Viewpoint at sunset for the best views
  • Try local dishes like Rocoto Relleno and Adobo Arequipeño
  • Book tours in advance, especially for Colca Canyon
  • Carry cash for small purchases and tips
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 17-99
1
Childs
Age 0-16
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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