Magpie

Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery

From$102
4 hours
Arequipa, Peru

About this activity

Discover Arequipa's rich history and architecture on a guided tour, including a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a colonial-era complex.

Highlights

  • Explore Arequipa's historic center
  • Visit Santa Catalina Monastery
  • Discover colonial architecture
  • Learn about local history
  • Enjoy scenic city views

Full description

Immerse yourself in Arequipa's captivating history and stunning architecture on this guided city tour. Wander through the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the colonial-era buildings that line its streets. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast complex that offers a glimpse into the monastic life of the past. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the city's rich cultural heritage, ensuring a memorable and educational experience. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike, providing a comprehensive overview of Arequipa's most iconic landmarks.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Arequipa's historic center
  • Visit to Santa Catalina Monastery
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

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.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
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.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
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.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
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.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
  • Confirm your hotel pickup time and location in advance.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for the day.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour.
  • Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the walk.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • 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

Additional information

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
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