Magpie

Arequipa Walking Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery

From$69
4 hours
Arequipa, Peru

About this activity

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

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 the captivating history and architecture of Arequipa on this guided walking tour. Stroll through the city's historic center, renowned for its colonial-era buildings crafted from white volcanic stone. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a vibrant complex with colorful walls and intricate designs, offering a glimpse into the monastic life of the past. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories and insights, enriching your understanding of Arequipa's cultural heritage. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers seeking an authentic experience in Peru's 'White City'.

Included / Excluded

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

Itinerary

1

After picking you up from the hotel located in the historic center of Arequipa, you will start the walking tour in the neighborhood of San Lazaro, located just 5 blocks from the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa. This colonial hood has small streets and houses made of sillar, a volcanic stone used for constructions. San Lazaro is an old district and you will admire its beauty through its lovely streets, small squares and white walls. This are had been occupied by pre Inca and Inca cultures and, during the Spanish conquer and city’s foundation, the first houses were built here. This district belongs to the Historic Center of Arequipa, so it is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

The tour continues to Barrio del Solar situated near the River Chili where you will walk along beautiful streets with traditional and colonial buildings. You are going to explore different areas known as Tambos, lodging centers where merchants came to rest during the colonial era.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

The first Tambo to visit will be Tambo El Matadero, a building from the seventeenth century that was used to sacrifice animals. Currently, there are about 30 families living in this place.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

The walking tour in Arequipa continues to Tambo La Cabezona, a colonial group of houses with a communal entrance dated from the sixteenth century and the place where one of the first mills in the city worked.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Enjoy a panoramic tour to Plaza de Armas, the main meeting point of locals and where the Cathedral of Arequipa is located. This beautiful square is surrounded by lovely portals and there is a bronze fountain in the middle.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

After a short walk we are going to reach the Santa Catalina Monastery. This place was founded in 1579 and it has 20 thousand square meters distributed in cloisters, patios, squares, streets, bell tower and church. During the viceroyalty, Doña Maria de Guzman was a rich woman and she decided to donate all her properties and start a live as a cloister nun. Most of the women came from wealthy families and, currently, there still are cloister nuns living at Santa Catalina Convent. This is a beautiful place with a lot of history and you will have time to take nice photos. Walk around the streets made of ashlar and some parts with natural colored red walls. You will visit many areas such as the Patio del Silencio, a place where the nuns met to pray and read the Bible in silence. Get impressed with this jewel of the city of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Later, we are going to drop you off at your hotel.

Duration: 45 minAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour involves moderate walking; please consider your fitness level.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The tour operates in English; Spanish-speaking guides are available upon request.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and attire suitable for the weather.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and scenic views.
  • Ensure your camera or smartphone is fully charged for photos.

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

  • Children 4 and younger are complimentary
  • The Santa Catalina Monastery closes on December 25th and Good Friday
  • The order of the visits could change

Additional information

Children 4 and younger are complimentary The Santa Catalina Monastery closes on December 25th and Good Friday The order of the visits could change
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