Overview
Discover the impressive beauty of Arequipa, known as the **”White City”** due to its unique architecture built from volcanic *sillar* stone. This tour takes you through the most iconic historical and religious sites, offering a deep dive into the soul of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
- Architecture: Visit the world-famous Santa Catalina Monastery, a “city within a city.”
- Volcanic Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the three tutelary volcanoes from traditional lookouts.
- Religious Heritage: Explore the Cathedral and the stunning Society of Jesus Church.
- History: Learn about pre-Inca agricultural terraces and colonial foundation.
Full Itinerary
We offer two schedules: **09:00 AM** and **02:00 PM**. The journey lasts approximately 3 hours.
Panoramic Lookouts:
The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel. Our first stop is the **Carmen Alto Lookout**. From here, you will observe the three majestic volcanoes surrounding the city (Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu) and the well-preserved pre-Inca agricultural terraces. Our guide will explain the history of Arequipa’s traditional agriculture.
Yanahuara District:
Next, we transfer to the traditional district of Yanahuara. We will admire the famous **Yanahuara Portals**, constructed from white sillar stone and carved with famous quotes, and visit the beautiful San Juan Bautista Church.
Santa Catalina Monastery:
We then visit the highlight of Arequipa’s colonial heritage: the **Santa Catalina Monastery**. Founded in 1579, this cloistered citadel is a labyrinth of vivid colors and narrow streets that showcase the lifestyle of colonial nuns.
Main Square & Religious Sites:
We continue to the **Plaza de Armas** (Main Square) to see the Neoclassical Basilica Cathedral. Finally, we visit the **Church of the Society of Jesus** (La Compañía) and the **St. Ignatius Dome**, considered one of the best-preserved examples of mestizo baroque art in the city.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour includes:
- Hotel pick-up within the city center.
- Professional bilingual tour guide.
- Private tourist transportation.
- Entrance ticket to the **Santa Catalina Monastery**.
The tour does not include:
- Entrance fees to the Cathedral or other secondary museums.
- Food and drinks.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and driver.
Recommendations
To enjoy your city stroll, we recommend:
- Sun Protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (Arequipa has high UV radiation).
- Comfortable Shoes: Walking shoes for the cobblestone streets of Santa Catalina.
- Camera: To capture the stunning white architecture and volcano views.
- Warm Layer: If you take the afternoon tour, temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
General Info
Duration: 3 hours.
Schedules: 09:00 hrs – 14:00 hrs.
Language: Bilingual (English and Spanish).
Location: Arequipa Historic Center and surrounding traditional districts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the entrance to Santa Catalina expensive?
The entrance is included in our tour package, so you don’t need to worry about paying at the gate.
Is there a lot of walking involved?
The tour is a mix of transportation and walking. The most walking occurs inside the Santa Catalina Monastery (approx. 1 hour), but it is a leisurely pace.
What is “Sillar”?
Sillar is a white volcanic stone from the local volcanoes. It is the material used to build the historic center, giving Arequipa its famous nickname, the “White City.”