Discover the Heart of Arequipa: Guided Tour of Santa Catalina Monastery

Imagine wandering through narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses bursting with vibrant flowers, and stepping into a city that feels more like a living museum. This is Arequipa, often called the “White City” for its buildings made of volcanic stone. For just $35 per person, you can spend about four hours uncovering its most famous sights on a guided tour led by friendly, knowledgeable guides. Your journey will include the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Cathedral of Arequipa, and lively plazas filled with stories and history.

What we love most about this tour is how it blends architecture and stories, providing insights into the city’s unique style and history. The visit to Santa Catalina is especially memorable because it’s more than just a religious site; it’s a small city within a city, full of secret corners, cloisters, and artistic treasures. Plus, the walk through Plaza de Armas and stops at historic trade sites like La Cabezona add layers of local color that bring Arequipa to life.

One minor consideration is the entrance fee to Santa Catalina not included in the tour price—so plan for that extra expense. Also, since the tour ends around 1:00 p.m., those with a full day can easily add more adventures afterward.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate history, architecture, and authentic city atmospheres, especially those wanting a manageable, well-guided overview of Arequipa’s highlights without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Affordable and comprehensive: At $35, it offers a solid value for a 4-hour guided exploration.
Expert guides enhance the experience with engaging stories and local insights.
Highlights include Santa Catalina, Plaza de Armas, and historic trade sites, offering a well-rounded look at Arequipa.
Includes hotel pickup, making logistics simple and hassle-free.
Note: Entrance to Santa Catalina is not included, so budget accordingly.
Best for travelers interested in architecture, history, and local culture with limited time.

Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Arequipa we've examined

Exploring Arequipa: A Closer Look at the Tour

When we first learn about a city like Arequipa, nicknamed the “White City,” it’s easy to imagine the allure of its luminous buildings and scenic plazas. This 4-hour tour captures that essence with a carefully curated itinerary that balances major sights and hidden gems. Starting with a hotel pickup around 9:00 a.m., you’ll be whisked into the heart of the city, ready to uncover what makes Arequipa special.

The Charm of the White City

The tour kicks off in the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, where the impressive Cathedral of Arequipa dominates the skyline. Built with volcanic ashlar stone, the cathedral’s elegant facade and intricate interior provide an immediate sense of the city’s architectural style. You might discover that the use of volcanic stone isn’t just aesthetic; it’s a practical choice that has helped preserve these structures for centuries.

Next, your guide will lead you to the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, another beautiful example of religious architecture that reflects the blending of local materials with colonial design. These stops aren’t just sightseeing—they’re an introduction to Arequipa’s historical significance as a trading hub. Sites like Tambos de Bronce and La Cabezona reveal how barter and trade once thrived here, giving you a taste of the city’s vibrant past.

Santa Catalina Monastery: A City Within a City

The highlight of the tour is Santa Catalina de Siena, often called a “small city within a city” because of its size, complexity, and history. Built as a cloistered convent, it’s more than a religious site; it’s a labyrinth of colorful streets, gardens, and art-filled cloisters. During the guided walk, you’ll hear legends and stories that make each corner come alive—some perhaps more mysterious than others.

The monastery’s impressive cloisters and gardens are perfect for wandering at your own pace, while your guide will point out artworks and architecture that tell stories of faith, culture, and secret lives behind these walls. Although entrance isn’t included, many find it worthwhile to see the interior richness—so consider purchasing tickets in advance if possible.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authentic Local Flavor and Practical Details

One of the real strengths of this tour is how it balances sightseeing with storytelling, making history accessible and engaging. A reviewer noted how Gladys, their guide, was “wonderful, knowledgeable, and attentive,” sharing interesting stories and personal insights. This personalized approach turns a standard city tour into an enriching experience.

The tour wraps up around 1:00 p.m., returning to your accommodation or another downtown point. This leaves the rest of your day free—perhaps to explore more, enjoy a local meal, or relax in the city’s lively plazas.

While you're exploring Arequipa, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Practical Side

For the price, this tour provides excellent value compared to independent entry and navigation. The hotel pickup simplifies logistics, especially for travelers unfamiliar with city streets. Since the tour is available in both English and Spanish, language isn’t a barrier for most visitors. Just remember that entrance fees for Santa Catalina aren’t included, so plan an extra few soles for that.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a balanced overview of Arequipa’s most significant sights with a friendly, professional guide. It’s especially suitable if you prefer guided storytelling over solo wandering and appreciate authentic local atmospheres. History buffs, architecture lovers, and those short on time will find it particularly valuable.

The Sum Up: Who Should Join?

If you’re seeking a well-organized, insightful introduction to Arequipa, this tour offers an authentic taste of the city’s architectural and cultural highlights. It suits those who want to see the main sights without the hassle of planning and appreciate guided commentary that makes history come alive. Budget-conscious travelers will find the price reasonable, especially considering the convenience of hotel pickup and engaging guides.

For travelers passionate about architecture and local legends, this tour provides a memorable snapshot of Arequipa’s soul. Keep in mind that entrance fees aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for that. And if you’re the kind of visitor who thrives on personalized stories and insider tips, Gladys’s expertise will make the experience even richer.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel, making it easy to start exploring without extra transportation worries.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 4 hours, starting around 9:00 a.m. and ending at 1:00 p.m., but check availability for specific times.

What sights are included? You’ll visit the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral of Arequipa, Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, Tambos de Bronce, La Cabezona, and Santa Catalina Monastery.

Is entrance to Santa Catalina included? No, the tour price doesn’t cover the monastery’s entrance fee, so you should plan to purchase that separately.

Is the tour suitable for all ages? Yes, it’s accessible and suitable for most travelers interested in history and architecture; guide support makes it engaging for various ages.

What languages are available? Tours are offered in both Spanish and English, depending on your preference.

Can I customize the tour? The guide has been noted to adapt the program based on interests, so feel free to ask about additional suggestions or modifications.

What if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if plans change.

Is this tour good for solo travelers? Absolutely, guided tours are a great way to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a structured exploration of the city.

This guided tour of Santa Catalina Monastery and Arequipa’s highlights offers a well-rounded, authentic, and engaging experience for anyone eager to understand this charming city. With friendly guides, carefully curated sights, and a practical format, it’s an excellent choice for a memorable introduction to Peru’s White City.