If you’re wandering through the White City of Arequipa, this guided walking tour offers a fantastic way to soak in its beauty, history, and vibrant neighborhoods. For only $33 per person, you’ll spend about three hours exploring charming streets, colonial architecture, and the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery. Your guide, fluent in both Spanish and English, will bring stories and history alive, making each stop meaningful.

What we love about this tour is how it balances walking through authentic neighborhoods like San Lazaro, with its volcanic stone houses, and delving into the grandeur of the Santa Catalina Monastery—a true jewel of Peruvian heritage. Plus, the visit to Plaza de Armas offers a perfect photo opportunity with its lively atmosphere and stunning architecture.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since the order of visits may vary, flexibility helps keep the experience relaxed.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy history, architecture, and authentic local neighborhoods. If you appreciate guided insights that bring a city to life, and want to see Arequipa’s highlights without the hassle of planning, this is an excellent choice.

Key Points

Authentic Neighborhoods: Explore San Lazaro and Barrio del Solar, with their traditional streets and volcanic stone buildings.
Historical Insights: Learn about Arequipa’s past from knowledgeable guides; history is woven into every corner.
Iconic Landmarks: Visit Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Cultural Depth: Discover Tambo centers that reveal colonial commerce and social life.
Flexible Experience: 3-hour duration with optional hotel pickup offers convenience.
Value for Money: At $33, the tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Arequipa’s highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to Arequipa’s Charm

Arequipa, often called the “White City,” earns this nickname from its buildings crafted from sillar, a light volcanic stone that gleams under the sun. This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the city’s colonial past and its everyday life. We start just outside the Santa Catalina Monastery, a perfect vantage point for the city’s blend of history and vibrant streets.

At just $33, this tour offers remarkable value, especially considering that it covers a variety of neighborhoods, historical sites, and the famous monastery—all in a relaxed, walkable setting. The three-hour timeframe means you get substantial sightseeing without feeling rushed, making it ideal for those with limited time but a keen interest in authentic local culture.

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Why We Appreciate This Tour

First, the guides stand out for their knowledge and friendliness. As one traveler noted, “Gisela was very attentive and precise in her explanations,” which enriches the experience far beyond just walking around. Second, the stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Santa Catalina Monastery and Plaza de Armas highlight the importance of preservation, while offering picture-perfect moments.

Another aspect we like is the tour’s focus on local neighborhoods like San Lazaro. This district, with its small streets and white volcanic stone houses, gives you a real sense of Arequipa’s living history. The inclusion of the Tambo centers offers a glimpse into colonial commerce and community life, which many travelers overlook.

Considerations for Travelers

The main thing to keep in mind is that this involves a fair amount of walking—about 20-30 minutes between stops—so comfortable shoes are essential. Also, since the order of visits can vary, flexibility helps keep the experience enjoyable. If you’re sensitive to long walks or have mobility issues, it might be worth checking whether the tour can be adapted or whether you might prefer a different exploration method.

Starting Point and Neighborhood of San Lazaro

The tour begins with a hotel pickup or at a designated meeting point near Calle Zela 301, just five blocks from the Plaza de Armas. We’re introduced to San Lazaro, one of the oldest districts in Arequipa. Walking through streets of volcanic sillar, you notice the white facades and small squares that hint at the city’s early residents—pre-Inca, Inca, and Spanish alike.

This neighborhood is a living museum, with homes dating back centuries and a quiet charm that contrasts with the bustling city center. The guide shares stories about the area’s history, connecting it to the broader narrative of Arequipa’s development.

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Barrio del Solar and Colonial Commerce

Next, we walk towards Barrio del Solar, near the Chili River. Here, the streets are lined with traditional colonial buildings, and you’ll see Tambo centers—colonial lodging and rest stops for merchants and travelers.

We visit Tambo El Matadero, a 17th-century animal slaughterhouse that still houses about 30 families. This site offers a raw but fascinating window into the city’s colonial economy. Not far away is Tambo La Cabezona, with its communal entrance and historic mill, illustrating how trade and industry operated in colonial times.

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The Plaza de Armas: Heart of Arequipa

A short walk takes us to Plaza de Armas, the bustling core of the city. Surrounded by porticoed buildings and topped by the Cathedral of Arequipa, the square buzzes with activity. The bronze fountain in the center makes for a perfect photo backdrop, and the lively atmosphere reflects the city’s vibrant everyday life.

Here, the guide helps contextualize the square’s importance as a social and political hub, connecting it to events from the city’s colonial past to today.

Santa Catalina Monastery: A City Within a City

The highlight of the tour is the Santa Catalina Monastery, founded in 1579. This sprawling complex covers 20,000 square meters, with cloisters, patios, streets, and chapels that seem like an entire city of their own. Many visitors describe it as a “hidden gem” — a space layered with history, art, and stunning architecture.

You’ll explore iconic areas like the Patio del Silencio, where nuns once gathered in silence, and meander through narrow streets that conjure a time when the monastery was a city within a city. The guide shares stories of cloistered life, wealthy benefactors like Doña Maria de Guzman, and the enduring legacy of this UNESCO site.

Final Stop and Drop-off

After an hour exploring Santa Catalina, we’re transported back to the starting point or dropped off at your hotel if within the historic center. The tour wraps up with plenty of photo opportunities and a deep appreciation for Arequipa’s unique blend of architecture, history, and culture.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an accessible, informed, and comprehensive introduction to Arequipa. The combination of walking, guided storytelling, and visiting well-preserved sites makes it a well-rounded experience that balances education and enjoyment.

Given the cost of $33, it offers strong value, especially considering the entrance fees included for the Santa Catalina Monastery. The tour’s focus on UNESCO sites and local neighborhoods makes it appealing to those interested in history, architecture, and authentic city life. Plus, the optional hotel pickup simplifies logistics, a bonus for travelers staying within the city’s historic center.

If you’re someone who appreciates guided insights and wants to understand the city’s soul beyond just snapping photos, this tour will meet and even exceed expectations. Just bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a sense of curiosity.

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, transportation is provided via van for parts of the tour, including pickup and drop-off, unless you opt to meet at the designated starting point.

How long is the walking portion of the tour?
Expect about 20-30 minutes of walking between stops, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I visit the Santa Catalina Monastery without the tour?
Yes, but with this tour, you get a guided visit which enriches the experience with historical context and stories you might miss exploring alone.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, making the tour accessible to a wider range of travelers.

What time does the tour start?
Starting times vary; check availability at the time of booking. The tour lasts about three hours, and exact times will be confirmed after booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children 4 and younger are free, but keep in mind the walking involved may be tiring for very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes, and a hat for sun protection.

Is the Santa Catalina Monastery accessible during holidays?
The monastery is closed on December 25th and Good Friday, so plan your visit accordingly.

This Arequipa walking tour combined with a visit to Santa Catalina Monastery offers a well-balanced peek into the city’s history, architecture, and local neighborhoods. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy guided storytelling, photography, and exploring authentic streets away from the tourist crowds. The mix of UNESCO sites and colonial Tambo centers makes it a memorable, affordable way to connect with Arequipa’s soul.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive yet relaxed introduction to the “White City,” this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small groups and insightful guides. Just remember to wear good walking shoes and bring your camera — you’ll want to remember this day for a long time to come.