Arequipa, often called the “White City”, is a place where history and architecture blend seamlessly. For just $28 per person, this 3-hour guided tour offers a wonderful glimpse into the city’s charming streets, its captivating buildings, and the legendary Santa Catalina Monastery. Starting around 9:00 a.m., it’s a compact yet immersive way to get acquainted with one of Peru’s most picturesque cities.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it weaves together the city’s distinctive volcanic stone architecture with stories behind its structures, making history come alive. Plus, visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast walled fortress and cloistered community, provides a quiet, reflective contrast to the lively city streets.

However, a key point to consider is that entrance to the Santa Catalina Monastery is not included in the tour price, which means you’ll need to purchase your tickets separately. This can be a small hassle if you’re pressed for time or if you’re unfamiliar with local ticketing procedures.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-guided introduction to Arequipa with a focus on its architectural wonders and historical sites, this tour is a strong choice. It works especially well for those who prefer a structured visit and want to maximize their time exploring the city’s highlights.

Key Points

Concise 3-hour tour covering Arequipa’s main sights and Santa Catalina Monastery.
Affordable price point makes it a good value for a guided city experience.
Includes hotel pickup from the historic city center, simplifying logistics.
Focus on architecture built from volcanic stone, reflecting local materials and style.
Separate entrance fee for Santa Catalina Monastery, which requires planning.
Guides available in both English and Spanish, catering to diverse travelers.

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A Closer Look at the Arequipa + Santa Catalina Guided Tour

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Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour kicks off around 9:00 a.m. with hotel pickup in the historic center, a smart way to start because it saves you the hassle of finding your way to the city’s core. Once onboard, your guide—whether speaking in English or Spanish—sets the tone for a relaxed, informative experience.

The three hours are packed with walking through Arequipa’s charming streets, where the architecture immediately transports you to a different time. The city’s nickname, “White City”, is well-earned, thanks to the buildings constructed from volcanic sillar stone, giving the structures a bright, almost glowing appearance. We loved the way our guide explained how this material’s durability and aesthetic appeal have made it a defining feature of Arequipa’s skyline.

Exploring Arequipa’s Main Sights

The tour includes stops at the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, where you’ll have the chance to admire the impressive Cathedral of Arequipa. The cathedral’s façade is striking and its interior offers a peaceful respite after walking through lively streets. We appreciated the guide’s insights into the history and architecture, which added depth to what could otherwise be a simple photo stop.

Next, the guide takes you to the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus. These buildings exhibit a mixture of colonial styles and showcase the craftsmanship of the period. The cloisters are particularly tranquil, with lush gardens that contrast nicely with the surrounding stonework.

The visit then takes you to Bronce and Cabezona, old dairy farms that served as important commercial centers. They highlight the local history of bartering and trade, offering a glimpse into everyday life in colonial-era Arequipa. These stops are often overlooked by travelers, so including them in the tour adds a touch of authenticity that we found valuable.

Santa Catalina Monastery: A Highlight Despite Extra Cost

The most anticipated part of the tour is the Santa Catalina Monastery. While the tour does not include the entrance fee, the monastery itself is a fascinating complex—sometimes described as a city within a city. It dates back to the 16th century and served as a cloister for nuns. Walking through its narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and colorful gardens feels like stepping back in time.

Our guide shared stories about the legendary history of the monastery, which added layers of intrigue. The collection of artwork, chapels, and cloisters—each with its own character—made it a highlight. The guide’s narration helped us appreciate the monastery’s significance beyond its beautiful façade.

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Practical Tips and Considerations

While the tour is well-organized, it’s important to note that entrance to Santa Catalina is not included. The ticketing process can sometimes be a little cumbersome, and if you’re eager to explore independently afterward, you’ll need to plan for an additional ticket purchase. Some travelers, like Erik, have voiced frustrations about miscommunications or missing parts of the experience. His review detailed a less-than-ideal experience with a different language tour and a disputed Santa Catalina entrance fee.

The tour’s small group size enhances the experience, allowing for questions and personalized attention. The cost of $28, when you consider the hotel pickup, guide, and the breadth of sights covered, offers quite good value for a city tour of this scope.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate architecture, history, and stories behind what they see. It’s ideal for those who prefer a guided overview rather than wandering solo, particularly since it covers many of Arequipa’s key highlights in just a few hours. However, those who want to visit Santa Catalina might need to be prepared to purchase tickets separately or consider exploring on their own afterward.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour of Arequipa offers a practical and engaging way to understand the city’s distinctive charm and historical depth. For just $28, you get a well-paced morning exploring the streets, buildings, and hidden corners of the White City, topped off with a visit to one of the most iconic sites—the Santa Catalina Monastery.

The experience’s strengths lie in its comprehensive itinerary, expert guides (in multiple languages), and convenient hotel pickup. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors who want a structured introduction or travelers who prefer guided insights over wandering on their own.

The main drawback is the additional entrance fee for Santa Catalina—a minor inconvenience but worth noting if you’re on a tight schedule or budget. Plus, some travelers have had less-than-stellar experiences with communication or the inclusions, so clarifying details beforehand can help.

All in all, this tour provides a solid foundation for appreciating Arequipa’s architectural elegance and historical richness. It’s a good value for anyone who wants to get a quick, authentic taste of the city’s highlights with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

FAQ

Does the tour include entrance to Santa Catalina Monastery?
No, the entrance fee for Santa Catalina is not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to purchase your tickets separately.

What is the duration of the tour?
The guided tour lasts approximately 3 hours, starting around 9:00 a.m., with hotel pickup in the historic center.

In which languages are guides available?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, making the tour accessible for a wider range of travelers.

Can I be picked up from my hotel?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup from the Historic Center of Arequipa, adding convenience for travelers staying in that area.

What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Arequipa, churches, cloisters, the old dairy farms of Bronce and Cabezona, and the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Is there a possibility of cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

In summary, this guided tour is an excellent way to get acquainted with Arequipa’s architecture, history, and local stories in a manageable timeframe. While the extra cost for Santa Catalina might be a consideration, most travelers find the combination of city highlights and the monastery well worth the price. It’s especially fitting for those who value guided insights and want to see the city’s key sites without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.