Arequipa: City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery

Arequipa, often called the “White City” thanks to its stunning sillar stone architecture, is a must-see in southern Peru. For those wanting an efficient yet rich introduction to this vibrant city, the Arequipa City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery offers a compelling blend of history, architecture, and scenic views. Priced at $97 per person and lasting about three hours, it’s a perfect half-day experience that fits neatly into most itineraries.

What we love about this tour is how deeply it immerses you in Arequipa’s authentic charm—from the historic Plaza de Armas, with its lively atmosphere, to the quiet awe of the sprawling Santa Catalina Monastery. The panoramic views from Yanahuara and Carmen Alto provide a breathtaking backdrop of volcanoes and countryside that are as striking as the city itself.

A possible consideration is the pace—since the itinerary involves several different stops and viewpoints, you’ll want to stay comfortable with some walking and take your time at each site. Also, the tour is quite structured, so if you’re seeking a highly flexible or private experience, this might feel a bit scheduled.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a condensed but meaningful glimpse of Arequipa’s highlights, especially if they’re short on time but eager to experience its cultural and scenic gems. It’s perfect for first-timers who appreciate guided insights and want to see the city’s top sights without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Introduction: Covers the main sights of Arequipa, including the historic center and Santa Catalina Monastery.
• Expert Guides: Bilingual guides provide context and stories that bring the city’s history to life.
• Stunning Views: Panoramic stops at Yanahuara and Carmen Alto showcase volcanoes and the surrounding landscape.
• Cultural Richness: Visit an 1579 medieval monastery still in use, and explore local religious art and architecture.
• Convenient and Inclusive: Hotel pickup, entrance tickets, and group service make this a hassle-free experience.
• Limited Flexibility: The schedule is fixed, so expect some moving parts and a set itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Arequipa: A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting off in the Historic Center, the tour begins with pickup from your hotel in the city’s lively heart. If your accommodation isn’t within the historic district, a meeting point at Calle Zela 301, Hotel Mirador del Monasterio, is available. The pickup process is straightforward, ensuring you’re ready to go without fuss. We found that being punctual helps, as the schedule moves quickly between sites.

The Plaza de Armas is the first major stop, and it’s truly one of the most beautiful in Peru. Surrounded by colonial buildings and lined with vibrant cafes, it’s the perfect place to absorb the city’s atmosphere. The accompanying guided tour highlights the 17th-century Cathedral, which has been rebuilt after seismic damage—reminding us of how natural forces shape urban landscapes. The guide shared stories about the city’s resilience, making the visit more meaningful.

Just a short five-minute bus ride takes us to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a highlight of this experience. Visiting this sprawling complex is like stepping into a different era. Built in 1579, the monastery is still home to cloistered nuns, which helps preserve its historic aura. Inside, the narrow alleyways, colorful courtyards, and small chapels create an almost medieval feel. The guide, Maria, explains that the monastery covers 20,000 square meters—a true “city within a city.” We loved the way the guide detailed the daily life of the cloistered nuns, adding a personal touch to the visit.

What makes Santa Catalina special isn’t just its age, but its ongoing function. It’s a living religious community, not just a museum. The walls are built from ashlar stone, typical of local architecture, which lends both strength and charm. The complex’s history is fascinating, especially considering that Maria de Guzman, the first resident, moved in after her husband’s death, giving the site a deeply personal story.

After exploring Santa Catalina, the tour continues with scenic viewpoints. Yanahuara and Carmen Alto are two districts offering panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding volcanoes—Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. We loved the Yanahuara viewpoint for its classic arches framing the volcanoes, perfect for photos and soaking in the landscape. The guide pointed out how these volcanoes shape the local climate and culture, adding interesting context.

We also stop at Cayma, where the Plaza Mayor and San Miguel Arcángel Church offer another glimpse into local religious life. Inside, the church’s collection of paintings depicting Virgin miracles shows the strong faith rooted in the community. Travelers praised the guide’s knowledge, mentioning how the stories made the sites more memorable.

Throughout the tour, transportation is smooth, with short bus rides between stops. The small group setup ensures a comfortable experience, and the pace allows enough time at each site without feeling rushed. The entire experience wraps up with a drop-off back at your hotel, making logistics simple.

The value of this tour goes beyond just seeing sites. It’s about gaining insights into Arequipa’s history, architecture, and local customs, all within a manageable timeframe. The ticket to Santa Catalina alone is included, saving you both time and money, and the bilingual guides make it accessible for English and Spanish speakers alike.

However, keep in mind that the tour doesn’t include meals or additional expenses, so you might want to plan for some snacks or souvenirs afterward. Also, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility issues might need to consider alternative arrangements.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits first-time visitors eager for an overview of Arequipa’s top sights, especially those with limited time. If you enjoy guided walks with local insights, the knowledgeable guides will enhance your understanding of the city’s history and culture. It’s also an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate scenic viewpoints and want to see volcanoes without venturing far from the city.

It’s best for those comfortable with some walking and variable schedules—since the itinerary can change slightly, flexibility helps. If you’re seeking a private or highly customizable experience, this might be less suitable. But for a well-organized, informative introduction to Arequipa, this tour delivers solid value.

The Sum Up

The Arequipa City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery is an engaging way to get an authentic feel for this stunning city. It offers a balanced mix of architecture, history, and spectacular scenery, all wrapped into a convenient half-day package. The inclusion of Santa Catalina, one of South America’s most impressive cloisters, provides a chance to see a religious site still active today, not just a relic of the past.

Travelers who enjoy guided storytelling, scenic views, and exploring historical sites will find this tour enriching. The knowledgeable guides make the experience lively and informative, adding layers of understanding that self-guided visits often lack. The panoramic viewpoints at Yanahuara and Carmen Alto give a stunning backdrop for photos and a sense of the landscape’s grandeur.

Considering the price, the tour offers good value—entrance fees, transportation, and guide services are bundled into one straightforward package. It’s especially ideal for those on a tight schedule but who still want a meaningful introduction to Arequipa’s core.

If you’re looking for a tour that balances depth with efficiency, that highlights the city’s most iconic sights while offering some scenic respite, this is a smart choice. It’s perfect for curious explorers who like guided insights and aren’t afraid of a bit of walking. With its mix of cultural storytelling and breathtaking views, this tour helps you leave Arequipa with a richer appreciation of its beauty and resilience.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip transfers from hotels within the historic center of Arequipa. If your hotel isn’t within that area, you can meet at Calle Zela 301, Hotel Mirador del Monasterio.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, but check availability for specific starting times.

What sights are visited during the tour?
You’ll visit the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral, Santa Catalina Monastery, viewpoints at Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, and the district of Cayma including the San Miguel Arcángel Church.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations for diverse travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, cash, and sunscreen for a comfortable experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
While the tour is generally accessible, it involves some walking and sightseeing that may be less suitable for those with mobility issues or very young children.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You may want to bring some snacks or plan to eat afterward.

This half-day tour offers an accessible, insightful, and scenic introduction to Arequipa that suits curious travelers wanting a well-rounded experience, without sacrificing depth or authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby