A Walk through the White City: Exploring Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery

If you’re visiting southern Peru, a walk through Arequipa—often called the White City—should be on your list. For $65 per person, this 4-hour private tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s stunning ashlar buildings, colonial religious architecture, and pre-Hispanic civil structures. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit charming neighborhoods, historic mansions, and the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery.

What we love most about this tour is the chance to stroll through narrow cobbled streets and admire the white volcanic stone facades up close—these are real photo opportunities. The tour’s highlight, of course, is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a sprawling cloister that feels more like a city within a city, filled with vibrant streets and cloisters soaking in history.

One thing to keep in mind: this tour involves walking through some uneven, narrow streets, so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of history, architecture, and authentic local neighborhoods, rather than those seeking a fast-paced or heavily commercial experience.

Key Points

Rich architectural diversity with colonial and pre-Hispanic influences.
Includes entrance to Santa Catalina Monastery, a highlight of Arequipa.
Walking through historic neighborhoods offers genuine local flavor.
Perfect for history buffs and culture lovers who want an authentic experience.
Private group ensures personalized attention and flexible pacing.
Duration of 4 hours makes it a manageable half-day activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Arequipa: An Authentic Journey

Arequipa’s charm lies in its beautiful white volcanic stone architecture, which gives the city its nickname. This tour takes you beyond the common tourist spots into neighborhoods that reveal the city’s layered history—from pre-Incan times through the colonial Spanish period.

Starting at your hotel or the designated meeting point, we’re introduced to the San Lázaro neighborhood. This area, just five blocks from the bustling Plaza de Armas, is one of the oldest parts of the city. Its narrow streets and white ashlar houses tell stories of pre-Incan and Inca settlements that predate the Spanish conquest. Walking here, you’ll see small squares, charming alleys, and buildings that have withstood centuries of history. It’s a quiet, authentic glimpse into local life, away from the more tourist-heavy areas.

What makes this segment special is the opportunity to see volcanic stone construction up close—a technique that defines Arequipa’s aesthetic. The guide will share details about how these structures have survived earthquakes and the city’s development over the centuries.

Next, the tour moves to the Barrio del Solar along the Chili River. This area showcases classic colonial architecture with ashlar facades and historic Tambos—lodging centers from the colonial era where merchants would rest and conduct business. Visiting these spots reveals how Arequipa thrived as a trading hub, and you’ll understand the city’s importance during Spanish times.

A brief stop at Tambo el Matadero, a 17th-century slaughterhouse, offers a look into the city’s working-class history. Today, around 30 families live here, giving a sense of continuity and resilience. You might find that it’s a less polished but genuinely lived-in part of the city, providing contrast to the more pristine colonial streets.

Stepping into Tambo La Cabezona, a colonial manor from the 16th century, offers insight into the wealthy landowning families and their role in city development. This location also hints at the industrial side, with one of Arequipa’s first mills operating here.

The highlight of the city tour is undoubtedly the Plaza de Armas. Surrounded by portals and arcades, and featuring a bronze fountain in its center, it’s the social hub of Arequipa. Here, the guide provides a panoramic overview of the city’s layout, and you’ll see the imposing Cathedral, which has been a central religious site for centuries. It’s also the perfect spot to snap photos of the lively, yet historic, squares.

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Santa Catalina Monastery: A City within a City

The Santa Catalina Monastery is an integral part of the tour, and rightly so. Founded in 1579, this religious complex encompasses 20,000 square meters of cloisters, patios, streets, and chapels. It resembles a small city, complete with narrow alleys, colorful walls, and quiet courtyards.

Historically, it was a convent for wealthy women, many of whom donated their estates upon entry. Today, some cloistered nuns still live here, maintaining the monastery’s spiritual and cultural traditions. Walking through its red and white ashlar streets, you feel like stepping back in time—each corner offers a perfect photo opportunity.

Our guide will explain how the monastery was designed both as a place of worship and a self-sufficient community. You’ll visit the church, the cloisters, and some private spaces that reveal the daily life of the nuns. The tour’s design allows plenty of time to admire the architectural details and capture photos of the vibrant walls and peaceful patios.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

At $65, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Arequipa’s architecture, history, and local neighborhoods. The entrance fee to Santa Catalina is included, which is a significant cost saving compared to buying tickets individually. The private guide means you can customize your pace and ask plenty of questions, making it a more intimate experience.

While it’s primarily a walking tour, the itinerary is thoughtfully designed so you won’t feel rushed. The mix of neighborhoods and the monastery gives a comprehensive picture of the city’s layers—past and present—wrapped into one manageable half-day.

One of the most praised aspects from other travelers is the stunning views and authentic encounters. The narrow streets and colorful walls make for excellent photographs, and the local stories shared by the guide make history come alive. This tour balances visual beauty with cultural insight, making it rewarding for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

A possible consideration is that the tour involves some walking through uneven streets and limited time inside each location. If you’re less mobile or prefer longer stays at each site, you might need additional time or a more flexible approach.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This walking tour is ideal for those who appreciate architecture, history, and authentic local neighborhoods. It suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided introduction to Arequipa without the hassle of planning multiple visits. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a culture with a knowledgeable guide. If you enjoy capturing stunning photos and learning stories behind the buildings, this tour will resonate.

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FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup if your accommodation is within the historic center. Otherwise, you’ll meet at Calle Zela 301 next to Santa Catalina Monastery.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, allowing enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guide’s services, entrance to Santa Catalina Monastery, and transfer from and to your hotel in the historic center.

Do I need to pay for anything extra?
Lunch is not included, so you’ll need to plan for that separately.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those interested in history and architecture. Just remember that some walking on uneven streets might be tiring for very young children.

Are there options for language?
Yes, guides are available in English and Spanish, and the tour is operated as a private experience, ensuring personalized communication.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

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Final Thoughts

This walking tour of Arequipa offers a balanced look at the city’s architectural beauty, vibrant neighborhoods, and hidden historical gems. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just quick snapshots and prefer to walk through the city’s living history. The inclusion of Santa Catalina Monastery is a standout feature, providing an immersive experience into Peru’s colonial past.

If you enjoy stunning visuals, authentic neighborhood strolls, and learning stories behind the buildings, this tour fits the bill. Its private setting and manageable duration make it accessible and relaxed, helping you appreciate Arequipa’s unique white volcanic stone architecture and the stories that shaped it.

For those seeking a meaningful, visually beautiful, and well-organized introduction to Arequipa, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments—making it a wise choice for a first visit or a repeat trip to this captivating city.