Overview
Tour Destination : Arequipa, Peru
Tour Highlights:
- Carmen Alto Viewpoint
- Yanahuara Viewpoint and Square
- Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas
- Church of the Society of Jesus
- Santa Catalina Monastery
Daily Outline
Arequipa - Yanahura - Monastery of Santa Catalina
Itinerary
Day 1 Arequipa - Yanahura - Monastery of Santa Catalina
At the scheduled time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Arequipa to begin this fascinating city tour, exploring the city’s most iconic viewpoints, historic landmarks, and colonial architecture.
Our first stop will be Carmen Alto Viewpoint, a beautiful location overlooking the Chili River Valley and the surrounding countryside. Here, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the majestic Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes while appreciating the natural beauty of the Arequipa countryside.
We will then continue to Yanahuara Viewpoint, one of Arequipa’s most iconic attractions, famous for its elegant arches carved from white volcanic stone and its breathtaking views of Misti Volcano. We will also visit the picturesque Yanahuara Square and admire its traditional colonial church, surrounded by charming streets and historic architecture.
Next, we will head to the magnificent Plaza de Armas, the heart of Arequipa’s historic center. Here, you will admire its elegant colonial arcades, beautiful gardens, central fountain, and the impressive Arequipa Cathedral, one of the city’s most important architectural landmarks.
Our tour continues with a visit to the Church of the Society of Jesus, where we will admire its beautifully carved sillar façade from the exterior. This remarkable building is considered one of the finest examples of Mestizo Baroque architecture in Arequipa, reflecting the artistic and cultural fusion that developed during the colonial period.
Finally, we will visit the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery, the highlight of our tour. Founded in 1579, this extraordinary religious complex is often described as a “city within a city.” We will explore its colorful streets, peaceful cloisters, charming courtyards, chapels, and historic rooms while learning about the religious traditions and daily lives of the women who lived within its walls for centuries.
With its vibrant architecture, rich history, and unique atmosphere, Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the most fascinating attractions in Arequipa.
After the visit, we will transfer you back to your hotel.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in downtown Arequipa.
- Tourist transportation
- English- and Spanish-speaking local tour guide.
- Entrance ticket to Santa Catalina Monastery.
- Entrance ticket to Carmen Alto Viewpoint.
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance.
- Meals.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips (optional).
Price
GROUP TOUR
Minimum 1 Persona requiredPRIVATE TOUR
Minimum 2 people required* For groups of 4+ travelers, please contact us directly to unlock special volume discounts.
FAQs
Is the City Tour a Good Option for Your First Day in Arequipa?
Absolutely! Located at approximately 2,335 meters (7,661 feet) above sea level, Arequipa is a great destination to begin exploring southern Peru. This city tour offers a relaxed introduction to the city’s history, architecture, and culture, with visits to scenic viewpoints and iconic historical landmarks. Although the tour involves some walking, it is generally a comfortable way to discover Arequipa on your first day while allowing yourself time to adjust to the altitude.
$0/pp — This rate applies to every traveler, regardless of age.
Adults
18+ · $50/pp
Students
18-25 · $50/pp
Children
0-17 · $48/pp · 5% off
If Circuit 2 tickets are sold out for your travel date, we’ll secure the best available alternative: Circuit 3 or Circuit 1. To secure your preferred circuit and times, we highly recommend booking your Machu Picchu trip as early as possible; tickets are limited and sell out quickly.
