Arequipa City Tour: Colonial Treasures Among Sillar Stone

Exploring Arequipa is like walking through a living museum, where colonial history and Baroque heritage blend seamlessly among cobblestone streets, white sillar buildings, and vibrant plazas. This walking city tour invites you to discover the most emblematic corners of the White City, starting from the majestic Plaza de Armas and ending at the fascinating Santa Catalina Monastery, a veritable city within a city.

During the tour, you will visit the imposing Arequipa Cathedral, the ornate Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, and charming colonial tambos (way stations) like El Bronce and La Cabezona, which still preserve the essence of traditional Arequipa. The highlight is entering the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, one of the most important religious complexes in South America, which reveals centuries of convent life behind its ochre and blue walls.

Accompanied by an expert guide, you will relive the viceroyalty era, admire the sillar stone architecture, and learn about the religious and commercial customs that shaped the soul of Arequipa. This tour is an essential cultural experience for those who wish to delve deeper into the identity of Arequipa.

Detailed Itinerary

Start of the Tour

• Our tour begins with pick-up from your hotel (if it is located in the historic center of Arequipa).
• Meet the official tour guide who will lead this walking tour full of history and architecture.

Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas

• We arrive at the iconic Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city.
• The guide will explain its original design, its historical significance, and its evolution from the colonial era to the present day.
• Highlights include its symmetrical gardens, the central bronze fountain, and the surrounding buildings made of volcanic stone.

Arequipa Cathedral Basilica

• Entrance to the Arequipa Cathedral, one of the largest in Peru.
• Built entirely of white sillar stone, its Neo-Renaissance façade houses a majestic interior with a Belgian organ, carved wooden pulpits, stained-glass windows, and Italian marble altars.
• The guide will share the history of its construction, including fires, earthquakes, and reconstructions throughout history.

Cloisters of the Society of Jesus

• A few meters from the plaza are the Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, a jewel of mestizo Baroque architecture.
• We will walk through its galleries with semicircular arches and walls decorated with floral carvings in sillar stone.
• The role of the Jesuits in evangelization and education in Arequipa during the Viceroyalty will be explained.

Tambos de Bronce and La Cabezona

• We explore the colonial tambos, spaces that served as lodging and storage for travelers and merchants during the colonial era.
• They are notable for their simple architecture and interior courtyards that still preserve the atmosphere of the 17th and 18th centuries.
• The guide will share anecdotes and traditions surrounding these places.

Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena

• Entrance to the impressive Monastery of Santa Catalina, founded in 1579.
• We stroll through its narrow, brightly colored streets, cobblestone plazas, silent cloisters, and austere rooms that evoke the monastic life of the cloistered nuns.
• We visit the main cloister, the convent kitchen, the laundries, the art gallery with religious art, and the nuns’ private cells.
• The guide will explain how religious life was organized in this monastery, which has been closed to the public for over 400 years.

Tour End

• We will finish the tour around midday in a central area of ​​Arequipa.
• The guide can recommend typical restaurants or other places for you to explore on your own.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

• Hotel pick-up in the historic center of Arequipa

Guaranteed comfort to start the tour smoothly.

• Official tour guide (bilingual: Spanish – English)

A guide specializing in Arequipa’s history, architecture, and culture, providing clear and enriching information throughout the tour.

• Tourist transportation (if applicable in certain sections)

Some areas are covered on foot, but short transfers may be included depending on the group’s logistics.

• Entrance to the main tourist attractions:

✅Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas

✅Arequipa Cathedral

✅Colonial Tambos: Tambo El Bronce and Tambo La Cabezona

✅Entrance to the Santa Catalina de Siena Monastery

• Ongoing assistance throughout the tour

Supervision and guidance from agency staff throughout the activity.

• Basic First Aid Kit

❌ What’s not included?

❌Transfers from hotels outside the historic center

(Please inquire about additional costs if you are staying in remote areas such as Cayma, Cerro Colorado, or Sabandía).

❌Lunch and drinks

We recommend bringing water or cash to enjoy the local cuisine after the tour.

❌Tips for the guide or service staff (optional)

If you wish to acknowledge their service, you may do so voluntarily.

❌Unspecified personal expenses

(Souvenirs, snacks, additional entrance fees not included in the itinerary).

❌Travel or health insurance

We suggest purchasing insurance before your trip.

🌟 Recommendations

Wear comfortable shoes

The tour includes walks along cobblestone streets, through colonial courtyards, and up staircases. Comfortable or athletic shoes are recommended.

Wear sunscreen and a hat

Arequipa is a sunny city most of the year, so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun, especially during midday.

Stay hydrated

Bring a water bottle to avoid dehydration, especially if you’re not used to the altitude (2,335 meters above sea level).

Bring light clothing and a jacket

Mornings and evenings can be cool. A light jacket or windbreaker is recommended.

Bring your ID or passport

Some places may require your ID to validate entry or apply different rates (for example, for students).

Bring cash

For snacks, purchases at tambos (small shops), or tips, as not all places accept cards.

Please avoid loud noises or inappropriate behavior, especially inside the Monastery of Santa Catalina and the Cathedral, out of respect for the historical and religious value of these spaces.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, it is suitable for all ages. Children should be accompanied at all times. For seniors, the walk is moderate, with frequent stops.

Can I take photos throughout the tour?

Yes, photography is permitted in most places, except in some internal areas of the Monastery of Santa Catalina or in designated areas.

Can I take the tour in the morning or afternoon?

The tour is generally conducted in the morning, as the natural light enhances the visual experience. However, some agencies offer afternoon tours (please check availability).

Does the tour include visits to the interior of the Cathedral and the Monastery?

Yes, the tour includes entrance and guided tour of both the Arequipa Cathedral and the Santa Catalina Monastery.

How long is the tour?

Approximately 4 hours, with enough time to explore and photograph each place at your leisure.

Can I join the tour if I arrive in Arequipa that same day?

Yes, it’s possible as long as you arrive early (before noon) and coordinate with the agency beforehand.

Does the tour operate year-round?

Yes, the city tour is available year-round, except on major religious holidays when some sites may be closed.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes, the service can be bilingual (Spanish-English) upon prior arrangement.