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Explore Arequipa's historic center, its streets, mansions, and the spectacular Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city. A trip to the colonial past and its architecture.

Highlights

• Custom tours and daily departures, from 1 to a maximum of 10 tourists.
• Official and accredited guides with extensive historical and cultural knowledge.
• Admission and a guided tour inside the Monastery of Santa Catalina are included.
• Morning and afternoon hours available.
• Wednesday: special night visit to the Monastery of Santa Catalina.

Description

We'll start our tour in Arequipa's Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, where we'll talk about the imposing Cathedral, an architectural jewel in the neoclassical style. Then, we'll dive into the city's history, its foundation, and the traditions and customs that still live on. We'll continue to the Church of the Society of Jesus, where we'll explore the syncretism between the Catholic faith and the Andean worldview, present in its colonial paintings and its impressive mestizo baroque façade. We'll also visit the Claustros de la Compañía, an example of local architecture built with ashlar, a white volcanic stone that characterizes the city and earned it the title of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2000. The tour will take us through the surrounding streets of the historic center, where we'll discover 17th and 18th-century mansions that have withstood earthquakes thanks to the solidity of the ashlar and respect for architectural tradition. These mansions survive under the gaze of the three volcanoes surrounding the city — Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu — considered guardian apus in the Andean worldview. We'll pass by the Tristán del Pozo Mansion, an elegant colonial building with a façade that blends Andean and Catholic elements. Then, we'll cross Plaza San Francisco, where we'll talk about Arequipa's rich cuisine, its traditional flavors, and the customs that are still alive in the daily lives of its inhabitants. We'll end our tour at the spectacular Monastery of Santa Catalina, founded in 1579. For centuries, this cloistered monastery housed women from wealthy families, who lived in seclusion until 1970, when it opened to the public as a museum. Santa Catalina is considered 'a city within a city,' with its own streets, squares, passages, cells, and even a cemetery. It retains the vibrant colors of the time and original objects used by the nuns. This visit will transport you to the past, letting you not only learn about its history and architecture, but also enjoy a unique experience of connection with Arequipa's cultural legacy. The tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, an enriching experience to discover the soul of the White City.

Includes

The tour includes: Official guide in Spanish / English / French / Italian Ticket to St. Catherine's Monastery Visit inside St. Catherine's Monastery Visit inside the Arequipa Cathedral, depending on availability Guided tour of history, traditions, customs, and advice on new places to visit

Important Information

• It's important to wear comfortable clothes, as you'll be walking. In the city, it's very windy in the mornings, so a hat and sunscreen are essential. Hydration is also important. We'll be at 2300 meters above sea level, so this tour is perfect for starting to acclimatize to the altitude of the Peruvian Andes.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund