Private Tour Colonial Arequipa, Recoleta Convent and Casa Del Moral

Exploring the colonial heritage of Arequipa is a captivating experience. This private guided tour immerses you in the city’s architectural wonders, from the ornate stone carvings of the 16th-century Recoleta Convent to the historic Casa del Moral with its colonial paintings and centuries-old mulberry tree. Dive into Arequipa’s rich past and discover the cultural significance behind these captivating landmarks. What secrets will this journey uncover?

Key Points

• Comprehensive 4-hour private guided tour of Arequipa’s colonial sites, including Recoleta Convent, Casa del Moral, and Carmen Alto viewpoint.
• Immersive exploration of Arequipa’s rich historical heritage through visits to the districts of St Lazarus, Cayma, and Vallecito.
• Discover the tranquil cloisters, ornate architecture, and religious artifacts of the 16th-century Recoleta Convent.
• Admire the colonial paintings, 200-year-old mulberry tree, and distinctive architectural details of the 18th-century Casa del Moral.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Arequipa’s cityscape, including iconic white sillar stone architecture and the Mount Misti volcano, from the Carmen Alto viewpoint.

Tour Overview

This private guided tour of Arequipa’s colonial sites lasts nearly 4 hours.

It explores the districts of St Lazarus, Cayma, and Vallecito. Visitors will tour key attractions like the Recoleta Convent, Casa del Moral, and Carmen Alto viewpoint.

At the Recoleta Convent, they’ll walk through the cloisters. The Casa del Moral is an 18th-century home featuring colonial paintings and a 200-year-old mulberry tree.

From the Carmen Alto viewpoint, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Arequipa.

Transport is provided via air-conditioned minivan, and a professional guide accompanies the group throughout the tour.

Exploring Arequipa’s Colonial Districts

As the tour delves into Arequipa’s colonial districts, visitors are able to enjoy the city’s rich historical heritage.

They explore the districts of St Lazarus, Cayma, and Vallecito, each offering a glimpse into the past.

The Recoleta Convent, with its cloistered walkways, provides a serene setting to learn about the region’s religious history.

At the Casa del Moral, an 18th-century home, guests admire colonial paintings and a centuries-old mulberry tree.

Finally, the Carmen Alto viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of Arequipa’s stunning architecture and the surrounding Andes mountains, a fitting end to the colonial exploration.

Visiting the Recoleta Convent

Visitors on the private tour explore the Recoleta Convent, wandering through its tranquil cloisters and learning about the religious history of the region.

The 16th-century convent features stunning colonial architecture, with:

• Ornate stone carvings adorning the church facade

• Intricately tiled floors in the cloister walkways

• Imposing stone arches supporting the building’s structure

• Peaceful courtyards and gardens providing a serene atmosphere

• Exhibits showcasing the convent’s religious artifacts and past

Guests gain insight into the important role the Recoleta Convent played in Arequipa’s development as a colonial-era city.

Discovering Casa Del Moral

After exploring the Recoleta Convent, the private tour moves on to discover Casa del Moral, an 18th-century home that offers a glimpse into Arequipa’s colonial past.

Visitors wander through the home, admiring the colonial paintings and the 200-year-old mulberry tree in the courtyard.

The guide shares the history of the Casa del Moral, explaining how it was once owned by a prominent family and showcases the architectural details that typify Arequipa’s distinctive colonial style.

This stop provides a fascinating contrast to the religious site visited earlier, allowing travelers to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Enjoying the Carmen Alto Viewpoint

The tour next ascends to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, offering travelers a panoramic vista of Arequipa’s stunning cityscape.

The Carmen Alto viewpoint offers travelers a panoramic vista of Arequipa’s stunning cityscape.

From this elevated perch, visitors can:

• Gaze upon the city’s iconic white sillar stone architecture

• Spot the majestic Mount Misti volcano towering in the distance

• Observe the picturesque Chili River winding through the urban landscape

• Marvel at the intricate architectural details of the churches and colonial buildings

• Appreciate the vibrant hues of Arequipa’s rooftops and plazas

This breathtaking overlook provides an ideal vantage point to appreciate the grandeur and scope of Arequipa’s well-preserved colonial heritage.

Inclusions and Meeting Details

The tour includes transportation via air-conditioned minivan and the services of a professional guide.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, though food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included. Participants have the option to either meet the group at a designated location or request pickup from their hotel.

Pickup details are emailed one day prior to the tour. The activity ends at the original meeting point.

The tour is a private experience, with only your group participating. Pricing starts at $71 per person and varies based on group size.

Cancellation is free up to 2 days in advance.

Considerations and Feedback

While the tour provides a rundown of Arequipa’s colonial sites, some reviews indicate mixed experiences.

Factors to consider include:

Potential disorganization, accessibility issues, and extra costs to consider when booking the Arequipa colonial sites tour.

• Potential disorganization and missed attractions like the Santa Catalina Monastery

• Activity may not be wheelchair accessible; infants must sit on laps

• Food and drinks aren’t included, nor are gratuities

• Pickup details provided the day prior may be inconvenient for some travelers

• Price starts at $71.00 per person and varies by group size, which may not suit all budgets

Sum Up

Enjoy Arequipa’s colonial heritage on this private tour. Explore the ornate Recoleta Convent, discover the historic Casa del Moral, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Carmen Alto viewpoint. This immersive journey offers a unique insight into the region’s architectural beauty and cultural significance.