Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Arequipa

Arequipa’s historic center is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. On this captivating walking tour, visitors can uncover the stunning colonial architecture, from the impressive cloisters of the Company to the picturesque arches of the main square. Along the way, a professional guide provides insightful commentary, revealing the intriguing history and traditions that have shaped this vibrant Peruvian city. But the tour’s true highlight might just be the breathtaking views of the Misti volcano and the opportunity to explore Mundo Alpaca, where exquisite camelid fabrics are showcased.

Key Points

• The tour covers the iconic landmarks and cultural heritage of Arequipa’s historic center over a duration of 3 hours.
• Highlights include visiting the main square, the cloisters of the Company, and the Bolognesi Bridge with panoramic views.
• Guests have the opportunity to browse alpaca and vicuña products at Mundo Alpaca.
• The tour is led by a professional guide who provides a deeper understanding of Arequipa’s architecture and cultural traditions.
• The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and includes pick-up service from hotels within the historic center.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The walking tour of Arequipa’s historic center offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and cultural heritage.

Spanning 3 hours, the tour guides participants through the main square, cloisters, and neighborhoods of the "White City."

Along the way, they’ll learn about the region’s architectural and indigenous traditions, including the chance to visit a camelid breeding ground.

The tour is available in English and Spanish, with a professional guide leading the way on foot.

Guests can reserve their spot in advance and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Itinerary Highlights

Participants begin the tour at the main square of Arequipa, where they’ll explore the emblematic arches and portals that define the city’s iconic architecture.

Next, they’ll visit the cloisters of the Company, known for their impressive colonial design.

The tour then leads to the Bolognesi Bridge, offering panoramic views of the Misti volcano and the Chili River.

Afterward, guests can browse the wares at Mundo Alpaca – an old breeding ground for camelids where they can purchase fabrics made from luxurious alpaca and vicuña fibers.

The tour concludes near the Santa Catalina Monastery or the Juanita Mummy Museum.

Guided Experience

A professional guide leads the walking tour, providing an emphasis on the landscapes and historical significance of the sites visited. The guided experience offers a deeper dive into the streets and landmarks of Arequipa’s historic center. Guests have the opportunity to learn about the city’s architecture, cultural heritage, and local traditions.

| What You’ll Discover | What You’ll Learn |

| — | — |

| Intricate arches and portals of the main square | History and significance of Arequipa’s landmarks |

| Impressive cloisters of the Company | Traditions and practices of camelid fiber production |

| Stunning views of Misti volcano and Chili River | Evolution of the White City’s urban development |

| Mundo Alpaca’s camelid breeding grounds | Importance of indigenous textiles and craftsmanship |

Meeting Point & Logistics

Pick-up service is available at your hotel, but only for those staying within Arequipa’s historic center.

Pick-up service is available at your hotel, but only for those staying within Arequipa’s historic center.

Coordinate your meeting time and location with the tour operator. They’ll provide you with the exact Google Maps address for the meeting point, typically the main square.

Check availability to ensure your preferred starting time is open. Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive confirmation with all the logistics details:

1. Meeting point

2. Start time

3. Duration of the walking tour

The guide will be waiting for you at the designated spot to begin your exploration of Arequipa’s historic core.

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Booking Information

To book the walking tour, visitors simply select the desired number of participants and date on the tour provider’s website.

The booking process offers flexibility, allowing travelers to reserve their spot without upfront payment. This "reserve now, pay later" option ensures availability while fitting into changing travel plans.

Once the booking is confirmed, details like the meeting point location and start time are provided.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can plan with confidence, knowing they can receive a full refund if their plans unexpectedly change.

Explore the Main Square

Where does the walking tour begin? The walking tour starts at the main square of Arequipa, known as the Plaza de Armas.

The walking tour begins at the main square of Arequipa, known as the Plaza de Armas.

Here, you’ll explore the emblematic arches and portals that define the character of this historic center. Some highlights include:

1. Admiring the impressive colonial architecture of the main square, including the Cathedral of Arequipa.

2. Visiting the cloisters of the Company, renowned for their exceptional design and craftsmanship.

3. Taking in the breathtaking views of the Misti volcano and the Chili River from the Bolognesi Bridge.

The tour then continues to uncover the rich history and cultural heritage of Arequipa, the "White City".

Visit the Cloisters of the Company

After exploring the main square, the walking tour continues to the cloisters of the Company, known for their impressive architecture. These cloisters date back to the 16th century and showcase the blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous Andean styles.

| Architectural Elements | Key Features |

| — | — |

| Arches | Ornate, intricately carved |

| Courtyards | Peaceful, tranquil spaces |

| Corridors | Adorned with religious art |

| Facade | Grand, imposing presence |

The guide shares the historical significance of this site, which served as an important religious and educational center for the Jesuits. Visitors can admire the architectural details and learn about the Company’s role in Arequipa’s history.

Discover Mundo Alpaca and San Lázaro Neighborhood

From the cloisters, the walking tour continues to Mundo Alpaca, an old breeding ground for camelids like llamas, alpacas, suris, and vicuñas.

Visitors can explore the facility and learn about these fascinating creatures. The tour then heads to the San Lázaro neighborhood, the first town of the "White City" of Arequipa.

This historic area offers a glimpse into the city’s past:

1. Charming colonial architecture lines the streets.

2. Locals sell traditional handicrafts and textiles.

3. The neighborhood’s tranquil atmosphere provides a respite from the busier main square.

The walking tour concludes near the Santa Catalina Monastery or Juanita Mummy Museum.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility, as it involves extensive walking and visiting locations with uneven terrain. Participants should consider their physical capabilities before booking.

Can We Stop for Lunch or a Break During the Tour?

There’s no formal lunch or break included in the 3-hour walking tour. However, participants are welcome to stop for photos, rest, or grab a quick snack at their own pace during the tour.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Shopping at Mundo Alpaca?

The tour allows about 30-45 minutes at Mundo Alpaca for visitors to explore the facilities and purchase camelid fiber products. The duration provides ample time to learn about the local alpaca and llama breeding program and shop for souvenirs.

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The walking tour includes a stop at Mundo Alpaca, where there are restroom facilities available for participants. The tour itinerary allows time for exploring the facility and shopping for camelid fiber products.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?

The tour can be customized to focus on specific areas of interest. Guests can discuss their preferences with the guide, who’ll then tailor the itinerary to accommodate the group’s interests within the 3-hour timeframe.

Sum Up

The Walking Tour of the Historic Center of Arequipa offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Participants will discover stunning colonial architecture, breathtaking views of the Misti volcano, and the exquisite camelid fabrics of Mundo Alpaca. Led by a professional guide, this 3-hour tour provides an insightful look into Arequipa’s history and traditions, making it a must-do experience for visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here: