Arequipa Countryside Including the Founder's Mansion - Mirabus

The Arequipa Countryside tour with Mirabus takes visitors on a captivating 4-hour journey through the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From the lush Chilina Valley to the majestic Misti volcano, this immersive experience showcases the area’s cultural heritage, including a stop at the 18th-century stone mill of Sabandia and the elegant La Mansion del Fundador. With Gustave Eiffel’s Iron Bridge as an architectural highlight, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Arequipa’s countryside and uncover its hidden gems.

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About Your Stay

This 4-hour tour explores the Chilina Valley, an 18th-century stone mill, La Mansion del Fundador, and the Iron Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel near Arequipa.
The tour has a maximum of 15 guests and includes hotel pickup, round-trip shared transport, but excludes food, gratuities, and hotel drop-off.
The Chilina Valley features lush greenery, winding streams, and scenic views of the Misti volcano, which stands at 19,101 feet.
The 18th-century stone mill in Sabandia showcases the region’s industrial heritage, with intricate machinery and hydraulic power.
La Mansion del Fundador offers a glimpse into the lives of Arequipa’s noble families, with its 18th-century elite design and intricate stone carvings.

Tour Overview

The Arequipa Countryside tour, including a visit to the Founder’s Mansion – Mirabus, offers a 4-hour exploration of Arequipa’s picturesque rural landscape.

The tour takes a maximum of 15 guests through the Chilina Valley and showcases the 18th-century stone mill of Sabandia. Participants also tour La Mansion del Fundador, an elite Arequipa architectural gem, and stop at the Iron Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.

With scenic views from Mirador de Sachaca, the tour provides an immersive cultural experience. Priced at $15.39 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip shared transport, though hotel drop-off, food, and gratuities are excluded.

Looking for more options in Arequipa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Exploring the Chilina Valley and Misti Volcano

One of the highlights of the Arequipa Countryside tour is the exploration of the picturesque Chilina Valley, nestled beneath the majestic Misti volcano.

Travellers will marvel at the dramatic landscape, with the towering 19,101-foot (5,822 m) stratovolcano looming overhead. The valley’s lush greenery and winding streams offer a serene contrast to the volcanic peaks.

Along the way, the tour visits a historic 18th-century stone mill in Sabandia, providing a glimpse into the region’s industrial past.

Throughout the journey, guests can soak in the stunning vistas of Arequipa’s countryside, a refreshing escape from the bustling city.

The 18th-Century Stone Mill of Sabandia

Nestled within the lush Chilina Valley, the 18th-century stone mill of Sabandia stands as a testament to Arequipa’s industrial heritage.

This well-preserved flour mill showcases the ingenious use of local materials and hydraulic power. Visitors can explore the mill’s intricate machinery, including the large waterwheel that once drove the grinding stones.

The mill’s sturdy stone construction and attention to engineering details highlight the skilled craftsmanship of its builders.

Today, the mill provides a glimpse into Arequipa’s agricultural past and the importance of water-powered technology in the region’s economic development.

Discovering La Mansion Del Fundador

After exploring the well-preserved 18th-century stone mill of Sabandia, the tour continues to another architectural gem – La Mansion del Fundador.

This 18th-century mansion showcases Arequipa’s elite architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and elegant colonial design. Guests have 25 minutes to wander through the mansion’s halls and courtyards, admiring the ornate details and learning about the history of Arequipa’s noble families.

While the time may feel limited, the mansion offers a glimpse into the region’s past and the lives of its wealthiest residents. Overall, it’s a unique cultural experience within the Arequipa countryside tour.

Admiring the Iron Bridge by Gustave Eiffel

As the tour continues, the group makes its way to the iconic Iron Bridge, designed by the renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel.

Spanning the Chili River, this 19th-century structure showcases Eiffel’s innovative engineering prowess. Participants can admire the bridge’s intricate lattice work and marvel at how it’s withstood the test of time.

The bridge offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, with the Misti volcano looming in the distance.

Sweeping countryside views are framed by the majestic presence of the Misti volcano in the distance.

For many, this stop provides a glimpse into Arequipa’s rich history and the global influences that have shaped the city’s architecture and infrastructure.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Enjoying the Views From Mirador De Sachaca

The tour then takes visitors to the Mirador de Sachaca, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city of Arequipa and the surrounding countryside.

From this elevated vantage point, guests can:

Admire the dramatic silhouette of the Misti volcano looming in the distance.
Spot the historic iron bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Gaze out over the patchwork of rooftops and spires that characterize Arequipa’s architecture.
Appreciate the lush greenery of the Chilina Valley below.

This picturesque overlook provides a fitting finale to the countryside exploration, allowing travelers to soak in the breathtaking panorama before returning to the city.

Inclusions, Logistics, and Accessibility

The tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip shared transport, allowing participants to simply meet the driver at their Arequipa city center hotel. However, the tour does not offer hotel drop-off at the end. Food, drinks, and gratuities are also excluded from the cost.

| — | — | — | — | — |

| Hotel pickup | Hotel drop-off | Hotels in Arequipa city center | Not wheelchair accessible; not recommended for travelers with back or heart problems | Passport name, number, expiry, and country required at booking; valid passport needed on travel day |

Participant Requirements and Feedback

While the minimum age for the tour is 5 years, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Valid passport details are required at booking, and travelers must present their passports on the day of the tour.

Though most participants can join, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back or heart problems.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for those with back or heart problems.

Feedback on the tour has been mixed.

Positive reviews praise the scenic countryside, historic sites, and cultural experience.

However, some felt misled about group size and tour content.

Complaints include a short visit to the Founder’s Mansion and overcrowded conditions with over 20 guests reported.

Questions About Your Stay

Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Vegan Dietary Requirements?

The tour documentation doesn’t mention any dietary requirements being accommodated. Travelers with vegetarian or vegan diets should inquire with the tour operator about special meal options prior to booking.

Is Photography and Video Recording Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed throughout the tour, though visitors should be mindful of any restrictions at historic sites or other locations. Travelers should check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines prior to the tour.

How Much Walking Is Involved, and Are There Any Hiking Trails?

The tour involves moderate walking, with some short hikes on well-maintained trails. Guests should expect to cover several miles over uneven terrain. Those with mobility issues may struggle with the physical demands of the tour.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Local Crafts During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include dedicated time for purchasing souvenirs or local crafts. However, visitors may have opportunities to browse small shops or markets during stops on the itinerary, though options are limited based on the tour’s focus on historic sites and scenic views.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

There’s no option to extend the tour or add additional activities. The tour has a fixed 4-hour itinerary, and travelers can’t customize it. However, they can explore the area further on their own after the tour ends.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Arequipa Countryside tour offers a captivating 4-hour exploration of the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, discover historic sites, and admire the elegant architecture, all for just $15.39 per person. This immersive experience showcases the area’s cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the Arequipa countryside.