Arequipa, often dubbed the "White City," beckons travelers with its captivating blend of colonial architecture and picturesque Andean landscapes. This half-day city tour promises to immerse visitors in the charm of this Peruvian gem, offering a shared service experience that showcases the city’s most iconic landmarks. From the dramatic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes to the serene beauty of the Santa Catalina Monastery, this guided exploration unveils the essence of Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this enchanting journey?
Key Points

- A 5-hour shared service tour showcasing the highlights of Arequipa, known as the "White City", including volcanoes, historic sites, and the Santa Catalina Monastery.
- Tour priced at $37 per person, with inclusions such as hotel pickup, transportation, guided service, and entrance fees.
- Opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, explore the Carmen Alto district, and discover the iconic Plaza de Armas and cathedral.
- Immersion in the colonial architecture and rich history of the UNESCO-recognized Santa Catalina Monastery.
- Recommended items for the tour include comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, and cash, with no alcohol or drugs permitted on the vehicle.
Tour Overview

The Arequipa City Tour is a half-day sightseeing excursion that showcases the highlights of Arequipa, known as the "White City" for its stunning colonial architecture.
Participants will marvel at the stunning vistas of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.
The tour visits the picturesque Carmen Alto district and its viewpoint, the historic Plaza de Armas, the iconic cathedral, and the Church of the Company of Jesus.
The tour showcases the picturesque Carmen Alto district, historic Plaza de Armas, iconic cathedral, and Church of the Company of Jesus.
The highlight is the Santa Catalina Monastery, renowned for its colonial-era architecture.
With comfortable transport, an expert guide, and all entrance fees included, this tour provides an immersive introduction to Arequipa’s unique charms.
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Pricing and Inclusions

According to the information provided, the Arequipa City Tour is priced from $37.00 per person for a shared service experience that lasts approximately 5 hours. The tour includes pickup from the hotel, tourist transport, a professional English and Spanish guide, feeding, and entrance fees to all tourist places. Participants can also expect to receive tips as part of the inclusions.
| Inclusions | |
| — | — |
| Pickup from hotel | ✓ |
| Tourist transport | ✓ |
| Professional guide | ✓ |
| Feeding | ✓ |
| Entrance fees | ✓ |
| Tips | ✓ |
The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and participants can reserve their spot and pay later.
Highlights of the Tour

The Arequipa City Tour offers visitors a chance to marvel at the beautiful white city and enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Misti Volcano, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.
Tour highlights include:
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Exploring the historic Carmen Alto district and its stunning viewpoint
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Discovering the iconic Plaza de Armas, the city’s cathedral, and the Church of the Company of Jesus
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Immersing oneself in the colonial architecture of the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery
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Capturing the essence of Arequipa, known as the "White City," through photography and personal exploration.
Visiting Carmen Alto District
One of the highlights of the Arequipa City Tour is exploring the charming Carmen Alto district.
This picturesque neighborhood offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes. Visitors will ascend to a scenic viewpoint, where they can marvel at the iconic white buildings and spires of Arequipa, set against the dramatic backdrop of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.
The guide will share insights into the history and cultural significance of this charming area. Exploring Carmen Alto provides a chance to appreciate Arequipa’s natural beauty and gain a deeper understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More Great Tours NearbyExploring Plaza De Armas and Historic Landmarks

From the picturesque Carmen Alto district, the tour moves on to explore Arequipa’s iconic Plaza de Armas.
This historic plaza, surrounded by stunning colonial architecture, is the heart of the city.
Visitors can:
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Marvel at the impressive Cathedral of Arequipa, a stunning example of 17th-century Baroque architecture.
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Admire the ornate facades of the surrounding historic buildings, including the Jesuit church of La Compañía.
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Learn about the plaza’s rich history and its role as a gathering place for the local community.
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Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and observe the daily life of Arequipa’s residents.
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Discovering the Santa Catalina Monastery

After exploring the historic Plaza de Armas, the tour takes visitors to the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery, a true gem of Arequipa’s colonial heritage. This 16th-century complex offers a glimpse into the past, with its vibrant blue and pink walls, cobblestone streets, and cloistered courtyards. Visitors can wander through the different areas of the monastery, including the kitchens, the refectory, and the nuns’ living quarters. The experience is enhanced by the opportunity to learn about the daily lives and traditions of the cloistered nuns who once inhabited this remarkable site.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Architecture | Colorful walls, cobblestone streets, cloistered courtyards |
| History | 16th-century complex, once home to cloistered nuns |
| Highlights | Kitchens, refectory, nuns’ living quarters |
Preparation and Restrictions

While preparing for the Arequipa City Tour, visitors should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, sunscreen, and cash.
The tour has a few restrictions:
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No alcohol or drugs are allowed on the vehicle.
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The tour doesn’t require high physical effort, making it accessible to most participants.
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The tour operates every day of the year, providing flexibility for travelers.
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Visitors should dress comfortably, as they’ll be exploring the historic city and visiting the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery.
Participant Information and Availability
How can participants select the date and number of people for the Arequipa City Tour?
It’s easy – simply click on the "Select participants and date" section. Here, you can choose the number of people in your group and the date you’d like to take the tour.
The website will then check availability for the starting times. Once you’ve made your selections, you can proceed to the booking process.
The tour is available every day of the year, so you’ll have plenty of flexibility to find a date and time that works best for your schedule.
Just don’t forget to review the preparation and restrictions.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drink on the Tour?
According to the tour information, you’re allowed to bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks. However, you can’t bring alcohol on the tour. The tour doesn’t require high physical effort.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is open to participants of all ages, though it’s recommended that young children be accompanied by an adult. The tour doesn’t require high physical effort.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. The provider offers transportation and accommodates participants with limited mobility, ensuring they can fully experience the highlights of the historic city of Arequipa.
Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?
Yes, participants can store their luggage during the tour. The tour provider offers luggage storage facilities at their office or the starting point of the tour, ensuring your belongings are secure while you explore Arequipa.
How Do I Get a Refund if I Need to Cancel?
To get a refund, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour. The tour provider offers free cancellation, so you’ll receive a full refund if you cancel within the specified timeframe.
The Sum Up
The Arequipa half-day city tour in shared service offers a delightful glimpse into the "White City," showcasing its volcanic landscapes, colonial architecture, and historic landmarks. Visitors can soak in the charm of Carmen Alto, marvel at the grandeur of Plaza de Armas, and enjoy the serenity of the Santa Catalina Monastery. This guided experience promises an enriching exploration of Arequipa’s cultural and architectural heritage.
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