Arequipa Walking City Tour & Juanita Mummy

The Arequipa Walking City Tour offers an enriching exploration of Peru’s historic Arequipa. Travelers can marvel at the city’s stunning colonial architecture and uncover the fascinating story of the Juanita Mummy, a well-preserved pre-Inca human sacrifice discovered high in the Andes. With knowledgeable guides, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive cultural experience – but there’s more to discover about this remarkable Peruvian destination.

Contents show

Key Points

Guided walking tour through Arequipa, Peru, including cultural highlights and the Juanita Mummy exhibit at the Santuarios Andinos Museum.
Tour priced at $45.00 per person with a maximum group size of 30 travelers and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Tour includes local guide commentary in multiple languages, entrance fees, and locker usage, but excludes food, drinks, and other entrance fees.
Mummy Juanita on display from May 1 to December 31, while Mummy Sarita is displayed during conservation from January to April.
Tour not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and public transportation is available near the starting location.

Tour Overview

The Arequipa Walking City Tour & Juanita Mummy takes travelers on a captivating exploration of Arequipa, Peru.

This tour, supplied by Tangol, offers a guided walking experience through the city’s historic and cultural highlights. Priced from $45.00 per person, the tour has a maximum group size of 30 travelers and features free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Visitors will discover the city’s architecture, admire the Juanita Mummy at the Santuarios Andinos Museum, and learn from a local guide.

The tour’s inclusions cover entrance fees and locker usage, while food, drinks, and other admission costs are excluded.

Into exploring Arequipa on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Inclusions and Exclusions

Although the Arequipa Walking City Tour & Juanita Mummy includes a local guide at the museum who can provide commentary in Spanish, English, and French, as well as entrance tickets to the Santuarios Andinos Museum and a locker for storing personal belongings, it excludes food, drinks, gratuities, and ticket entrance to any other places.

Travelers should be aware that no electrical devices are allowed inside the museum, and the Mummy Juanita is only on display from May 1 to December 31, with Mummy Sarita on display during the conservation period from January to April.

Museum Details

Visitors can see the Mummy Juanita on display from May 1 to December 31, while Mummy Sarita is on display during the conservation period from January to April at the Santuarios Andinos Museum.

The museum is closed on Mondays and open only on Sunday mornings.

Visitors aren’t allowed to bring any electrical devices, including cameras, backpacks, and cell phones, into the museum. This rule is in place to protect the delicate artifacts and ensure the best possible viewing experience for all visitors.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Where are participants picked up for the Arequipa Walking City Tour?

Travelers are picked up from centrally located downtown Arequipa hotels, near the iconic Plaza de Armas. The specific pickup details are available upon selection of the pickup point. This ensures a convenient starting location for the tour.

Travelers are picked up from centrally located downtown Arequipa hotels, near the iconic Plaza de Armas for a convenient tour start.

Once participants have been gathered, the group will embark on an immersive exploration of Arequipa’s rich history and cultural heritage.

With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, the walking tour offers an authentic experience in this captivating Peruvian city.

Accessibility and Participation

The Arequipa Walking City Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed.

The tour is near public transportation, making it convenient for visitors. Infants must sit on laps during the tour. Most travelers can participate in this walking tour, though travelers should be prepared for moderate physical activity.

The Santuarios Andinos Museum, which is part of the tour, prohibits the use of electrical devices like cameras, backpacks, and cell phones. Visitors must store their personal belongings in lockers before entering the museum to view the famous Mummy Juanita exhibit.

Want to see more of Arequipa? Here are other city tours we've reviewed

Highlights of the Arequipa Walking City Tour

A walking tour of Arequipa’s historic city center showcases the city’s stunning colonial architecture and vibrant culture.

Explore the Plaza de Armas, the heart of the city, surrounded by the magnificent Cathedral of Arequipa. Marvel at the intricate carved stone facades of historic mansions and churches.

The Plaza de Armas, the vibrant heart of Arequipa, is surrounded by the magnificent Cathedral and historic mansions with intricate carved stone facades.

Stroll through the charming San Lazaro neighborhood, known for its colorful colonial houses and lively cafes.

The highlight is a visit to the Santuarios Andinos Museum, home to the well-preserved Inca mummy "Juanita." An expert guide provides insights into this fascinating archaeological find and the Inca civilization.

Significance of the Juanita Mummy

Although discovered in 1995, the Juanita mummy continues to captivate visitors to the Santuarios Andinos Museum in Arequipa. Known as the "Ice Maiden," Juanita is a remarkably well-preserved Inca sacrifice from the 15th century.

Researchers have uncovered invaluable insights into Inca culture and rituals from this discovery. The mummy’s exceptional condition, along with the artifacts found with her, provide a rare glimpse into the lives of the Inca elite.

Visitors can view Juanita’s remains and learn about the significance of human sacrifice in Inca religious practices during the museum’s open hours, which exclude Mondays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Pictures Inside the Museum?

No, photography is not allowed inside the Santuarios Andinos Museum. The museum prohibits the use of electrical devices, including cameras, to preserve the artifacts and ensure a quiet atmosphere for visitors.

Is the Mummy Viewable Year-Round?

The mummy is viewable year-round, but its display is split between two exhibits. From May 1 to December 31, the Juanita mummy is on display, while the Sarita mummy is shown during the conservation period from January to April.

What Are the Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no strict dress code requirements for the tour, but visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. The museum has restrictions on electronic devices like cameras and backpacks.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in Spanish, English, and French. According to the overview, a local guide at the museum will provide the tour in these three languages.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Museum Visit?

The museum visit duration isn’t specified, but the tour includes an entrance ticket to the Santuarios Andinos Museum where the Juanita Mummy is displayed. Visitors can explore the museum during the tour.

The Sum Up

The Arequipa Walking City Tour provides an immersive exploration of the historic city, showcasing its remarkable architecture and the captivating Juanita Mummy. With guided commentary in multiple languages, participants can explore Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage. The tour’s inclusions, such as entrance fees and locker usage, make it a comprehensive and convenient experience for up to 30 travelers.