City Tour of Arequipa

Arequipa, the ‘White City’, beckons visitors with its captivating colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. A guided city tour takes you on a 4-hour journey, unveiling the stunning Dominican Church, the iconic Plaza de Armas, and the vibrant Antiquilla Market. Delve deeper into the city’s architectural secrets as you explore the unique sillar stone quarry. With scenic vistas of nearby volcanoes, this experience immerses you in Arequipa’s essence, leaving you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• A 4-hour sightseeing tour of Arequipa, the ‘White City’, featuring visits to historical sites like the Dominican Church, Plaza de Armas, and Antiquilla Market.
• Insights into the unique sillar stone used in Arequipa’s iconic white architecture, with a visit to the Añashuayco quarry.
• Scenic views of the nearby volcanoes in the Yanahuara district, enhancing the city’s natural beauty.
• Exploration of Arequipa’s rich history and colonial architecture, including the majestic Arequipa Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas.
• Amenities such as hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and admission tickets included in the tour package.

Tour Overview

The 4-hour sightseeing tour of Arequipa, known as the ‘White City’, allows visitors to explore the city’s historical sites and gain insights into the unique Sillar stone used in its architecture.

The tour includes visits to the Dominican Church in Cayma, the famous Plaza de Armas cathedral, and the Antiquilla Market for souvenirs.

Travelers also get to learn about the Sillar stone at the Añashuayco quarry and enjoy views of nearby volcanoes in Yanahuara.

With hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and all admission tickets included, the tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of Arequipa.

Exploring the ‘White City’

Arequipa, Peru’s stunning ‘White City’, boasts a rich tapestry of history and architectural marvels that captivate visitors.

The city’s centerpiece is the Plaza de Armas, anchored by the majestic cathedral and surrounded by elegant colonial buildings.

Nearby, the Dominican Church in Cayma, dating back to 1544, stands as a testament to the city’s storied past. Visitors can marvel at the intricate carvings and design of these historic structures.

At the Añashuayco quarry, they’ll learn about the unique sillar stone that gives Arequipa its iconic white appearance.

With the backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes, the city offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Historical Highlights

Immersed in Arequipa’s storied past, the city tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through its historical highlights.

The first stop is the Dominican Church in Cayma, built in 1544 and showcasing the region’s colonial architecture.

Next, the tour explores the iconic Plaza de Armas, home to the grand Arequipa Cathedral, a stunning example of mestizo Baroque style.

At the Antiquilla Market, guests can browse for traditional souvenirs and gain insights into local craftsmanship.

The tour then delves into the geological history of the area at the Añashuayco quarry, where the renowned sillar stone is excavated.

Visiting the Dominican Church in Cayma

Why does the tour start at the Dominican Church in Cayma?

This 16th-century church is an important historical site that sets the tone for the rest of the Arequipa city tour. Visitors can admire the church’s colonial architecture, with its intricate stone carvings and Renaissance-style decoration.

The guide will explain the church’s significant role in Arequipa’s history, as it was one of the first buildings constructed in the city.

Exploring the church’s main plaza also allows travelers to get a glimpse of local life and witness the daily activities of the Cayma neighborhood.

Discovering the Plaza De Armas and Cathedral

After exploring the historic Dominican Church in Cayma, the tour continues to the iconic Plaza de Armas, the heart of Arequipa. At the center stands the grand cathedral, known for its distinctive architecture blending Spanish and Moorish styles. Visitors can admire the intricate stone carvings and bell towers. Surrounding the plaza are elegant colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and cafes. To better understand the plaza’s significance, the guide provides a informative table:

Feature	Description
Plaza de Armas	Central square of Arequipa
Cathedral	Iconic cathedral with Moorish and Spanish influences
Arcades	Elegant colonnaded buildings
Fountain	Ornate central fountain

The tour then moves on to explore other highlights of Arequipa’s historic center.

Browsing the Antiquilla Market

From the historic plaza, the tour group heads to the vibrant Antiquilla Market in the Yanahuara district.

This lively open-air market offers a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs:

• Handwoven textiles and alpaca garments
• Intricate silver jewelry
• Colorful tapestries and wall hangings
• Carved wooden figurines and instruments
• Vibrant ceramic pottery and dinnerware

Visitors browse the bustling stalls, negotiating prices and interacting with the friendly vendors.

The market’s energy and variety provide an authentic glimpse into Arequipa’s thriving artisan culture and tradition.

Learning About Sillar Stone at Añashuayco Quarry

Next, the tour group heads to the Añashuayco quarry to learn about the unique sillar stone found in Arequipa. The guide explains how this volcanic rock, quarried from nearby mountains, has been used for centuries to construct the city’s iconic white buildings. Visitors observe the quarrying process and witness skilled workers expertly carving the stone.

Characteristics of Sillar Stone
Color	White
Composition	Volcanic ash and pumice
Texture	Porous, lightweight
Durability	Resistant to weathering
Applications	Architecture, sculptures, monuments

This hands-on experience provides a deeper appreciation for the city’s architectural heritage and the enduring importance of sillar stone in Arequipa.

Enjoying the Views in Yanahuara

As the tour moves on, the group travels to the charming neighborhood of Yanahuara, known for its picturesque plaza and stunning views of the nearby volcanoes.

At the Antiquilla Market, visitors can browse local handicrafts and souvenirs.

The highlight of the stop is the panoramic views from the Yanahuara viewpoint, which offers:

• Breathtaking vistas of Mount Misti and Chachani volcanoes
• Picturesque colonial architecture in the historic district
• A chance to admire the iconic Arequipa Cathedral in the distance
• Ample photo opportunities to capture the beauty of this White City
• Time to soak in the serene atmosphere and tranquil ambiance

Sum Up

The City Tour of Arequipa offers a captivating exploration of the ‘White City’, showcasing its stunning colonial architecture, rich history, and cultural essence. Visitors can enjoy the city’s highlights, from the iconic Plaza de Armas to the vibrant Antiquilla Market. With scenic views of nearby volcanoes and insights into Arequipa’s unique sillar stone, this tour provides an enriching experience for those seeking to discover the essence of this remarkable Peruvian destination.