Explore Arequipa+Santa Catalina Monastery With a Guided Tour

Arequipa, the captivating "White City" of Peru, beckons travelers with its rich history and stunning colonial architecture. Exploring this enchanting destination with a guided tour is a must for anyone seeking to uncover the city’s secrets. From the iconic Plaza de Armas to the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, this experience promises to immerse visitors in Arequipa’s vibrant past and awe-inspiring sights. What hidden gems and intriguing tales await those who embark on this guided journey through the heart of this remarkable city?

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Key Points

Arequipa, known as the "White City," boasts stunning architecture featuring volcanic stone and Andalusian influences.
The guided tour highlights the historic center, including the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, and commercial centers.
The tour culminates at the Santa Catalina Monastery, offering insights into the city’s religious history and architecture.
The Cathedral of Arequipa features an ornate façade and intricate interior with altars and stained-glass windows.
The Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus showcase a unique architectural blend with a striking white stone façade.

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Arequipa and the White City

Arequipa, often called the "White City," enthralls visitors with its stunning architecture. The city’s buildings, constructed with volcanic stone and ashlar, evoke Andalusian influences, earning Arequipa its unique nickname.

Explore the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus to appreciate the city’s architectural heritage.

Discover the origins of Arequipa’s "White City" moniker and admire the harmonious blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous design elements throughout the historic center.

This architectural gem showcases the city’s rich history and cultural identity.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Arequipa might interest you

The Guided Tour Experience

With a guided tour, visitors can enjoy the rich history and architectural wonders of Arequipa.

The 3-hour experience picks up guests at their hotels, allowing them to explore the city’s highlights, including the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, and historic commercial centers.

A 3-hour guided experience that picks up guests at their hotels and explores Arequipa’s iconic Plaza de Armas, Cathedral, and historic commercial centers.

Along the way, an English and Spanish-speaking guide brings the city’s past to life.

The tour culminates at the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, where guests can uncover legends, admire the cloisters and gardens, and appreciate the monastery’s valuable art collection.

Afterward, visitors are dropped off back at their hotels around 1:00 pm.

Plaza De Armas and Cathedral of Arequipa

The tour’s first stop is the iconic Plaza de Armas, the heart of Arequipa’s historic center.

Surrounded by impressive colonial architecture, the plaza is dominated by the towering Cathedral of Arequipa. This 16th-century cathedral boasts an ornate façade of volcanic stone, a blend of Spanish and indigenous styles.

Visitors can explore the cathedral’s magnificent interior, admiring the intricate altars and stained-glass windows.

Adjacent to the plaza is the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, another architectural gem showcasing Arequipa’s unique blend of European and Andean influences.

These captivating sites offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus

One of the highlights of the guided tour is the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus. This Jesuit church dates back to the 17th century and boasts a striking façade of white volcanic stone.

Visitors will marvel at the ornate interior, with its high ceilings, intricate carvings, and impressive altarpiece.

The adjacent cloisters feature elegant arches and tranquil gardens, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

The tour guide will share the history and significance of this architectural gem, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage.

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Historic Commercial Centers of Arequipa

After marveling at the architectural splendor of the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, the guided tour ventures to Arequipa’s historic commercial centers.

Visitors explore the old dairy farms of Bronce and Cabezona, which were once bustling hubs of economic activity.

These sites offer a glimpse into Arequipa’s past, showcasing:

The thriving dairy industry that once sustained the city
Remnants of the buildings and infrastructure that facilitated trade
Insights into the daily lives and practices of Arequipa’s commercial pioneers
A chance to imagine the vibrant atmosphere that once filled these now-quiet spaces

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

The Santa Catalina Monastery

Concluding the guided tour of Arequipa’s historic highlights is a visit to the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery.

This former convent for cloistered nuns offers a glimpse into the region’s religious history and architectural significance. Guests embark on a guided tour through the monastery’s legends, magnificent cloisters, gardens, and valuable art collection.

The monastery’s unique design, constructed with volcanic stone and ashlar, reflects Arequipa’s distinctive "White City" aesthetic.

Arequipa’s "White City" aesthetic is embodied in the Santa Catalina Monastery’s striking volcanic stone and ashlar design.

After exploring this captivating site, the tour concludes back at the hotel or downtown Arequipa, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Architectural Significance and Inspiration

Arequipa’s nickname as the "White City" stems from the city’s unique architectural style, which draws inspiration from Andalusian influences.

The city’s buildings, constructed with volcanic stone and ashlar, create a stunning visual aesthetic reminiscent of southern Spain. This architectural heritage is showcased throughout the historic center, including:

The Plaza de Armas, home to the Cathedral of Arequipa and the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus
The old dairy farms of Bronce and Cabezona, which were once important commercial centers
The magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, a former convent with ornate cloisters and gardens

This blend of Spanish colonial and indigenous Peruvian design elements gives Arequipa its distinctive and captivating character.

Tour Details and Booking Information

The guided tour of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Monastery typically starts with a pick-up from your hotel in the historic center at 9:00 a.m.

You’ll have a live guide available in English and Spanish to share the highlights, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Church and Cloisters of the Society of Jesus.

The tour also visits historic commercial centers like the old dairy farms of Bronce and Cabezona.

The final stop is the Santa Catalina Monastery, where you’ll learn about its legends and see its magnificent cloisters, gardens, and art collection.

The tour concludes around 1:00 p.m.

Things To Know

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t seem to offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour provider directly as they may have special offers or packages available that could provide savings for those groups.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Bringing your own food and drinks on the tour is generally allowed. However, it’s best to check with the tour company in advance to confirm their policy. Some tours may have restrictions or prefer that you purchase refreshments from their approved vendors during the excursion.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Stop on the Tour?

The tour allocates around 1 hour at each stop, including the Plaza de Armas, Cathedral of Arequipa, Church of the Society of Jesus, and the highlight – the Santa Catalina Monastery, where visitors can explore the legends, cloisters, and art collection.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, as it includes transportation and provides guided visits to the main highlights, including the Santa Catalina Monastery which has appropriate accommodations for visitors with mobility needs.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear for the Tour?

No special equipment or gear is required for the tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there is moderate walking involved. The tour provides a guided experience, so visitors can focus on exploring the sights.

Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating heritage of Arequipa on this guided tour. Discover the stunning Santa Catalina Monastery, admire the architectural wonders, and uncover the city’s fascinating past. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable "White City" and its enduring cultural significance. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Arequipa’s enchanting blend of history, art, and natural beauty.