Private Arequipa City Tour: Juanita Museum, Santa Catalina and Colonial Suburbs

Arequipa, a jewel in Peru’s cultural crown, beckons visitors to uncover its captivating history. This private city tour promises an immersive experience, from the haunting tales of the Juanita Mummy to the serene grandeur of the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Wander through the city’s colonial suburbs, marveling at the white volcanic stone architecture that has stood the test of time. What secrets lie within Arequipa’s streets, waiting to be discovered?

Contents show

Key Points

Explore Arequipa’s colonial heritage through a private 5-hour guided tour, including the Monastery of Santa Catalina, Juanita Mummy Museum, and charming colonial suburbs.
Enjoy personalized attention from an English-speaking guide and private transportation, with lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup/drop-off included.
Discover the 16th-century Monastery of Santa Catalina, known for its white volcanic stone architecture and tranquil cloisters.
Learn about the preserved remains of the Juanita Mummy, an Inca human sacrifice offering insight into ancient Inca beliefs and practices.
Explore the well-preserved colonial architecture and scenic mountain views of Arequipa’s charming neighborhoods, including Cayma, Yanahuara, and Sabandia.

Tour Overview

The private 5-hour city tour of Arequipa, Peru, known as "The White City" for its white-hued structures, provides visitors the opportunity to explore key landmarks, including the Monastery of Santa Catalina, Juanita Mummy Museum, and colonial suburbs of Cayma, Yanahuara, and Sabandia.

The tour includes personalized attention from a guide, private vehicle, lunch, entrance fees, and round-trip hotel transport.

Guests can expect to discover the city’s colonial architecture and volcanic rock at the Monastery of Santa Catalina, as well as the history of the Incas through the Juanita Mummy, a frozen sacrifice to mountain gods.

Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Arequipa

Included Services

The private Arequipa city tour includes a professional English-speaking guide who’ll provide personalized attention throughout the experience.

The tour also includes a private van with a professional driver to transport you comfortably. Lunch and local taxes are covered, and hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, though there may be an additional cost for distant hotels.

All entrance fees and gratuities are included, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free tour.

Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to sit back and enjoy the sights, this tour has you covered.

Exploring the Monastery of Santa Catalina

As the cornerstone of the tour, visitors will explore the serene Monastery of Santa Catalina, a 16th-century complex renowned for its striking white volcanic stone architecture and vibrant cobblestone streets.

They’ll wander through the tranquil cloisters, admiring the intricate religious murals and the peaceful plazas. The guide will provide insights into the monastery’s history, from its founding by a wealthy widow to its role as a self-contained city for nuns.

Travelers will gain a deeper appreciation for Arequipa’s colonial heritage and the enduring influence of Catholicism in the region.

Discovering the History of the Juanita Mummy

What else will travelers discover on this tour? The Juanita Mummy Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Inca history.

Visitors can see the remarkably preserved remains of a young Inca woman, frozen high in the Andes centuries ago. Juanita, as she’s known, was a ritual sacrifice to the mountain gods.

Visitors can marvel at the remarkably preserved remains of a young Inca woman, sacrificed to the mountain gods centuries ago.

Exhibits detail the Inca belief system and the discovery of Juanita’s body. Guests will learn how modern science has unlocked the secrets of this ice maiden’s life and death.

This unique museum provides an up-close look at a significant Inca artifact that sheds light on their ancient civilization.

Visiting Arequipa’s Colonial Suburbs

Beyond exploring the Juanita Mummy Museum, the private Arequipa city tour also takes visitors through the city’s charming colonial suburbs.

The tour showcases Cayma, Yanahuara, and Sabandia, known for their well-preserved colonial architecture. Visitors can marvel at the white volcanic rock buildings and enjoy views of the surrounding Andes mountains.

The guide provides insights into the history and significance of these quaint neighborhoods. With the private transportation and personalized attention, guests can truly enjoy Arequipa’s colonial heritage beyond the city center.

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

Booking Information

To book the private Arequipa city tour, a minimum of 2 people is required per reservation.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking or within 48 hours if booked within 2 days of travel.

Dietary requirements must be advised at booking; vegetarian options are available.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate.

Free cancellation is offered up to 6 days in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour is rated 5.0 based on 1 review from Viator and Tripadvisor.

Additional Details

The private Arequipa city tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. This private tour is only for your group; no other you will join. Cancellation is free up to 6 days in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available. The tour is rated 5.0 based on 1 review from Viator and Tripadvisor.

| Tour Details | Yes | No |

| — | — | — |

| Wheelchair Accessible | | ✓ |

| Private Tour | ✓ | |

| Infant Seating | | ✓ |

| Free Cancellation (6 days) | ✓ | |

| Reserve Now, Pay Later | ✓ | |

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is 2 people, but there’s no maximum specified. The tour is private, so only your group will participate.

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

Participants can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. Lunch is included, and the tour provider does not allow outside items. Participants should let the provider know about any dietary requirements when booking.

How Long Will We Spend at Each Site During the Tour?

The tour includes approximately 1-2 hours at each key site, such as the Monastery of Santa Catalina, Juanita Mummy Museum, and colonial suburbs. The exact timing may vary based on the group’s pace and interests during the 5-hour tour.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. The tour provider allows for personalization of the experience, so you can work with the guide to adjust the sites visited and time spent at each location to fit your interests.

Does the Tour Guide Offer Any Recommendations for Dinner After the Tour?

The tour guide can provide dinner recommendations to guests after the tour. They may suggest local restaurants or cuisines to experience the authentic flavors of Arequipa based on guests’ preferences.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage on this private city tour. Witness the stunning white volcanic stone architecture, learn about the Inca civilization through the Juanita Mummy, and explore the picturesque colonial suburbs. With the Andes as a breathtaking backdrop, this tour offers a comprehensive and insightful experience of Arequipa’s vibrant history and architectural wonders.