Tour of Arequipa and Its Viewpoints

The Tour of Arequipa and Its Viewpoints promises an immersive exploration of the city’s architectural wonders and bustling local markets. Travelers can expect a 4-hour guided journey, starting with a hotel pickup and culminating in breathtaking vistas of the surrounding volcanoes. Whether seeking to uncover Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage or simply enjoy the picturesque landscapes, this tour offers a well-rounded experience at a reasonable price point. With flexible cancellation policies and reliable transportation, the stage is set for an unforgettable adventure in this vibrant Peruvian city.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 4-hour tour covering Arequipa’s architecture, markets, and three key viewpoints: Yanahuara, Carmen Alto, and Sachaca.
Priced at $40 per person with transportation, English/Spanish guides, and flexible booking policy with free cancellation.
Itinerary includes visits to Arequipa Cathedral, San Camilo and Fundo el Fierro markets, and a 17th-century church in Sachaca.
Transportation by bus or minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a comfortable and efficient journey.
Past customer reviews indicate issues with guide knowledge, limited viewpoints visited, and additional costs, suggesting room for improvement in the tour experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour of Arequipa offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Priced from $40 per person, the 4-hour tour is available in English and Spanish. Guests can take advantage of the flexible booking policy, which allows them to reserve their spot and pay later.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Transportation is provided by bus or minivan, with hotel pickup at 9 a.m. and drop-off at 1 p.m. at the customer’s hotel or a preferred location in Arequipa.

Looking for more options in Arequipa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors embark on a captivating journey, starting with hotel pickup at 9:00 a.m.

The tour showcases Arequipa’s stunning viewpoints, including:

Yanahuara, offering panoramic vistas of the city and the majestic volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.
Carmen Alto, providing a breathtaking outlook over Arequipa’s historic center.
Sachaca, a charming district known for its spicy local cuisine and a 17th-century church.

The tour then explores the neoclassical façade of Arequipa Cathedral and visits the vibrant San Camilo and Fundo el Fierro markets, where travelers can enjoy the city’s rich culture and shop for local crafts.

Transportation

During the tour, participants are transported by either a bus or a minibus, depending on the size of the group. This mode of transportation ensures a comfortable and efficient journey throughout the tour.

The bus or minibus picks up participants from their hotels at 9:00 a.m. and drops them off back at their hotels or a preferred location in Arequipa at 1:00 p.m. This convenient transportation service allows participants to focus on the sights and experiences of the tour without worrying about navigating the city on their own.

Customer Experience

Although the tour is rated 1 out of 5 based on a single review, the feedback suggests several issues with the guide’s knowledge and the overall tour execution.

The customer experience appears to have fallen short of expectations:

The customer experience fell short of expectations, with issues across the tour itinerary and execution.

Only one of the expected viewpoints was visited, despite the itinerary promising visits to Yanahuara, Carmen Alto, and Sachaca.
Limited time was allocated to the traditional markets, San Camilo and Fundo el Fierro, with an unexpected stop at an Alpaca Farm.
Participants may have incurred additional costs for taxi rides to the viewpoints, contrary to the tour’s transportation details.
The guide’s knowledge and the tour’s execution were lacking, leading to overall disappointment.
The rating and feedback highlight the need for improvement in delivering a more comprehensive and satisfactory customer experience.

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Additional Information

Participants may incur additional costs for taxi rides to the viewpoints, contrary to the tour’s transportation details.

The meeting point is provided in Google Maps for customer convenience, allowing easy access to the tour’s starting location.

While the tour includes visits to traditional markets, such as San Camilo and Fundo el Fierro, where participants can find local crafts, any additional purchases will be at the customer’s expense.

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Getting to the Pick-up Location

The tour’s meeting point is conveniently located in central Arequipa and easily accessible via Google Maps.

The tour’s meeting point is conveniently located in central Arequipa and easily accessible via Google Maps.

To reach the pick-up location, participants can:

Take a taxi or rideshare service, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes from most hotels in the city center.
Use public transportation, with several bus routes stopping within a short walk of the meeting point.
Walk, as the meeting location is situated in a pedestrian-friendly area, about a 20-minute stroll from the historic Plaza de Armas.
Arrange for hotel shuttle service, if available, to transport you directly to the starting point.
Drive and park nearby, with several public lots and garages situated close to the meeting location.

Preparing for the Tour

To make the most of the tour, it’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket or sweater.

The tour covers several viewpoints and historic sites, involving moderate walking, so appropriate attire is essential.

Remember to bring sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen, as the Arequipa sun can be quite strong.

It’s also a good idea to carry a water bottle and some snacks to keep energized throughout the day.

Plus, having local currency on hand for any optional purchases at the markets is advised.

With proper preparation, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy the highlights of Arequipa’s rich history and breathtaking scenery.

Key Points

With the necessary preparations in place, the tour of Arequipa offers several key takeaways for visitors. The tour provides:

Breathtaking panoramic views of the city and three majestic volcanoes from strategic vantage points.
Immersion in the charming Cayma District, showcasing colonial architecture and spicy local cuisine.
An up-close experience of Arequipa’s neoclassical cathedral and lively traditional markets.
Insights into the region’s rich history and culture through the knowledgeable guide’s commentary.
Convenient transportation to and from the tour sites, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

While the customer feedback highlights some room for improvement, the tour nonetheless offers a well-rounded exploration of Arequipa’s iconic sights.

Since You Asked

What Are the Lunch Options During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include lunch. Participants can purchase food at the traditional markets or explore the spicy restaurants in the Cayma District during the tour’s free time.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. It involves visiting multiple viewpoints and walking through markets, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility. The tour’s itinerary suggests a moderate level of physical activity.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. The tour provider offers flexibility, allowing customers to request changes to the itinerary based on their interests and needs. Customizations may incur additional costs or require prior notice.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 8 to 15 people, though it may vary depending on demand. The size allows for a more personalized experience while maintaining efficiency in transportation and logistics.

Do the Tour Guides Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

Tour guides typically provide recommendations for local restaurants to visit during the tour, giving customers a chance to experience authentic Arequipa cuisine. However, the quality of these recommendations may vary based on the guide’s knowledge of the area.

The Sum Up

The Tour of Arequipa and Its Viewpoints offers an immersive exploration of the city’s architectural gems and vibrant local culture. With stunning vistas of the surrounding volcanoes, historic site visits, and convenient transportation, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Arequipa. Flexible cancellation policies and a reasonable price point make this tour an enticing choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to this captivating Peruvian city.