Walking Tour Arequipa Including Santa Catalina Monastery

Exploring Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage is a must-do for any visitor to Peru. The city’s UNESCO-listed historic center hosts a captivating walking tour that showcases its colonial architecture, lively plazas, and the stunning Santa Catalina Monastery. With an expert guide, you’ll gain insights into Arequipa’s past while interacting with friendly llamas and savoring traditional Peruvian cuisine. This immersive experience promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to discover more of this enchanting Andean gem.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 3.5-hour walking tour of Arequipa’s UNESCO-listed historic center, highlighting the city’s colonial architecture and oldest church.
• Opportunity to interact with friendly llamas and alpacas, and taste traditional Peruvian potatoes with dipping sauces.
• Guided exploration of Santa Catalina Monastery, a well-preserved 16th-century architectural gem.
• Tour includes hotel pickup, professional English-speaking guide, and entrance fees.
• Moderate physical fitness required, with a minimum of 2 participants and a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Tour Overview

The walking tour of Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city, offers a comprehensive exploration of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, renowned for its striking ashlar-clad buildings.

This 3.5-hour tour provides a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage, including visits to its oldest church and historic neighborhood.

Participants can interact with llamas and alpacas, as well as sample traditional Peruvian potatoes with dipping sauces.

The tour includes professional English-speaking guidance, hotel pickup, entrance to the Santa Catalina Monastery, and food and drinks.

A moderate fitness level is required, and the tour operates on a private basis.

Exploring Arequipa’s UNESCO World Heritage-Listed Historic Center

Arequipa’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center dazzles visitors with its striking architectural landscape, dominated by the city’s renowned ashlar-clad buildings.

The guided walking tour takes you through this well-preserved colonial center, showcasing its oldest church and historic neighborhoods.

Along the way, you’ll have the chance to interact with friendly llamas and alpacas.

Savor traditional Peruvian potatoes with a variety of dipping sauces, providing a tasty cultural experience.

With a moderate level of physical fitness required, this tour offers an immersive glimpse into Arequipa’s rich heritage and vibrant local life.

Visiting Arequipa’s Oldest Church and Historic Neighborhood

Nestled within Arequipa’s captivating historic center is the city’s oldest church, a testament to its rich cultural heritage.

Visitors will explore this stunning 16th-century architectural gem, admiring its intricate facades and ornate interiors.

The tour also ventures into the charming historic neighborhood surrounding the church, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents.

Cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses, and quaint shops create an authentic atmosphere, allowing travelers to enjoy Arequipa’s vibrant culture.

This segment of the walking tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the city’s deep-rooted past.

Interacting With Llamas and Alpacas

As visitors make their way through Arequipa’s historic center, they’ll have the chance to interact with the iconic camelids that have become synonymous with Peruvian culture – llamas and alpacas. These gentle creatures are often found in the plazas, providing opportunities for travelers to feed, pet, and take photos with them. The tour guide will provide insight into the significance of these animals in Andean traditions, as well as tips for a safe and enjoyable interaction.

| Llama | Alpaca |

| — | — |

| Larger in size | Smaller in size |

| Longer neck and legs | Shorter neck and legs |

| Coarse wool | Soft, fine wool |

| Used for transportation and meat | Used primarily for fiber and companionship |

Sampling Traditional Peruvian Potatoes With Dipping Sauces

Visitors on the walking tour can expect to sample an array of traditional Peruvian potatoes accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces.

The tour includes:

1. Exploring the unique flavors of Peruvian potatoes, which come in diverse shapes, sizes, and colors.

2. Tasting traditional dipping sauces, such as aji verde (green sauce), aji amarillo (yellow sauce), and huacatay (Peruvian black mint sauce).

3. Learning how these regional specialties are prepared and their cultural significance in Peruvian cuisine.

The potato-tasting experience offers a delightful opportunity to take in the rich culinary heritage of Arequipa.

Inclusions and Important Information

The walking tour includes an English-speaking professional guide who’ll accompany visitors throughout the experience.

Hotel pickup from central Arequipa and the entrance fee to the Santa Catalina Monastery are also covered.

Food and drinks are provided, but gratuities aren’t included.

The tour requires a minimum of 2 people and isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with serious medical conditions.

This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants and is not recommended for wheelchair users or those with serious health conditions.

Moderate physical fitness is needed.

Sun protection and modest clothing are advised.

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their reservation for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour’s start time.

This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind for those with uncertain plans. The tour company also offers a reserve now, pay later option, allowing customers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

The key points of the cancellation policy are:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the tour.

2. Reserve now, pay later option available.

3. Refunds issued for cancellations within the 24-hour window.

This straightforward cancellation policy caters to the needs of modern travelers, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Based on the provided information, it appears that food and drinks are included in the tour. Bringing your own food and drinks is not explicitly prohibited, but the inclusion suggests they may already be provided as part of the tour experience.

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

The tour requires minimal special equipment. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and lightweight clothing are recommended. Bringing your own food and drinks is generally not necessary, as they are typically included in the tour.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour Participants?

The tour does not appear to have an age limit, but moderate physical fitness is required. Participants of all ages can join as long as they can handle the walking and activity level.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour allows for some customization to accommodate personal preferences. However, major changes to the core itinerary may not be possible. Guests should discuss any special requests with the tour operator in advance to determine if accommodations can be made.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?

The private tour allows only your group to participate, with no maximum group size specified. The exact number of people in your party can be arranged directly with the tour provider.

The Sum Up

This guided walking tour offers an immersive experience in Arequipa’s captivating history and culture. Visitors will explore the UNESCO-listed historic center, marvel at colonial architecture, interact with friendly llamas and alpacas, and savor traditional Peruvian cuisine. With convenient hotel pickup and professional English-speaking guidance, this tour provides a unique and comprehensive glimpse into the rich heritage of Peru’s second-largest city.