Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city, captivates visitors with its rich history and vibrant culture. The walking tour of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Monastery promises an immersive experience, allowing you to explore the city’s charming streets, colonial architecture, and the serene sanctuary of the monastery. Uncover the blend of indigenous and colonial influences that have shaped this enchanting destination, and prepare to be enchanted by the city’s timeless allure.

Contents show

Good To Know

Explore the charming colonial streets and vibrant cultural heritage of the San Lázaro neighborhood on a guided walking tour.
Discover the historic Barrio Del Solar, including a visit to the 17th-century Tambo El Matadero, a former slaughterhouse now home to local families.
Tour the 16th-century Tambo La Cabezona, one of the city’s first mills, showcasing Arequipa’s rich architectural and historical legacy.
Enjoy the grandeur of the Plaza De Armas, the main meeting point of Arequipa, surrounded by the iconic Cathedral and ornate portals.
Visit the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery, a stunning 16th-century religious complex that offers a glimpse into Arequipa’s colonial past.

You can check availability for your dates here:

San Lázaro Neighborhood

The tour begins in the charming San Lázaro Neighborhood, where visitors can explore the colonial streets and admire the striking ashlar buildings.

This historic area was once occupied by pre-Inca and Inca cultures, lending it a rich cultural heritage.

During the 20-minute visit, travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the neighborhood’s timeless ambiance and gain insights into Arequipa’s fascinating past.

The San Lázaro Neighborhood offers a captivating introduction to the city, setting the stage for the rest of the guided walking tour.

Into exploring Cusco on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Barrio Del Solar

From the charming San Lázaro Neighborhood, the tour now moves to the Barrio del Solar, where visitors can walk along the Chili River and admire the colonial buildings that line its banks.

This historic neighborhood was once home to lodging centers called "tambos" that accommodated merchants during the colonial era. Visitors will spend around 20 minutes exploring the area’s rich history and architectural heritage.

The tour then proceeds to the 17th-century Tambo El Matadero, which was used for slaughtering animals and is now home to local families.

Tambo El Matadero

After exploring the colonial buildings along the Chili River in the Barrio del Solar, the tour proceeds to Tambo El Matadero, a 17th-century construction that was once used for slaughtering animals.

Today, this historic site is home to about 30 families. Visitors can see the remnants of its former use, including the stone walls and wooden beams.

The tour guide will provide insights into the building’s history and its role in Arequipa’s past. Spending 15 minutes at this unique location offers a glimpse into the city’s evolving urban landscape and the adaptive reuse of historic structures.

Tambo La Cabezona

Following the visit to Tambo El Matadero, the tour proceeds to Tambo La Cabezona, a colonial-style country house from the 16th century.

This site was one of the city’s first mills. Visitors can explore the historical architecture and learn about its past as a milling operation.

The duration of this stop is approximately 15 minutes, and entry is free.

Tambo La Cabezona provides a glimpse into Arequipa’s colonial history and the importance of mills in the city’s development.

This stop offers a chance to appreciate the city’s rich heritage and architectural diversity.

More Great Tours Nearby

Plaza De Armas

The tour next arrives at the Plaza de Armas, Arequipa’s main meeting point and the location of the city’s iconic Cathedral. The plaza is surrounded by beautiful portals and features a bronze pool in the center. Visitors can take in the impressive architecture and feel the lively atmosphere of the square.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Cathedral | Towering over the plaza, the Cathedral of Arequipa dominates the skyline. |

| Portals | The plaza is surrounded by ornate portals, adding to the colonial ambiance. |

| Bronze Pool | A decorative pool in the center of the plaza serves as a focal point. |

The tour group spends 20 minutes exploring the Plaza de Armas before moving on to the next stop, the Monastery of Santa Catalina.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Monastery of Santa Catalina

The tour next arrives at the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a sprawling 20,000-square-meter complex founded in 1579.

This historic site was established by Doña María de Guzmán for wealthy women.

Visitors can explore:

Cloisters and patios, showcasing the monastery’s architectural beauty.
Narrow streets that wind through the complex, providing a glimpse into the past.
A bell tower, offering panoramic views of the city.
A church, where religious ceremonies and practices were once conducted.

The Monastery of Santa Catalina provides a captivating look into Arequipa’s rich history and the lives of its early inhabitants.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes several key elements to provide a comprehensive Arequipa experience.

Travelers receive hotel pickup from the historic center, ensuring a seamless start to the day. An expert local guide accompanies them throughout, providing insights in English and/or Spanish.

Seamless hotel pickup from the historic center, with an expert local guide providing insights in English and/or Spanish throughout the tour.

Admission to the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery is included, allowing visitors to explore this remarkable 16th-century complex at their own pace.

Lastly, round-trip hotel transfers make for a hassle-free journey.

With these inclusions, the tour delivers an immersive exploration of Arequipa’s rich history and architecture.

Important Information

Meeting point for hotels outside the Historic Center is Calle Zela 301, next to Santa Catalina Convent.

The exact meeting time will be confirmed after booking.

This walking tour offers several key details:

Pickup from the Historic Center is provided.
Local guides are available in English and/or Spanish.
Entrance to the Santa Catalina Monastery is included.
Hotel transfers are provided for the duration of the tour.

These important details ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers exploring the historic city of Arequipa and the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests. The provider offers a flexible booking option, allowing you to reserve now and pay later. You can discuss your preferences with the guide to tailor the experience.

How Are COVID-19 Safety Measures Implemented During the Tour?

The tour operator follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including providing hand sanitizer, requiring face masks, and maintaining social distancing. They also limit group sizes and conduct temperature checks before the tour begins.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer specific discounts for students or seniors, but travelers can take advantage of the flexible booking policy to reserve and pay later. The base price is $65 per person.

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

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a local guide, and entry to the Santa Catalina Monastery, but doesn’t allow bringing outside food or beverages.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?

The tour appears fairly accessible for those with mobility challenges. The itinerary includes walking on paved streets and the Santa Catalina Monastery offers wheelchair-accessible areas. However, visitors should check with the tour provider for specific accessibility details.

The Sum Up

The walking tour of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Monastery offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the charming colonial architecture, discover the fascinating blend of indigenous and colonial influences, and enjoy the serene courtyards of the monastery, making it an unforgettable experience.