AREQUIPA CITY TOUR
TRIP SUMMARY
Explore Arequipa on a city tour that unveils its colonial essence at the Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Monastery, culminating with breathtaking volcano views from the Yanahuara viewpoint. A complete experience to discover the 'White City'!
AREQUIPA CITY TOUR
Discover the magic of Arequipa on a captivating city tour that will take you to explore the three faces of the 'White City': its imposing colonial legacy, its fascinating viceregal history, and its spectacular natural setting dominated by volcanoes.
Your journey begins at the majestic Plaza de Armas, where you'll be awed by the grand Arequipa Cathedral and its sillar stone arches, while your guide reveals the secrets of this 17th-century architectural gem.
The adventure continues at the Santa Catalina Monastery, a 16th-century religious citadel frozen in time, with its cobblestone streets, colorful cloisters, and original cells that will transport you back to the colonial era. Next, you'll ascend to the charming Yanahuara viewpoint, where the famous sillar arches frame Arequipa's most photographed view: the mighty Misti Volcano in all its glory.
A complete tour to discover Arequipa's rich history and breathtaking beauty!
The Arequipa City Tour is a private service.
Itinerary
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. / 2:00 p.m.
You'll begin your fascinating Arequipa city tour with a carefully designed itinerary showcasing the best of the White City. Your journey starts at the breathtaking Santa Catalina Monastery, a 1579 religious citadel occupying an entire city block. For 45 minutes, you'll explore its colorful inner streets, silent cloisters, and original cells while your guide shares stories of the cloistered nuns who lived here for centuries.
Next, you'll stop at the majestic Plaza de Armas, where you'll admire the imposing Arequipa Cathedral and its iconic sillar stone arches. Here, you’ll learn about this architectural symbol that has withstood earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Just steps away, you’ll visit the Church and Cloisters of La Compañía de Jesús, a jewel of Andean Baroque, featuring the stunning San Ignacio Dome adorned with murals of tropical flora and fauna.
The tour continues to San Lázaro, Arequipa’s oldest neighborhood, with its narrow cobblestone streets and 16th-century sillar stone houses. Then, you’ll ascend to the Yanahuara Viewpoint, famous for its carved sillar arches and panoramic views of the Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes. You’ll have time to photograph the local church, a perfect example of Arequipa’s colonial architecture.
The highlight will be the Carmen Alto Viewpoint (2,400 m), where you’ll witness the Chilina Valley in all its splendor—the Chili River winding through ancient agricultural terraces, framed by the three mighty volcanoes on the horizon. This is the best spot to understand why Arequipa is considered one of Peru’s most beautiful cities.
The tour concludes with your return to the hotel after exploring Arequipa’s most iconic landmarks in this 4-hour journey.
Duration: Half day, approximately 4 hours.- Difficulty: 1 out of 5 / Very easy.
- Distance covered: Approximately 15 km (within the city).
- Driving time: About 1 hour (transfers between attractions).
- Meals: Not included (we recommend dining after the tour).
- Min. Altitude: 2,335 m (Plaza de Armas).
- Max. Altitude: 2,400 m (Carmen Alto viewpoint).
END OF OUR SERVICES
Included
- Pick-up from your hotel.
- Tourist transportation.
- Professional tour guide.
- Entrance tickets to all attractions.
- Personalized attention throughout the tour.
Not Included
- Snacks and bottled water.
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips for the guide and driver.
Recommendations
- Hat: To protect yourself from the sun during the tour.
- Sunscreen: To protect your skin from UV rays.
- Sunglasses: To shield your eyes from the sun and glare of the ocean.
- Water: Stay hydrated throughout the tour.
- Extra Money: For optional purchases or snacks.
- Light Clothing: Arequipa has a moderate climate, so comfortable and light clothing is ideal.
Prices
Tour Price
AREQUIPA CITY TOUR PRICE
This tour is provided as a private service based on the size of your group.
"Please inquire about availability 24 hours before the tour date; otherwise, we cannot guarantee availability."
PRIVATE SERVICE |
PRICE PER PERSON |
BOOK NOW |
|---|---|---|
| Enjoy a private journey with your group. | Now: $50.00 USD |
BOOK NOW |
For groups of 14 or more, please contact the Kantu Peru Tours Booking Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes round-trip transportation within Arequipa, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance tickets to the mentioned attractions.
This is a 4-hour tour, typically departing at 9:00 a.m. and returning around 1:00 p.m., or in the afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, especially during high season (April to November), as availability for certain sites can be limited.
Essentials include a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and cash for personal expenses or souvenirs.
No restrictions apply. The Arequipa City Tour is suitable for all ages. Children under 5 usually travel free, while regular rates apply for ages 5 and up.
The ideal time is during the dry season (April to November), when you'll enjoy sunny days and clear views of the volcanoes.
The highest point is the Carmen Alto viewpoint, reaching approximately 2,400 meters (7,874 ft) above sea level.
While the city center is mostly accessible, some areas like the Santa Catalina Monastery have uneven cobblestone streets that may be challenging for wheelchairs.
You can find detailed information in our Terms and Conditions.
- Direct Operator: Kantu Peru Tours is a local agency that operates packages directly, avoiding intermediary commissions and ensuring fair prices.
- Professional Team: Our staff is highly trained in customer service and responsible tourism to guarantee a high-quality experience.
- Fully Licensed: We hold all official permits and certificates (DICETUR – MINCETUR), authorizing our operations in Arequipa, Cusco, and beyond.
- Trusted Reviews: Our customers are our best guarantee. You can read our latest reviews on TripAdvisor HERE.
- Personalized Support: For more information or assistance, you can contact our team HERE.
Final
For more information about the best destinations in Peru, check out our Kantu Blog.
If you'd like to take this tour, you can also include it in your Machu Picchu Package—just request it from your Kantu Peru Tours travel agent.
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