City Tour Arequipa Classic
Colonial Arequipa
2,335 m.s.n.m
Culture, history, city.
Easy
Group tour
English & Spanish
3.5 hours (viewpoint + pedestrian)
Carmen Alto, Yanahuara, Santa Catalina Monastery & Main Square of Arequipa


















Begin the adventure of the City Tour through Arequipa, heading to the districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara, ideal for enjoying unparalleled panoramic views. During the tour, you will observe marvelous landscapes of the city surrounded by the Chachani, Misti, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes. As our next destination, we will arrive to the district of Yanahuara, where we can find with beautiful picturesque streets, ancient houses built with sillar stone, the characteristic facade of its XVIII century church, and its beautiful decorative arches. Beginning the pedestrian tour, we will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, where charming narrow streets and cloisters adorned with colorful flowers await you, alongside walls painted with vibrant tints. Then, we will visit the Main Square of Arequipa , an iconic historic center surrounded by majestic colonial buildings and a vibrant cultural dynamic. As a testament to the city's impressive architecture, we will visit the Jesuit Church of La Compañía, an impressive work that combines European elements with local influences, famous for its cloisters and beautiful dome. Finally, we visit the Tristán del Pozo Mansion, admired for its ornamental details, spacious interior courtyards, and carved balconies, which offer a glimpse into Arequipa's colonial past.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
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Why to book this tour with What a Trip?
- You will have the opportunity to visit iconic places in the city, such as the viewpoint of the volcanoes or the Yanahuara arches.
- A bilingual professional guide will accompany you during the tour.
- We will transport you in a clean and comfortable vehicle.
- Explore the most emblematic buildings of the city of Arequipa while learning about their history.
- A dynamic and enjoyable tour, full of history and places to capture beautiful photographs.
If you include visit to viewpoints:
- Pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa.
- You will meet the professional guide who will accompany you on this adventure.
- Start of the tour towards the district of Carmen Alto (20 min).
- Stop at the Carmen Alto viewpoint, with impressive views of volcanoes, its still preserved pre-Inca terraces, and the Chili River.
- Move forward to the district of Yanahuara, Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and picturesque cobblestone streets, Arequipa will captivate you. We will visit its viewpoint, where imposing arches frame the city, adorned with inscriptions depicting the life and inspiration of the Arequipa inhabitants.
- We will appreciate the Church of San Juan Bautista, built in the XIX century, renowned for its elegant neoclassical facade.
If you do not include the additional visit:
- Retorno al centro histórico de Arequipa o recojo del hotel e inicio del tour peatonal.
- Guided visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, an architectural treasure that encloses centuries of Arequipa's history and tradition.
- Visit to the main square of Arequipa, one of the most beautiful in Peru. We will learn about the history of its cathedral and archbishop's palace.
- We will visit the Jesuit Church of La Compañía, a masterpiece of mestizo Baroque architecture with impressive altars and golden altarpieces. Its inner courtyards, known as the cloisters, are particularly noteworthy.
- We will explore the polychrome dome of the Church dating back to the 17th century, a beautiful artistic demonstration.
- We will also visit the Tristán del Pozo mansion, an 18th-century house that is a magnificent example of Arequipa's viceregal architecture.
- Hotel pickup.
- Professional bilingual guide during the tour.
- Clean and comfortable transport throughout the day.
- Entrance fee to Carmen Alto viewpoint (USD2 approx.) when do you include the visit to the viewpoints in your tour.
- Entrance fee to Santa Catalina Monastery (USD12 approx.).
- Entrance fee to the Jesuit Church of the Company and its dome (USD2 approx.).
- Food and beverages.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Sunscreen.
- Bottle of water.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Camera.
- Cash for local purchases.
Visit to Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints:
- Expand your City Tour by including visit to viewpoints where you can enjoy views of the city and its surrounding landscapes, all from a single vantage point. Explore Yanahuara, famous for its sillar arches adorned with poetic inscriptions. This is an ideal spot to try the city's traditional dessert: cheese ice cream.
- To fully enjoy your City Tour in Arequipa, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, stay well hydrated, and try the delicious local gastronomy. Keep an open and flexible attitude towards unexpected events and enjoy the landscapes and culture that this city has to offer. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture all the special moments!
Why is it worth taking this tour?
- By taking the tour with us, you can have the security and confidence of being accompanied by an expert guide, as well as the convenience of transportation in the city to facilitate your visit. Additionally, you will have a fully organized itinerary so that you can make the most of your day.
If I add the viewpoints to the City Tour, which places will I visit? Difference between a tour with viewpoints versus a pedestrian-only tour.
By adding the viewpoints to the City Tour, you'll be able to visit the charming districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara. Where you'll have the opportunity to explore their viewpoints with impressive views of the volcanoes and the vibrant city.
What is the best place to take a photo with the volcanoes in the background?
One of the best places is Carmen Alto. From this panoramic viewpoint, you can capture the majesty of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, which form a spectacular backdrop that will be an unforgettable memory of your visit.
- Arequipa es conocida como «La Ciudad Blanca» debido a la abundancia de construcciones hechas con sillar, una piedra volcánica de color blanco que se encuentra en la región. Este material es muy utilizado desde la época colonial y le da a la ciudad su distintivo aspecto blanco y brillante. El uso de esta piedra se debe a su gran disponibilidad y resistencia, siendo así la opción ideal para edificar en una región sísmica como esta.
- Within the majestic Arequipa Cathedral, there is a religious museum that boasts an astonishing collection of sacred art and historical relics dating back over 400 years. Among its prized possessions are impressive garments woven with threads of gold and silver. Additionally, the museum houses ancient Gregorian chants, dating back to 1722, as well as a fascinating census conducted in 1813.
- Arequipa is a renowned gastronomic destination known for its great culinary diversity and authentic flavors. During your visit, don't miss out on typical dishes such as Rocoto Relleno, a spicy and comforting dish, or Chupe de Camarones, a delicious creamy soup. For something lighter, try the Solterito Arequipeño, a colorful salad, and accompany it with Ocopa Arequipeña, a delicious creamy sauce. Explore the different typical dishes that the city has to offer and live an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
- Super flexible: Cancel this tour with more than 48 hours' notice from the tour start date, and receive a 70% refund of the paid amount. If canceled within 48 hours, 100% of the amount is charged.
- Review our terms and conditions here: here
*The information and itinerary detailed in this guide may change without prior notice with the intention of providing a better service or regulatory changes in each destination.
Map of the Tour
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