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Discover the essence of the White City through a cultural tour of its historic center and the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery, one of Arequipa's main architectural attractions. More than a tourist visit, this experience will allow you to learn about the history, art, and traditions that have shaped the city, as you walk through its streets and spaces that preserve part of its colonial legacy. An experience to discover the charm of Arequipa and understand the identity that sets it apart.
Arequipa City Tour half day overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Private service in small groups: The tour runs as a private service for 2 to 6 passengers, guaranteed from 2 people, with no need to wait for a large group to form.
- A cultural and historical tour: The best introduction to Arequipa's main attractions, history and traditions, from the Santa Catalina Monastery to the San Lázaro neighbourhood.
- Flexible timings: The City Tour has two departures, at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., so you can book the one that best suits your itinerary.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup to the end of the experience you will have our guide with you, answering your questions and providing information and orientation along the way.
Programme summary
Santa Catalina Monastery – Plaza de Armas – San Lázaro neighbourhood – Tristán del Pozo Mansion
Explore Arequipa's main attractions in half a day: a cultural and historical walking tour of the White City's Historic Centre and its colonial jewel, the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day: approx. 3 to 4 hours |
| Departures | Morning at 9:00 a.m. or afternoon at 2:00 p.m. |
| Maximum altitude | San Lázaro neighbourhood: 2,360 m / 7,743 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Plaza de Armas of Arequipa: 2,335 m / 7,661 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy, with short walks around the Historic Centre |
| Temperature | Between 8 °C and 24 °C / 46 °F and 75 °F, depending on the season |
| Service | Small Group, 2 to 6 passengers |
Highlights
- Santa Catalina Monastery: one of the most important colonial religious complexes in the Americas, with more than 400 years of history, inner streets, cloisters and courtyards that form a true city within the city.
- Plaza de Armas of Arequipa (2,335 m / 7,661 ft): considered one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, surrounded by elegant sillar arcades.
- Arequipa Cathedral: a monumental church built in volcanic stone that dominates the main square.
- San Lázaro neighbourhood (2,360 m / 7,743 ft): the oldest quarter of the city, with narrow cobbled streets and traditional architecture.
- Tristán del Pozo Mansion: a magnificent example of Arequipa's viceregal architecture and colonial mestizo art, with an extraordinary façade carved in sillar.
Arequipa City Tour itinerary
Santa Catalina Monastery – Plaza de Armas – San Lázaro neighbourhood – Tristán del Pozo Mansion
Half a day on foot through the White City, among volcanic sillar, colonial cloisters and cobbled streets.
- The experience begins with the pickup from your hotel or a central point in the city, on the morning (9:00 a.m.) or afternoon (2:00 p.m.) departure you have booked.
- We head to the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the most important architectural and religious treasures in Peru. This fascinating site holds more than four centuries of history among colourful cloisters, cobbled lanes, flower-filled courtyards and rooms that preserve the legacy of colonial convent life.
- Its volcanic sillar walls, the murals painted with natural pigments and each carefully preserved space turn the visit into a journey into the past. The visit inside is led by the monastery's own authorised guides.
- We continue to the elegant Plaza de Armas, considered one of the most beautiful in Peru, where we admire the majestic Arequipa Cathedral, a symbol of the city and a magnificent example of sillar architecture, surrounded by colonial arches and a lively atmosphere.
- Our next stop is the traditional San Lázaro neighbourhood, the oldest part of Arequipa and the site of the first Spanish settlements. Its picturesque cobbled lanes, white houses and colonial balconies keep the charm of another era and make it one of the most photogenic corners of the city.
- The last stop is the historic Tristán del Pozo Mansion, one of the finest expressions of Arequipa's viceregal architecture, with its extraordinary sillar-carved façade and artistic details.
- This brings the Arequipa City Tour to an end, after exploring the colonial legacy that has made the city one of South America's most important heritage destinations.
What the Arequipa City Tour includes
Guide and support
- Private professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English), trained in history, culture and tourist information, throughout the tour.
- Guided visit inside the Santa Catalina Monastery with the monastery's own authorised guides, included in the service.
- Pickup from your hotel within the Historic Centre of Arequipa. For accommodation outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged.
Assistance
- Pre-tour assistance, online or in person, to answer all your questions about the programme before departure.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Not included
- Entrance ticket to the Santa Catalina Monastery: S/ 50.00 per person (about 15 USD), for Peruvian and foreign adults alike. It is bought directly at the ticket office or through the monastery's official channels.
- Entrance ticket to the Chapel of San Ignacio de Loyola, known as the Sistine Chapel of Arequipa: S/ 15.00 per person (about 5 USD) for foreign adults. This visit is optional.
- Transport: the tour takes place on foot within the Historic Centre, so no tourist transport is used.
- Meals and drinks.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Amounts in US dollars are for reference only and are subject to the current exchange rate. Entrance fees are paid in Peruvian soles.
Arequipa City Tour price
Rates
| Rate | Price per person |
|---|---|
| General rate Group of 2 to 6 passengers | 38 USD |
The rate covers the private guiding and the guided visit inside the Santa Catalina Monastery. The entrance fees to the monastery (S/ 50.00) and to the Sistine Chapel of Arequipa (S/ 15.00) are not included and are paid on site, in Peruvian soles.
Plan your visit
The tour has two departures, at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and is guaranteed from 2 passengers. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season, and bringing cash in soles for the entrance fees: it is the quickest way to buy them.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visit to the Sistine Chapel of Arequipa | S/ 15 (5 USD) | Optional entrance to the Chapel of San Ignacio de Loyola, famous for its polychrome dome in mestizo baroque style. Paid on site. |
| Flexible timings and more time at each site | On request | We adapt the tour to your pace, with more time for photographs and extra stops. Ask your sales representative. |
Before you book
The tour runs all year round. In the rainy season, roughly from December to March, we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or a rain poncho. It is an excellent activity for your first day in Arequipa, as it lets you get to know the city and acclimatise before the Colca Canyon or other hikes. Cancellations or date changes can be requested up to 48 hours before departure, with an administrative charge.
What to bring on the Arequipa City Tour
These are the most important items for this half-day experience.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- A digital copy of your document, recommended as a backup.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and a snack.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for the entrance fees, drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes with good non-slip soles, for the cobbled streets.
- Light, breathable clothing and a warm layer for the morning and evening.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially between December and March.
- Hat or cap for the sun, and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photographs in the cloisters and the sillar streets.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Power bank (optional).
Important considerations
- This is an ideal tour for your first day in the city, as it helps you acclimatise before a hike or the Colca Canyon.
- The tour is on foot around the Historic Centre and along the monastery's inner streets: wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring cash in soles for the entrance fees; some places accept cards, but a surcharge may apply.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Arequipa City Tour
Which places are visited on the tour?
The Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas and Arequipa Cathedral, the traditional San Lázaro neighbourhood and the Tristán del Pozo Mansion, all in the heart of the city's Historic Centre.
How long does the Arequipa City Tour last?
About 3 to 4 hours, depending on the group's pace and the time spent at each attraction.
What departure times are available?
There are two departures: in the morning at 9:00 a.m. and in the afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
Is the tour private or shared?
The service is private and personalised, in groups of 2 to 6 passengers, which makes the experience more comfortable and flexible, with closer attention from the guide. The tour is guaranteed from 2 passengers, with no need to wait for a large group to form.
Does the City Tour include hotel pickup?
Yes. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel within the Historic Centre of Arequipa. For accommodation outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged.
Is transport included?
It is not needed: the tour takes place within the Historic Centre and is done on foot, which lets you enjoy its traditional streets, sillar architecture, squares and monuments at a relaxed pace.
Does the tour include the entrance to the Santa Catalina Monastery?
No. The entrance ticket is not included in the price and is paid directly at the official ticket office: S/ 50.00 per person, for Peruvian and foreign adults alike.
Does the guide go inside the Santa Catalina Monastery?
Our guide accompanies you throughout the tour, with the historical and cultural explanations of the city, up to the entrance of the monastery. Inside, as it is a religious site run by the institution itself, the visit is led by its authorised guides; that second guided visit is also included in the service and covers the main cloisters, streets and courtyards.
Is the Santa Catalina Monastery worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of Arequipa's most important cultural attractions: its inner streets, cloisters, courtyards and sillar architecture bring together more than 400 years of colonial history, which is why it is considered a true city within the city.
Does the tour include the entrance to the Sistine Chapel of Arequipa?
No. The visit to the Chapel of San Ignacio de Loyola is optional and is paid directly on site: about S/ 15.00 per person for foreign adults.
How are the entrance fees paid?
We recommend bringing cash in soles, which is the quickest way to buy the tickets. Some places accept cards, but a surcharge may apply and it depends on the connection available.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy. It is a cultural tour with short walks through the streets of the Historic Centre and inside the Santa Catalina Monastery.
At what altitude does the City Tour take place?
Between 2,335 m / 7,661 ft at the Plaza de Armas and 2,360 m / 7,743 ft in the San Lázaro neighbourhood.
Is the tour a good choice for the first day in Arequipa?
Yes. It is an excellent way to get to know the city, acclimatise to the altitude and prepare for other experiences, such as the Colca Canyon or other hikes.
Can children and older travellers take part?
Yes. It is suitable for families, couples and travellers of all ages.
Does the tour run all year round?
Yes. In the rainy season, roughly from December to March, we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or a rain poncho.
In which language is the guiding provided?
The service is available in Spanish and English.
What documents do I need to bring?
Your original, valid passport or ID card, plus a digital copy as a backup.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check available dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To arrange the tour we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. Once we receive the forms, we request a guarantee per person to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the service is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your booking will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change the date of your booking up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural travel experiences in Peru's main destinations. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
