Afternoon : Arequipa City Tour With Santa Catalina Monastery

Arequipa, known as the ‘white city’ of Peru, offers a captivating blend of rich history and breathtaking natural landscapes. The Afternoon Arequipa City Tour provides an intimate exploration of this vibrant destination, inviting travelers to explore its cultural heritage. Guests will marvel at the Spanish colonial architecture, enjoy the tranquil courtyards of the Santa Catalina Monastery, and gaze upon the awe-inspiring presence of the iconic El Misti volcano. With convenient hotel pickup and a small group size, this tour promises an engaging and informative adventure that leaves visitors eager to uncover more of Arequipa’s hidden gems.

About Your Stay

• Comprehensive afternoon city tour of Arequipa, known as the ‘white city’, highlighting its Spanish colonial history and architecture.
• Guided visit to the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery, showcasing its vibrant courtyards, tranquil cloisters, and ornate architectural details.
• Opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking views of the El Misti volcano, a prominent natural feature of the Arequipa region.
• Engaging commentary from a professional guide, providing insights into Arequipa’s cultural legacy and the significance of the sights visited.
• Convenient hotel pickup and transportation included for a seamless and personalized tour experience.

Tour Overview

The afternoon city tour of Arequipa, often referred to as Peru’s ‘white city’, provides visitors with a guided exploration of the city’s rich Spanish colonial history and architectural marvels.

The tour includes a visit to the stunning Santa Catalina Monastery, offering a glimpse into the lives of the cloistered nuns who once inhabited the complex.

Travelers will also enjoy views of the iconic El Misti volcano, which looms over the city.

Throughout the tour, the guide will provide engaging commentary, bringing the city’s past to life.

With hotel pickup included, this comprehensive tour is an excellent way to experience the highlights of Arequipa.

Inclusions

The Arequipa City Tour includes pickup from your hotel in the city center, ensuring a seamless start to your afternoon exploration.

You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery, where you’ll learn about its fascinating history and architecture.

Transportation is provided throughout the tour, and your professional guide will be available to offer commentary in either English or Spanish.

Whether you’re interested in Spanish colonial history or simply want to take in the stunning views of El Misti volcano, this tour has you covered.

With a maximum of 15 travelers per group, you’ll have a personalized and engaging experience.

Pickup Information

Two pickup options are available for this Arequipa City Tour – a direct meeting point at Plaza de Armas or hotel pickup.

The Plaza de Armas meeting point is located at Paucarpata 04008, Peru. For those staying outside the city center, a designated meeting point will be set.

Hotel pickup is included and can be arranged. Guests should be ready at their accommodations by the tour’s start time of 2:00 PM.

This small-group tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Tour Details

This Arequipa City Tour starts at 2:00 PM and accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The tour includes:

1. A guided visit to the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery, allowing you to explore this architectural gem and learn about its rich history.

2. Engaging commentary from a professional guide, available in both English and Spanish, who’ll provide insights into Arequipa’s Spanish colonial past.

3. Breathtaking views of the majestic El Misti volcano, a defining feature of Arequipa’s stunning landscape.

Please note that this tour is non-refundable, and cancellations aren’t eligible for a refund.

Reviews and Ratings

Overwhelming approval from the tour’s lone reviewer reflects the quality of the Arequipa City Tour experience. With a perfect 5.0-star rating, the review provides a strong endorsement for this tour. The review breakdown is as follows:

Source	Rating	Review Count
Viator	5.0	1
Tripadvisor	–	–
Total	5.0	1

Though the overall review count is limited, the glowing 5-star assessment suggests the Arequipa City Tour delivers an engaging and informative experience as advertised. Prospective travelers can feel confident in booking this tour to explore Arequipa’s historic sites and natural wonders.

Exploring the White City

Arequipa, Peru’s stunning "white city", awaits visitors on this comprehensive city tour.

Explore the city’s striking colonial architecture, including the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery, a sprawling 16th-century complex with vibrant plazas and intricate facades.

The tour also provides breathtaking views of the imposing El Misti volcano, towering over the cityscape.

Discover Arequipa’s rich Spanish colonial history through your guide’s engaging commentary, uncovering the stories behind this remarkable destination.

The tour includes:

1. Guided visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery
2. Panoramic views of the El Misti volcano
3. Expert commentary on Arequipa’s Spanish colonial heritage

Visiting Santa Catalina Monastery

The Santa Catalina Monastery is a sprawling 16th-century complex that offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Arequipa’s storied past.

Guided tours take you through the monastery’s vibrant courtyards, tranquil cloisters, and richly decorated churches, providing an immersive experience.

Wander the labyrinth of cobblestone streets and adobe buildings, imagining the lives of the nuns who once resided here.

The monastery’s striking architecture, adorned with ornate detailing, showcases the region’s Spanish colonial heritage.

Visitors can explore the living quarters, kitchens, and plazas that were the heart of this self-contained city within a city.

The guided tour provides engaging commentary, bringing the monastery’s history to life and offering a deeper understanding of Arequipa’s cultural legacy.

Marveling at El Misti Volcano

Towering majestically above Arequipa, El Misti Volcano commands the attention of every visitor. This iconic stratovolcano is a must-see during your city tour.

Here are three reasons why:

1. Stunning Vistas: With a height of 5,822 meters (19,101 feet), El Misti provides breathtaking panoramic views of Arequipa and the surrounding Andes mountains. The vista is particularly impressive from the Santa Catalina Monastery.

2. Dormant but Imposing: Although currently dormant, El Misti’s sheer size and perfect cone shape are a testament to its volatile past. Its last major eruption was in 1985, making it a fascinating geological site.

3. Cultural Significance: El Misti has played a significant role in the lives of Arequipa’s inhabitants for centuries, featuring prominently in Inca and Spanish colonial lore.

Questions About Your Stay

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Santa Catalina Monastery?

Photography is generally allowed inside the Santa Catalina Monastery, but visitors should check with the tour guide or staff for any specific restrictions. Respectful photography is encouraged to capture the monastery’s beautiful architecture and historic atmosphere.

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, travelers can bring food and drinks on the tour. However, they should be mindful of any rules or restrictions in place at the Santa Catalina Monastery during the guided visit.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Avoid overly casual attire like shorts or sleeveless shirts. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since the tour involves exploring historic sites on foot.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Site?

The tour typically spends 1-2 hours at the Santa Catalina Monastery, allowing visitors to explore this historic site in-depth with a guided tour. Time spent at other sites in Arequipa may vary based on the itinerary, but the overall tour lasts approximately 3-4 hours.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Customers can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary and pace to suit their group’s preferences and interests within the existing tour structure.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Afternoon Arequipa City Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers can marvel at the stunning Spanish colonial architecture, enjoy the vibrant courtyards of the Santa Catalina Monastery, and enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic El Misti volcano. With convenient hotel pickup and a small group size, this tour provides an intimate and informative adventure through the ‘white city’ of Peru.