City Tour of Arequipa

Arequipa, Peru’s enchanting "White City," beckons travelers with its captivating history and vibrant culture. A guided city tour offers the perfect way to explore this UNESCO-listed gem, uncovering its architectural wonders and local traditions. From the unique Sillar stone district to the iconic Plaza de Armas, this immersive experience promises a rich understanding of Arequipa’s heritage. Led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, the tour invites visitors to delve deeper into the city’s captivating narrative, leaving them eager to discover more.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best City Tours In Arequipa.

Good To Know

• A 4-hour guided tour of Arequipa, Peru’s ‘White City,’ featuring historical landmarks, cultural insights, and a vibrant local market.
• Explore the Dominican church in Cayma, the Añashuayco district known for white Sillar stone, and the Antiquilla market for souvenir shopping.
• Visit the stunning Arequipa cathedral in the iconic Plaza de Armas, a colonial architectural masterpiece.
• Gain in-depth understanding of Arequipa’s history, culture, and architectural heritage through a knowledgeable bilingual guide.
• Flexible booking options with transparent pricing and free cancellation, backed by positive traveler reviews.

Tour Overview

The 4-hour city sightseeing tour of Arequipa, Peru’s ‘White City,’ allows visitors to explore the key highlights and landmarks.

The tour begins with a visit to the Dominican church in Cayma, built in 1544. Next, travelers discover the Añashuayco district, known for its white Sillar stone.

The tour then moves to the Antiquilla market, offering an opportunity to shop for souvenirs. The final stop is Arequipa’s cathedral at the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square.

Throughout the experience, the professional bilingual guide provides live commentary, sharing insights on Arequipa’s history, architecture, and culture.

Highlights of the Tour

Cayma’s Dominican church, built in 1544, stands as the first stop on this captivating tour.

Visitors then venture to Añashuayco, renowned for its striking white Sillar stone.

Next, the tour explores the vibrant Antiquilla market, where travelers can browse an array of local souvenirs and handicrafts.

The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Arequipa cathedral at Plaza de Armas, a stunning architectural masterpiece that showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides invaluable insights, ensuring travelers gain a deep understanding of Arequipa’s remarkable past and present.

Exploring Cayma and Añashuayco

As the tour commences, visitors are first led to the Dominican church in Cayma, which was constructed in 1544. The guide shares insights into the church’s historical and architectural significance, highlighting its role in the region’s religious heritage.

Next, the tour proceeds to the Añashuayco district, known for its abundant deposits of white Sillar stone. Tourists are fascinated as they learn about the intricate process of extracting and utilizing this unique local material in Arequipa’s renowned architecture.

Throughout the experience, the guide’s commentary provides valuable context, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich cultural traditions and the importance of these sites within the local community.

Discovering Antiquilla Market

After exploring the historic Cayma district and the quarries of Añashuayco, the tour moves to the vibrant Antiquilla market.

Located in the heart of Arequipa, this lively marketplace offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Wander through the bustling stalls, browse handcrafted goods, and interact with local artisans.

From intricate textiles and carved wooden figurines to vibrant jewelry and traditional pottery, the Antiquilla market is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and keepsakes.

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and energy of this bustling open-air market, where the true spirit of Arequipa is on full display.

Visiting Plaza De Armas

Concluding the tour, visitors find themselves at the iconic Plaza de Armas, the heart of Arequipa’s historic center. This grand plaza is dominated by the city’s stunning cathedral, a masterpiece of colonial architecture. Surrounding the plaza are impressive colonial-era buildings, including the Compañía de Jesús church and the Palacio de Gobierno.

Arequipa Cathedral	Compañía de Jesús	Palacio de Gobierno
Architectural marvel dating back to the 16th century	Impressive Jesuit church built in the 1500s	Seat of the city’s government and historic landmark
Showcases a blend of Spanish, Moorish, and Baroque styles	Known for its ornate façade and interior decorations	Exemplifies Arequipa’s colonial-era grandeur

Visitors can stroll through the plaza, admiring its elegant fountains and lively atmosphere, before concluding their Arequipa city tour.

Guided Commentary and Insights

The bilingual tour guide provides engaging commentary throughout the city tour, sharing insights that bring Arequipa’s history, architecture, and culture to life.

Travelers can expect an informative and knowledgeable guide who offers vivid descriptions of the city’s landmarks. Whether it’s the intricate details of the Dominican church in Cayma or the significance of the white Sillar stone in Añashuayco, the guide’s expertise enhances the overall experience.

The guide also offers helpful assistance for those wishing to visit the renowned Monastery of Santa Catalina, ensuring a seamless and enriching tour.

With the guide’s insightful explanations, visitors can deepen their understanding and appreciation of Arequipa’s remarkable heritage.

Pricing and Booking Details

The city tour of Arequipa is priced starting from $99.00 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.

Booking the tour is straightforward – customers receive confirmation at the time of booking.

Key benefits include:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Infant seats available for an additional cost
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and no serious medical conditions are required
• Pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees or surprises

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the city tour of Arequipa, with an impressive overall rating of 5.0 based on 4 reviews.

Three reviews awarded 5 stars, while one review gave 4 stars.

Travelers praised the knowledgeable guide, who offered insightful commentary on the city’s history, architecture, and culture.

The tour’s informative stops, including the Dominican church in Cayma and the Antiquilla market, allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of Arequipa’s heritage.

The opportunity to explore the white Sillar stone district of Añashuayco and enjoy panoramic views of the city and volcanoes were also highlights of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Photography is allowed throughout the tour. Visitors are encouraged to capture the beautiful architecture, cultural sites, and scenic views at their own leisure during the experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Requests?

The tour can typically be customized to accommodate special requests, though this may incur additional costs. Travelers are encouraged to discuss any specific needs or preferences with the tour provider prior to booking the experience.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Location?

The tour spends approximately 45-60 minutes at each location, allowing ample time to explore and learn about the highlights. The duration at each stop can be adjusted to accommodate traveler preferences.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Size of Luggage?

The tour doesn’t have any specific restrictions on luggage size. Travelers can bring bags and personal items, though it’s recommended to pack lightly for the walking portions of the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour seems suitable for families, as it offers infant seats and the commentary provides insights into Arequipa’s history and culture. However, it may not be fully wheelchair accessible, so families should check accessibility requirements.

The Sum Up

The City Tour of Arequipa immerses visitors in the city’s captivating culture and history. From the Dominican church in Cayma to the iconic Plaza de Armas, the tour showcases Arequipa’s architectural wonders and vibrant markets. Led by knowledgeable guides, this comprehensive experience offers rich insights into the "White City’s" heritage, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for this enchanting Peruvian destination.