Private Arequipa City Tour: Juanita Museum, Santa Catalina and Colonial Suburbs

The Private Arequipa City Tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy the vibrant history and culture of this captivating Peruvian city. From exploring the preserved relics of the Juanita Mummy Museum to uncovering the architectural marvels of the Monastery of Santa Catalina, this comprehensive tour promises an enriching experience. But the journey doesn’t end there – guests also have the opportunity to wander through charming colonial suburbs, where they can admire stunning vistas and uncover the unique charms that make Arequipa a truly remarkable destination.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive 5-hour private tour exploring Arequipa’s historic highlights, including the Monastery of Santa Catalina, Juanita Mummy Museum, and colonial suburbs.
• Monastery of Santa Catalina offers a window into Arequipa’s religious history and the lives of its female residents.
• Juanita Mummy Museum provides a unique insight into Inca culture and rituals through the preserved remains of a young sacrificial victim.
• Visits to colonial suburbs like Cayma and Yanahuara showcase well-preserved architecture and tranquil plazas, reflecting Arequipa’s historical significance.
• Tour includes an English-speaking guide, private transportation, and lunch, providing a personalized and enriching experience.

Overview of the Private Arequipa City Tour

The Private Arequipa City Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic and architectural wonders that have earned Arequipa the title "The White City".

Over the course of 5 hours, guests will visit key landmarks like the Monastery of Santa Catalina, the Juanita Mummy Museum, and the colonial suburbs of Cayma, Yanahuara, and Sabandia.

Through these sites, they’ll experience the city’s rich Incan heritage and colonial past, embodied in its white-hued structures and the mummified remains of the young Inca girl, Juanita.

An English-speaking guide and private transportation ensure a personalized and informative journey through this captivating Peruvian destination.

Exploring the Monastery of Santa Catalina

Upon entering the Monastery of Santa Catalina, visitors are immediately transported to a bygone era. Founded in 1579, this sprawling compound was once home to over 450 nuns living in relative seclusion.

Wandering its cobblestone streets and cloisters, one is struck by the vibrant, almost maze-like layout and the distinctive Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Visitors can explore the nuns’ living quarters, kitchens, and chapels, all preserved to reflect the monastery’s heyday.

The highlight is the main church, whose ornate altarpiece and vaulted ceilings exemplify the Spanish colonial style.

Today, the monastery offers a unique window into Arequipa’s religious history and the lives of its devout female residents.

Discovering the Juanita Mummy Museum

Leaving the serene cloisters of the Monastery of Santa Catalina behind, visitors next explore the Juanita Mummy Museum.

This museum houses the well-preserved remains of the "Ice Maiden", a young Inca girl sacrificed to the mountain gods centuries ago. Guests can marvel at the incredible state of conservation of Juanita’s body, which provides a unique window into Inca culture and rituals.

The museum’s exhibits also showcase the archaeological context and scientific techniques used to study this remarkable discovery. Through the Juanita mummy, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Incas’ reverence for their deities and the harsh realities of life in the Andes during the empire’s heyday.

Visiting the Colonial Suburb of Cayma

After exploring the profound history of the Juanita Mummy, the tour continues to the charming colonial suburb of Cayma.

Nestled on the outskirts of Arequipa, Cayma offers a glimpse into the city’s past. The guide leads the group through the narrow, cobblestone streets, pointing out the well-preserved colonial architecture.

Visitors marvel at the ornate facades, intricate balconies, and tranquil plazas. The tour also includes a stop at the Iglesia de Cayma, a 17th-century Catholic church renowned for its stunning neoclassical design.

Throughout the excursion, the guide shares insights into Cayma’s history and its significance within Arequipa’s rich cultural tapestry. This charming suburb provides a perfect complement to the grand monuments explored earlier in the tour.

Experiencing Yanahuara’s Architectural Gems

The next stop on the tour takes visitors to the picturesque suburb of Yanahuara, renowned for its architectural marvels.

Travelers will be awestruck by:

• The iconic Yanahuara Viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of Arequipa’s dramatic volcanic landscape
• The neoclassical Yanahuara Church, a stunning example of colonial-era architecture
• The quaint cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed buildings and charming plazas
• The impressive Arequipa Arcade, a long arcade structure featuring intricate stone carvings
• The serene Plaza de Yanahuara, a tranquil public space surrounded by historic structures

This charming suburb provides a glimpse into Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the city’s enduring architectural legacy.

Discovering the Charming Sabandia Suburb

Beyond the tranquil Plaza de Yanahuara, the tour ventures into the charming suburb of Sabandia. This picturesque community is known for its colonial-era architecture and serene atmosphere.

The guide will lead visitors through the narrow streets, highlighting the iconic Plaza de Armas and the 17th-century Molino de Sabandia, a historic flour mill that now serves as a museum.

Visitors can admire the traditional adobe and stone buildings, many of which have been meticulously preserved.

The tour provides a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of Arequipa’s local residents, offering a unique cultural experience away from the city’s main attractions.

Inclusions and Pickup Information

This private Arequipa city tour includes a professional English-speaking guide and a private vehicle with a driver.

The tour also provides:

• Lunch with vegetarian options available upon request
• All entrance fees, local taxes, hotel pickup and drop-off, and gratuities
• Pickup beginning at 9:00 am from designated points, with additional pickup for hotels outside Arequipa center available for an extra cost
• A minimum of 2 people required per booking, with infants required to sit on laps
• Confirmation received at time of booking, or within 48 hours if booked within 2 days of travel, and the ability to advise specific dietary requirements at booking.

Tour Reviews and Ratings

To date, the private Arequipa city tour has received an overall rating of 5.0 based on 1 review from Viator and Tripadvisor.

The tour has a total review count of 1, with no lower ratings. The company has performed checks to ensure the authenticity of the review.

Travelers appear to be very satisfied with the tour, praising its highlights, including the Monastery of Santa Catalina, the Juanita Mummy Museum, and the colonial suburbs.

The tour’s inclusions, such as a professional English-speaking guide, private transportation, and lunch, also seem to have met or exceeded guests’ expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum age requirement, as infants can sit on laps. However, a minimum of 2 people per booking is required to participate in the private Arequipa city tour.

Are There Any Accessibility Options for Disabled Travelers?

The tour offers accessible options for disabled travelers, including accommodations for wheelchair users. Travelers should inform the tour provider of any special needs at the time of booking to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to fit specific interests. Travelers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who’ll work to tailor the experience. Options may include focusing on certain sites or adjusting the itinerary to accommodate special requests.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request a longer tour to explore additional sites or spend more time at certain locations. There may be an additional charge for extending the tour beyond the standard 5-hour duration.

Can the Tour Be Conducted in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour can be conducted in other languages besides English. Visitors can request a guide who speaks their preferred language, subject to availability, by contacting the tour operator at the time of booking.

The Sum Up

The Private Arequipa City Tour provides an enriching cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore the Juanita Mummy Museum, the historic Monastery of Santa Catalina, and the charming colonial suburbs of Arequipa. Guided by an English-speaking expert, this comprehensive tour showcases the city’s preserved Inca relics, architectural gems, and stunning vistas, offering an immersive glimpse into Arequipa’s captivating history and heritage.