Private Tour Colonial Arequipa, Recoleta Convent and Casa Del Moral

Arequipa’s colonial past comes alive through the Private Tour of Colonial Arequipa. Visitors explore the historic Recoleta Convent, admiring its intricate architectural designs, and venture into the captivating Casa del Moral, where remarkable colonial paintings adorn the walls. With the Carmen Alto viewpoint providing breathtaking vistas, this 3.5-hour guided journey offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. While some have noted timing and access challenges, the tour promises an enriching experience for those eager to uncover Arequipa’s architectural and historical treasures. What secrets await those who embark on this captivating exploration?

About Your Stay

• This 3.5-hour guided tour takes visitors through Arequipa’s colonial sites, including the Recoleta Convent and the Casa del Moral.
• The tour covers key districts like St Lazarus, Cayma, and Vallecito, providing insight into Arequipa’s architectural and cultural history.
• Visitors can explore the historic cloisters and intricate carvings of the Recoleta Convent, as well as the 18th-century Casa del Moral with its colonial paintings and 200-year-old mulberry tree.
• The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off, but food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.
• Based on guest feedback, the tour has received mixed reviews, with some issues reported regarding timing and accessibility, but the coverage of the key attractions has been noted.

Tour Overview

The private 3.5-hour guided tour of Arequipa’s colonial sites allows visitors to explore the city’s historic districts of St Lazarus, Cayma, and Vallecito.

The tour includes key attractions like the Recoleta Convent, where guests can walk through the cloisters and learn about its history, and the Casa del Moral, an 18th-century home featuring colonial paintings and a 200-year-old mulberry tree.

Visitors will also experience the breathtaking views from the Carmen Alto viewpoint.

The tour is conducted in an air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

While food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t covered, the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Arequipa’s colonial heritage.

Key Colonial Sites

A highlight of the tour is the Recoleta Convent, where visitors can wander through its historic cloisters and learn about the convent’s fascinating past.

Another key stop is the 18th-century Casa del Moral, known for its colonial-era paintings and a 200-year-old mulberry tree on the grounds.

The tour also includes a visit to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, which offers spectacular panoramic vistas of Arequipa’s cityscape and the surrounding Andes mountains.

While the Recoleta Convent and Casa del Moral provide a glimpse into the city’s colonial heritage, the Carmen Alto lookout point allows travelers to appreciate Arequipa’s breathtaking natural setting.

Recoleta Convent Exploration

As visitors stroll through the historic cloisters of the Recoleta Convent, they’re transported back in time, captivated by the convent’s rich heritage.

The tour guide expertly shares the convent’s history, recounting its role as a Franciscan monastery and the significance of its architectural features.

Guests marvel at the intricate carvings and explore the peaceful courtyards, gaining a deeper understanding of the religious and cultural influences that shaped this remarkable site.

The Recoleta Convent stands as a testament to Arequipa’s colonial past, offering a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the city’s early inhabitants.

Casa Del Moral History

Nestled in the heart of Arequipa’s historic district, the Casa del Moral stands as a captivating testament to the city’s colonial heritage.

This 18th-century home boasts a remarkable collection of colonial paintings and features a 200-year-old mulberry tree that gives the house its name.

Visitors can step back in time as they wander through the building’s elegant rooms, admiring the intricate architectural details and the well-preserved furnishings.

The Casa del Moral offers a glimpse into the lives of Arequipa’s affluent families during the colonial era, providing a unique window into the city’s rich history and cultural traditions.

Carmen Alto Viewpoint

Perched atop a hill overlooking Arequipa’s historic center, the Carmen Alto viewpoint offers visitors a breathtaking panorama of the city.

From this elevated vantage point, guests can gaze upon Arequipa’s iconic silhouette, dominated by the towering presence of the Misti volcano.

The viewpoint provides an ideal spot to appreciate the city’s magnificent colonial architecture, with its striking white volcanic stone buildings and ornate church domes.

Strolling along the scenic overlook, visitors can soak in the sweeping vistas of Arequipa’s picturesque valleys and surrounding mountain ranges.

The Carmen Alto viewpoint is a must-visit destination, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this Peruvian highland gem.

Tour Logistics Information

The private tour of Arequipa’s colonial sites includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided.

Food and drinks aren’t included, and gratuities aren’t covered either. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

It’s a group participation format, not a private tour. The price starts from €68.16 per person, varying by group size.

Guests can cancel for free up to 2 days in advance. Confirmation is received upon booking.

Guest Feedback and Insights

According to the available reviews, guests had a mixed experience with the private tour of Arequipa’s colonial sites.

While the tour covered key attractions like the Recoleta Convent and Casa del Moral, some guests felt the experience was disjointed and the tour guide was average.

Notable concerns included:

1. Timing issues at certain locations, with guests having to "beg" to access the Casa del Moral.
2. A notable omission of the Santa Catalina Monastery, which is a major attraction in Arequipa.
3. A general sense that the tour felt "disjointed" and lacked cohesion.
4. An overall rating of only 3 out of 5 stars based on a single review.

Questions About Your Stay

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Specific Interests?

The tour can likely be customized to include specific interests. Travelers should inquire about customization options when booking to ensure the tour aligns with their preferences and needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is an option to extend the tour duration. Guests can request a longer tour to explore more sites or spend more time at the key attractions, though this would incur an additional charge.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator does not currently offer discounts for students or seniors. However, the price is already quite reasonable at €68.16 per person, and the tour may be booked as a private group tour to reduce the overall cost.

Can the Tour Be Booked for a Specific Date and Time?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a specific date and time. Customers can select their preferred date and time during the booking process, and the tour will be tailored to their schedule.

Is There a Requirement for a Minimum Number of Participants?

The tour has a group participation format, so there is no minimum number of participants required. However, the price per person varies based on the group size, with a lower price for larger groups.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Private Tour of Colonial Arequipa offers a compelling exploration of the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the rich history of the Recoleta Convent and Casa del Moral, while enjoying breathtaking views from the Carmen Alto viewpoint. While some guests have noted timing and access issues, the tour provides an insightful glimpse into Arequipa’s colonial past.