Also called the “Cuidad Blanca” or white city due to its magnificent constructions made of a white volcanic rock called sillar. It is the second largest city in Peru. Its historical center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and highlights the religious architecture viceregal and republican product of mixture of Spanish and autochthonous characteristics.
Features: Half day tour – Dialy departures – 10 people max.
Inclusions:
- Tour guide
- Tourist van
- Tickets
From $60
Itinerary
Description
08.30 am or 01.30 pm.
From the Yanahuara district and Carmen Alto we will have fantastic views of the old colonial part of the city, of the three volcanoes, and of its Andean terraces. Then we will have a nice stroll through the historic city center, stopping at the Monastery of Santa Catalina, one of the most significant landmarks in the area, as well as the Main Square, the Cloister, and the Church of “La Compañia de Jesus”, where we will also visit the Saint Ignacio's famous and vibrant cupola.
Included:
Prices:
Packing list
Booking terms
Highlights
- Explore an amazing view of volcanos and the city from the Yanahuara lookout. Walk through beautiful white ashlar-walled streets. Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina and be amazed by colonial architecture, art, and an small city inside.
- Places to visit: Yanahuara lookout, Carmen Alto district, Arequipa’s Historic Center, Monastery of Santa Catalina.
- Departures: Everyday. 8.30 am or 1.30 pm
- From: Your hotel in Arequipa and back.
- Duration: About 3 and half hours
- Transport: Tourist van or minibus.
The Cathedral of Arequipa:
It is a stunning example of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Its façade features intricate carvings, statues, and a beautiful central portal. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find ornate altars, beautiful stained glass windows, and a variety of religious artwork. The cathedral also houses a museum where you can learn more about its history and the religious traditions of Arequipa
Santa Catalina Monastery:
A city within a city, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered an entirely new universe with vibrant red and blue hues. A wealthy widow from Arequipa named Maria de Guzman established the Santa Catalina Monastery in the late 16th century—specifically, in 1579. Up until it was made public in 1970, very few people understood what the monastery looked like inside its walls, which had been closed for nearly 400 years.
The Sillar Route
09.00 am We will travel to the Añashuayco quarries (3km from the center of Arequipa), located in the district of Cerro Colorado. After the earthquake that occurred in Arequipa in 1687, the massive use of the Sillar construction system took place, and when it was perfected, it resulted in the beautiful Arequipeña colonial architecture. On the tour we will see the cutters of this stone in their daily tasks, as well as some samples of carvings (45 minutes of travel) and a walk through the Culebrillas quarry (here we will also observe cave art)
Features: Half day tour – Dialy departures – Private tour
Inclusions:
- Tour guide
- Tourist van
- Tickets
From $45
Customer reviews
Juan
01/03/2023
Amazing, we love it so much, highly recommended guys.. our guide has good english and he is very knowledable
Jason
01/03/2023
It was fun, we learned a lot, especially in Sacsayhuaman, omg, I'm still having trouble to pronounce that word, I think it's sexywoman, haha..
Mia
02/03/2023
Our guide was amazing, very knowledgeable, and funny. Cusco's blue sky is just lovely, we also did the sacred valley tour and it's very similar however you ...
Laura
18/04/2023
Great experience. I loved the huge stones in Sacsayhuaman, and the mixed religions and tales the guide shared.