Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the CITY TOUR AREQUIPA – HALF DAY
day 1
Plaza de Armas, Santa Catalina Monastery, Cathedral façade, Plaza San Francisco, San Lázaro neighborhood
The White City on foot, from the Monastery to San Lázaro.
We visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Main Square and Cathedral, the San Lázaro quarter and the Tristán del Pozo Mansion, in the heart of the Historic Center.
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Santa Catalina Monastery Highlight
On foot, 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. departures · Hotel in the Historic Center → Santa Catalina Monastery
After pickup at your hotel, we start at the Santa Catalina Monastery, with over four centuries of history and religious art. Among sillar stone walls we explore cells, cobbled streets, flower-filled cloisters, murals painted with natural pigments and homes that still keep their original furniture.
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Main Square and Cathedral
On foot · Arequipa Main Square (2,335 m a.s.l.)
We reach the heart of the city, the Main Square, dominated by the Arequipa Cathedral, a monumental Neo-Renaissance building with Baroque details, surrounded by everyday local life.
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San Lázaro quarter
On foot · San Lázaro (2,360 m a.s.l.)
We stroll through Arequipa’s oldest quarter, with cobbled lanes, little white houses and wooden balconies that recall the first Spanish settlements. Perfect for photos.
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Tristán del Pozo Mansion
On foot · Historic Center
We end at the Tristán del Pozo Mansion, one of the most iconic colonial homes, with its finely carved sillar façade and mestizo architecture, a symbol of Arequipa’s viceregal art.
Tour details
- Duration: Approx. 3 to 4 hours
- Departures: 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.
- Group: Private, 2 to 6 people
- Difficulty: Easy
- Altitude: minimum 2,335 m (Main Square) · maximum 2,360 m (San Lázaro)
The Santa Catalina Monastery and the Historic Center in half a day. Want to see the volcanoes and countryside? Discover the Arequipa Countryside Tour.
Includes
Included
- Pickup from your hotel downtown (outside that area, a nearby meeting point).
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
- Guided visit inside the Monastery with the site’s authorized guides.
- Personalized assistance.
Not include
Not included
- Santa Catalina Monastery entrance: S/ 50.00 per person, at the official ticket office.
- Optional entrance fees (see Additional services).
- Transport: the tour is on foot through the Historic Center.
Prices CITY TOUR AREQUIPA – HALF DAY
Rates per person
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date, but depending on the date you can also book just a few days ahead. Ask us about availability.
Additional services
- Chapel of San Ignacio de Loyola (Sistine Chapel of Arequipa) – approx. S/ 15.00: Optional visit, paid on site (foreign adults).
- San Ignacio Dome – S/ 5.00: Optional visit.
- Cathedral Museum – S/ 15.00: Optional entrance.
Need help with your trip?
Our team will help you plan your experience.
Packaging list
- Passport or ID, original and valid, plus a digital copy.
- Long trousers to enter the church.
- Comfortable, light clothing.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Water bottle.
- Cash, preferably in soles.
- Camera or phone with a good battery.
- Waterproof jacket or poncho in the rainy season (December to March).
Recomendations
- Perfect for your first day: It helps you acclimatize before a hike or the Colca Canyon.
- Comfortable shoes: The tour is on foot through the Historic Center and the Monastery’s inner streets.
- Cash in soles: For entrance fees; some places accept cards, but a surcharge may apply.
- Pack light: Avoid carrying weight to enjoy the experience more.
- Documents and valuables: Always keep them with you.
F.A.Qs
Which places do we visit?
The Santa Catalina Monastery, the Main Square and Cathedral, the San Lázaro quarter and the Tristán del Pozo Mansion, in the Historic Center.
How long is it?
About 3 to 4 hours, depending on the group’s pace and time at each site.
What departure times are there?
Two departures: 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Is it private or shared?
It is private and personalized, for groups of 2 to 6 passengers, with more attention from the guide. It is guaranteed from 2 passengers.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the guide picks you up at your hotel in the Historic Center. If you stay outside that area, we arrange a nearby meeting point.
Is transport included?
It isn’t needed: the tour is on foot through the Historic Center, so you can enjoy its streets, squares and sillar architecture at a relaxed pace.
Is the Monastery entrance included?
No. It is paid at the official ticket office: S/ 50.00 per person, for both nationals and foreigners.
Does the guide go into the Monastery?
Our guide accompanies you to the entrance. Inside, the visit is led by the site’s authorized guides; that guided visit is also included and covers the main cloisters, streets and courtyards.
Is the Santa Catalina Monastery worth it?
Yes. With its streets, cloisters, courtyards and sillar architecture, it holds over 400 years of colonial history; a true city within the city.
Does it include the Sistine Chapel of Arequipa?
No. The visit to the Chapel of San Ignacio de Loyola is optional and paid on site: about S/ 15.00 per person for foreign adults.
How do I pay entrance fees?
Cash in soles is quickest. Some places accept cards, but a surcharge may apply and it depends on the connection.
How difficult is it?
Easy: short walks through the Historic Center and inside the Monastery.
At what altitude is the tour?
Between 2,335 m a.s.l. (7,661 ft) at the Main Square and 2,360 m a.s.l. (7,743 ft) in San Lázaro.
Is it good for my first day in Arequipa?
Yes, to get to know the city, acclimatize and prepare for the Colca Canyon or other hikes.
Can children and older adults join?
Yes, it suits families, couples and travelers of all ages.
Does it run all year?
Yes. In the rainy season, roughly December to March, bring a waterproof jacket or poncho.
What language is the tour in?
Spanish and English.
What documents should I bring?
Your original, valid passport or ID, plus a digital copy as backup.
How do I book?
1. Availability: Email us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates; we will send you a booking form for each participant.
2. Passenger details: As shown in the passport: full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Deposit: Once we receive the forms, we ask for a guarantee per person to secure your spot, especially on holidays and in high season.
4. Final confirmation: You will receive the official invoice and your booking will be 100% guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, up to 48 hours before departure. An administrative fee applies, deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
