City Tour And Santa Catalina Monastery

Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel situated in the historic center of Arequipa, setting the stage for a remarkable excursion around one of the most stunning and tourist-friendly cities in Peru. This promises to be a fascinating tour, with the visit order subject to change at any time.

Our first stop is the Plaza de Armas, renowned as one of the most beautiful squares in the nation. It is adjacent to the majestic Cathedral of Arequipa, originally constructed in the seventeenth century and meticulously rebuilt following several earthquakes. We will explore the Cathedral and the Church Compañía de Jesús (1590), celebrated as a quintessential example of local baroque architecture with its exceptional collection of paintings and murals.

Next, we will tour the Monastery of Santa Catalina, an authentic medieval cloister established in 1579 that remains active to this day. This intriguing convent, crafted from ashlar—the primary material of local architecture—spans 20,000 square meters.

Maria de Guzman was the first resident here, choosing to move during the convent's construction after the passing of her husband, Diego Hernandez de Mendoza. Today, cloistered nuns still inhabit this remarkable small citadel.

The tour proceeds to the stunning viewpoints in the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto districts, offering a panoramic view of the countryside and the volcanoes encircling the city: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. It is undoubtedly a breathtaking sight.

You'll explore the Cayma district, visiting the Plaza Mayor and the San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma Church, which stands proudly in front of the square. Inside, the church houses an anonymous collection of paintings depicting the miracles of the Virgin.

After this enriching experience exploring Arequipa and Santa Catalina, we will ensure your safe return to your hotel.