Arequipa: City and Country Tour

Arequipa’s City and Country Tour offers a captivating adventure for those seeking to enjoy the rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes of this Peruvian gem. Starting at a modest $23 per person, this 4-hour excursion promises to whisk participants away on a journey that showcases the historic Plaza de Armas, the serene vistas of Yanahuara, and the intriguing Quechua traditions that have shaped the region. With convenient hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and flexible cancellation policies, this tour provides a seamless and satisfying way to uncover the essence of Arequipa. But what truly sets this experience apart is the opportunity to venture beyond the city limits and explore the picturesque countryside, where the true magic of this destination truly comes to life.

Key Points

• This 4-hour tour explores Arequipa’s historic landmarks, scenic viewpoints, and rural landscapes, including the Plaza de Armas, Quechua cultural experiences, and agricultural sites.
• The tour is priced starting at $23 per person, with hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide included, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Key highlights include the Chili Valley, Misti and Chachani volcanoes, Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints, and a visit to the Incalpaca Outlet featuring South American camelids.
• The countryside exploration includes the 16th-century Mansion del Fundador, the Sabandia Mill, and the Andenes de Paucarpata agricultural terraces, showcasing Arequipa’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
• Entrance fees for Mansion del Fundador and Molino de Sabandia are covered, but food, drinks, and personal expenses are not included in the tour price.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Arequipa City and Country Tour offers a comprehensive 4-hour exploration of Arequipa’s key landmarks and surrounding countryside. Priced from $23 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, the historic city center, scenic viewpoints, a visit to an alpaca outlet, and culture in Quechua traditions.

The countryside portion features a 16th-century mansion, a traditional mill, and unique agricultural terraces.

While entrance fees and transportation are covered, food, drinks, and personal expenses are excluded. This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Arequipa’s urban and rural treasures.

Tour Highlights

Embarking on the Arequipa City and Country Tour, visitors will discover the city’s important landmarks, including the iconic Plaza de Armas and the historic Centro Historico.

The tour also offers scenic views of the Chili Valley and the majestic Misti and Chachani volcanoes. Visitors will enjoy the Quechua culture and explore the Incalpaca Outlet, a mini-zoo showcasing South American camelids.

The tour includes scenic overlooks at Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, as well as a culinary stop at the Balneario Tingo to savor local Peruvian cuisine.

This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded experience of Arequipa’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Countryside Exploration

Leaving the city behind, the tour travels along the scenic Via Paisajista, offering a glimpse into Arequipa’s picturesque countryside.

The first stop is the 16th-century Mansion del Fundador, a historic hacienda that provides insight into Arequipa’s colonial heritage.

Next, the group visits the Sabandia Mill, an early 20th-century wheat processing facility, where they learn about traditional techniques.

The tour then showcases the Andenes de Paucarpata, a series of man-made agricultural terraces that demonstrate the ingenuity of Andean farming practices.

Throughout the countryside exploration, travelers are immersed in the serene natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry that defines Arequipa’s rural landscapes.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes pickup from the traveler’s accommodation within the Arequipa city center, all transportation, and the services of a bilingual guide.

Entrance fees to the Mansion del Fundador (12 Soles) and the Molino de Sabandia (10 Soles) are also covered.

However, food, drinks, and personal expenses are excluded.

It’s important to note that the entrance fees are subject to change without notice, and the tour doesn’t include an optional lunch stop at 11 am.

Travelers should be aware that the entrance fees can only be paid in Peruvian Soles, and they may want to bring the necessary currency.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Based on the provided information, the customer reviews and feedback for the Arequipa City and Country Tour appear to be a mixed bag.

The tour has an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5 based on 24 reviews. While the guide received a high rating of 4.4 out of 5, the transportation and service aspects were rated lower at 3.6 and 5 out of 5, respectively.

Common complaints include delays in the tour start, poor organization and quality, the requirement to pay entrance fees only in soles, and unpleasant dining experiences.

The organizers should consider improving communication about entrance fees and enhancing the overall tour organization to address these issues and improve customer satisfaction.

Important Information

A few important details customers should be aware of regarding the Arequipa City and Country Tour. The entrance fees are subject to change without notice, so customers should be prepared for potential fluctuations.

Plus, while the tour includes a scheduled lunch stop at 11 am, this meal isn’t included in the tour price. Customers can opt to purchase their own lunch during this time.

The tour operator also recommends that customers have local currency, Peruvian soles, on hand to pay any entrance fees, as they may not accept other forms of payment.

Tour Duration and Pickup

The Arequipa City and Country Tour lasts for a total of 4 hours. Tour pickup is included from hotels located in the city center of Arequipa. The tour guide providing the live commentary is fluent in English, ensuring an engaging experience for all participants.

Tour Duration	Pickup	Language
4 hours	Included from hotels in Arequipa city center	Live English-speaking guide

The tour’s duration and inclusive pickup service make it a convenient and accessible option for visitors to explore the highlights of Arequipa and its surrounding countryside.

Language and Cancellation Policy

The tour offers live English-speaking guides, ensuring an engaging experience for all participants.

Customers can also take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy – tours booked can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This gives travelers peace of mind when planning their Arequipa itinerary.

The tour also features a "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing visitors to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

These customer-centric policies demonstrate the tour operator’s commitment to providing a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for all who embark on the Arequipa City and Country Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size Limit for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a group size limit. It’s likely a small group tour, but the exact number is not provided in the information given. Customers should check with the tour operator for details on the typical group size.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

There are no stated age restrictions or requirements for this tour. It’s suitable for participants of all ages, though younger children may require extra supervision from their accompanying adults during the countryside exploration portions of the itinerary.

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary or Customize the Experience?

The tour operator generally does not allow customizations or modifications to the standard itinerary. However, travelers can contact the company in advance to inquire about any special requests or accommodate individual needs within reasonable limits.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Pickup Time or Location?

The tour provider offers some flexibility on pickup time and location. Guests can request an earlier or later pickup from their hotel within the Arequipa city center. However, pickup times are subject to availability and should be confirmed during booking.

What Is the Refund Policy for This Tour in Case of Bad Weather?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is cancelled due to bad weather, customers will also receive a full refund, as per the provider’s policy.

Recap

The Arequipa: City and Country Tour offers an immersive 4-hour experience that showcases the historic city’s landmarks and the picturesque countryside. Priced at just $23 per person, the tour includes convenient hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees, making it an excellent value. With flexible cancellation policies and positive customer reviews, it’s an ideal way for travelers to discover Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: