Arequipa: Walking Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery

Arequipa’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beckons travelers with its rich cultural tapestry. Embark on an immersive walking tour that unveils the city’s architectural wonders, including the iconic Plaza de Armas and the breathtaking Santa Catalina Monastery. With knowledgeable guides, explore Arequipa’s captivating history, exploring charming neighborhoods and uncovering the monastery’s intricate design and serene courtyards. This three-hour adventure promises an unforgettable experience for photography enthusiasts and culture connoisseurs alike, leaving them eager to discover more about this enchanting Peruvian gem.

Key Points

• Explore the historic center of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the renowned Santa Catalina Monastery on a 3-hour walking tour.
• Discover the colonial architecture, traditional buildings, and charming neighborhoods of Arequipa’s historic center, culminating at the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral.
• Experience the historical significance and architectural splendor of the 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery, a cloister for wealthy nuns.
• Enjoy guided tours that highlight the monastery’s key features, including the bell tower, church, and Patio del Silencio.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guides, and admission to the Santa Catalina Monastery, providing a convenient and immersive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The walking tour of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Monastery lasts for approximately 3 hours and is priced from Kč1,472 per person.

Participants can explore the Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit colonial neighborhoods, traditional buildings, and historical sites.

The tour includes a visit to the Plaza de Armas, the main square featuring the Cathedral of Arequipa, and the Santa Catalina Monastery, a 16th-century cloister with 20,000 square meters of cloisters, patios, and streets.

The tour is available in Spanish and English, and participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Walking Tour of Historic Center

Participants start the walking tour by exploring Arequipa’s Historic Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. They discover traditional buildings and historical sites, including Tambo El Matadero and Tambo La Cabezona. The tour takes them through the charming colonial neighborhoods of San Lazaro and Barrio del Solar, showcasing the city’s rich heritage.

Highlights	Duration	Price
Explore Historic Center	3 hours	From Kč1,472 per person
Visit colonial neighborhoods
Discover traditional buildings and historical sites

The walking tour culminates with a visit to the iconic Plaza de Armas, home to the magnificent Cathedral of Arequipa, providing a glimpse into the city’s past.

Exploring Santa Catalina Monastery

After exploring the Historic Center, the walking tour then takes participants to the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Founded in 1579, the monastery was established by Doña Maria de Guzmán for cloister nuns from wealthy families.

Visitors can marvel at the monastery’s bell tower, church, and contemplative areas like the Patio del Silencio.

With 20,000 square meters of cloisters, patios, and streets, the monastery provides ample opportunities for stunning photography.

Participants will have a guided tour that highlights the monastery’s historical significance and its architectural and cultural features, offering an immersive experience in Arequipa’s rich heritage.

Historical Significance of Monastery

Founded in 1579 by Doña Maria de Guzmán, the Santa Catalina Monastery was established as a cloister for nuns from wealthy families. This historical site holds significant cultural and architectural importance, being designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

The monastery features:

1. A bell tower, church, and areas like the Patio del Silencio that were used for prayer and contemplation.

2. Intricate architecture and design, with 20,000 square meters of cloisters, patios, and streets preserved from the 16th century.

3. Insights into the lives of the cloistered nuns who lived there, providing a unique glimpse into Arequipa’s past.

The Santa Catalina Monastery remains a captivating destination, blending history, spirituality, and photogenic beauty.

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Monastery Features and Highlights

Stepping inside the Santa Catalina Monastery, visitors are met with a captivating blend of architectural splendor and historical significance.

The monastery’s bell tower, church, and areas like the Patio del Silencio stand as testament to its past as a cloister for nuns from wealthy families.

Visitors can explore the intricate stone and colonial buildings, wandering through the monastery’s 20,000 square meters of cloisters, patios, and streets.

The picturesque settings offer ample opportunities for photography, allowing guests to capture the essence of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Throughout the tour, the monastery’s rich history and religious significance are brought to life, offering a glimpse into Arequipa’s past.

What’s Included in the Tour

The tour typically includes pickup and drop-off from hotels in the Historic Center, with an option for those meeting at the designated meeting point near the Santa Catalina Convent.

The tour also includes:

1. A professional tour guide and a local guide for the Santa Catalina Monastery, providing expert commentary on the history and significance of the sites.
2. Entrance tickets to the Santa Catalina Monastery, granting access to explore the expansive cloisters, patios, and streets of this iconic 16th-century landmark.
3. All transportation and logistics, allowing visitors to focus on the immersive experience without worrying about the logistical details.

Important Information for Visitors

Visitors should bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent to ensure a comfortable experience during the walking tour. The Monastery is closed on December 25th and Good Friday, so plan accordingly. While the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, children 4 and younger are complimentary. Drop-off is provided at hotels with good access in the Historic Center, or near the hotel if access is limited.

Accessibility	Closure	Children
Not suitable for wheelchair users	Closed on December 25th and Good Friday	Ages 4 and younger are complimentary

Cancellation and Pickup Policies

Flexibility is offered through the tour’s cancellation policy, allowing guests to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup and drop-off services are also included for those staying within the Historic Center, providing convenience. For guests meeting at the designated meeting point, the tour company will ensure a smooth start to the experience.

The tour’s logistics are designed with the visitor’s needs in mind:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
2. Complimentary pickup from hotels in the Historic Center.
3. Drop-off near hotels with good access in the Historic Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food Into the Monastery?

No, it’s not permitted to bring your own food and drinks into the Santa Catalina Monastery. The tour package includes the entrance ticket, but any food, snacks, or beverages must be purchased on-site or before entering the monastery grounds.

What Are the Dress Code Requirements for Visiting the Monastery?

There are no specific dress code requirements for visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery, but visitors are expected to wear modest and respectful attire. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are generally allowed, but visitors should avoid overly revealing or casual clothing.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour does not accommodate animals, as the Santa Catalina Monastery and historical sites visited are not pet-friendly. Visitors should leave their pets at home for this walking tour.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Monastery?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside the Santa Catalina Monastery. The tour provides an opportunity for photography in the picturesque settings and cloisters of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Is There an Audio Guide Available for the Tour?

The tour provides a professional guide to lead the walking tour, including the Santa Catalina Monastery. However, there’s no mention of an audio guide being available for this experience.

Recap

The Arequipa walking tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s historic past. Visitors can enjoy the architectural splendor of the Santa Catalina Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and gain deep insights into Arequipa’s cultural heritage. With knowledgeable guides, this experience is ideal for photography enthusiasts and culture lovers seeking an enriching adventure in this enchanting Peruvian destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: