General Information
With the “City Tour Arequipa”, you will be able to know and enjoy the white city. Arequipa is located on the banks of the Chili River and rises at the foot of the great volcano El Misti (5,822 meters above sea level) whose last eruption dates back to 1784. The center of the city is the Plaza de Armas Arequipa, dominated by the Cathedral, built in 1656 and rebuilt in the nineteenth century, after a fire (1844) and a devastating earthquake (1868). Around the Plaza de Armas, the streets develop a checkerboard pattern, according to colonial custom.
Tradition has it that the Inca Mayta Capac received a request from his subjects upon arriving in the Chili Valley. They asked for permission to stay in the region to populate it, as they were amazed by the beauty of the landscape and the mild climate. The Inca replied “Ari qhipay” in Quechua: Yes, stay.
The Cathedral Basilica of Arequipa tours, is considered one of the first religious monuments of the seventeenth century in City Tour Arequipa. It was built with ignimbrite (stone of volcanic origin), and brick vaults; it is the main sanctuary of the city occupying the entire north side of the Plaza de Armas. Built entirely of ashlar, it exhibits a neo-Renaissance style with a certain Gothic influence. Its façade is made up of seventy columns with Corinthian capitals, three portals and two large lateral arches. One of the treasures housed in the Cathedral of Arequipa, located at the back of its central nave, is its famous organ made in Belgium by the talented Francois Bernard Loret.
The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena or Convent of Santa Catalina is a religious tourist complex located in the historic center of Arequipa. The charm of this citadel resides in the solidity and plasticity of its volumes and the beauty that master builders and master builders achieved in the architecture of these enclosures. The current building treasures splendid pieces of art, such as a baroque altar of carved and gilded wood, of a body and three streets, which adorns the chapel, and several paintings of the Cusco school.
Enjoy the Arequipa City Tour
MAIN POINTS OF VISIT
- Arequipa (2,335 masl)
- Cathedral (2,335 masl)
- Santa Catalina Convent
Itinerary
- 09:00 hrs Pick up from the HOTEL in the circuit of the Plaza de Armas.
- The tour will begin with a visit to the district of Carmen Alto. From the viewpoint, as an experiential tourism Carmen Alto can be seen in all its imposing figure to the three volcanoes that surround the white city of Arequipa: Misti (5,800 meters), Chachani (6,000 meters) and Pichu Pichu (5,300 meters), as well as the beautiful countryside with its terraces.
- In the Yanahuara tour, we will go down to visit the square, church and cloisters of the traditional and colonial district, with its large houses and typical alleys made with the typical white volcanic ashlar stone and is the reason why Arequipa has the nickname of “White City”.
- We will continue entering the Historic Center, declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity, we will visit the Plaza de Armas Arequipa, to know tourist places in Arequipa tours surrounded by its three granite portals with brick and lime vaults, and the central pool with a beautiful bronze fountain of three plates crowned with the figure of a soldier of the sixteenth century, called “The Tuturutu”.
- Then we will see the Cathedral Basilica, considered one of the first religious monuments of neoclassical style, destroyed by fire in 1844 and rebuilt in 1868. Its façade is 107 meters long and is decorated with 70 classical style columns, two towers and two bronze medallions.
- We will visit the Convent of the Company of Jesus of the Jesuit order, maximum expression of the religious architecture of the tours in Arequipa where its church (year 1573) and the polychrome Chapel of San Ignacio de Loyola stand out, as well as its cloisters with arches carved in ashlar. Its walls, domes and pilasters show an exuberant baroque style and the altars and altarpieces are covered with gold leaf.
- Finally we will pass by the Monastery of Santa Catalina (1580), a citadel built in ashlar with an area of 20 thousand m2.
Exclusive Services
Include
- Tourist Mobility
- Professional Bilingual Guide
- Income Monastery of Santa Catalina
- Internal guide in Santa Catalina Monastery
Not Included
- Tips
- Meals not mentioned
- Personal expenses
What to bring
- Meal as per hotel plan and drinks free too.
- Return airport and round trip transfers.
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
- The above per day disposal basis.
- Enjoy Brussels day tour. Overnight Brussels.
Photo Gallery
FAQS
What can be seen at Carmen Alto Viewpoint?
From the Carmen Alto Viewpoint, you can appreciate the three volcanoes surrounding Arequipa: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, in addition to the beautiful countryside.
What is sillar, and why is it important in Arequipa's architecture?
Sillar is a volcanic stone used in the architecture of Arequipa. It is important because it makes up a significant part of the city’s structure, earning it the nickname “White City.”
What is the best time to take the Arequipa City Tour?
The best time to take the Arequipa City Tour is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to November, to enjoy more pleasant weather.
Is the Arequipa City Tour suitable for children?
Yes, the Arequipa City Tour is suitable for children and offers the opportunity to learn about the city’s history and culture.
What is the best time to take the Arequipa City Tour?
The Arequipa City Tour can be taken at any time of the year due to its pleasant climate, but the best time depends on your preferences. The dry season from May to September is ideal for outdoor activities, while birdwatching is optimal from September to March. Additionally, you can enjoy local festivals or avoid the peak season in July and August to avoid crowds and high prices. Overall, Arequipa is pleasant year-round.
Can I experience altitude sickness in the city of Arequipa?
It is unlikely that you will experience altitude sickness in the city of Arequipa, as it is located at an altitude of 2,335 meters above sea level. Typically, symptoms of altitude sickness begin to manifest at higher altitudes, generally above 2,500 meters. However, it is important to remember that each person reacts differently to altitude, so some individuals may be more sensitive than others.
