Short itinerary
Arequipa City Tour – Half Day
- 09:30 a.m. or 13:30 p.m. – Pick-up from your hotel.
- Visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina, the most important religious complex of Arequipa.
- Explore the Cathedral of Arequipa, a neorenaissance jewel built with volcanic stone (sillar).
- Discover the Andean Sanctuaries Museum, home of the famous “Mummy Juanita.”
- Return to your hotel at the scheduled time.
Detailed itinerary
Known as the White City, Arequipa is Peru’s second most important city after Lima. Founded by the Spaniards in 1540, it lies at 2,300 meters above sea level at the foot of the majestic Misti Volcano (5,822 m). The city boasts colonial architecture, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Our city tour begins with a convenient hotel pick-up at 09:30 a.m. or 13:30 p.m.. We start at the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a religious citadel founded in 1568 that showcases four centuries of Arequipa’s architecture. Originally, entrance was limited to Spanish women who contributed dowries to join the convent. Today, it is one of the most iconic monuments in the city, offering a fascinating glimpse into its past.
Next, we visit the Cathedral of Arequipa, a neorenaissance masterpiece built entirely of volcanic stone (sillar). It occupies the entire north side of the Plaza de Armas and features Corinthian columns, three portals, two elegant towers, and an impressive Carrara marble altar crafted by Felipe Maratillo.
We then continue to the Andean Sanctuaries Museum (UCSM), founded in 1996 to preserve archaeological discoveries from high-altitude sanctuaries. The highlight of this museum is the world-famous Mummy Juanita, the frozen remains of a 14-year-old girl sacrificed between 1450 and 1530 during the reign of Inca Pachacútec. Discovered in 1995 on Mount Ampato, her body was remarkably preserved alongside gold figurines, shells, and agricultural offerings. Today, Juanita provides a tangible connection to the Inca rituals of capac cocha.
At the scheduled time, we return to your hotel, concluding the tour of Arequipa’s most emblematic attractions.
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Entrance tickets to all mentioned sites
Not included
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Recommendations
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing (mornings can be cool, afternoons warmer).
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Carry water and snacks for the tour.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture the city’s colonial charm and panoramic views of Misti Volcano.
