City Tour and Santa Catalina Monastery – Half Day

Why choose this experience with us?

Cultural and historical tour: This tour is the best way to get to know the main attractions of the city of Arequipa, as well as its history and tradition.

Schedule flexibility: The Arequipa City Tour has two different schedules (9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.), so you can book the classic tour at the time that best fits your itinerary.

Professional guide throughout the tour: From pick-up to the end of the experience, you will be accompanied by a professional guide who will answer your questions and provide information and guidance throughout the entire tour.

Enjoy every moment without rush: Our itinerary is designed to enjoy each stage of the journey at a leisurely pace, appreciating the historical sites and every attraction.

Summary

Half a day | Santa Catalina Monastery - Plaza de Armas - San Lázaro Neighborhood - Tristán del Pozo Mansion Explore the main attractions of the city of Arequipa in half a day, a cultural and historical tour that includes the Historic Center and the Santa Catalina Monastery.

Technical data

Duration:

Half day: 4 hours

Schedules:

Morning shift: 9:00 a.m.

Afternoon shift: 02:00 p.m.

Maximum altitude:

Neighborhood of San Lázaro: 2,360 meters above sea level / 7,743 feet

Minimum altitude:

Plaza de Armas of Arequipa: 2,335 meters above sea level / 7,661 feet

Difficulty level:

Easy

Temperature:

Minimum: 8 °C / Maximum: 24 °C

Highlighted places

Monastery of Santa Catalina: One of the most important colonial religious complexes in America, with over 400 years of history.

Plaza de Armas of Arequipa: Considered one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, surrounded by elegant sillar arcades.

Arequipa Cathedral: Monumental temple built of volcanic stone that dominates the main square.

San Lázaro neighborhood: The oldest neighborhood in the city, with narrow cobblestone streets and traditional architecture.

Casona Tristán del Pozo: Magnificent example of Arequipa's viceroyal architecture and colonial mestizo art.

Noon | Santa Catalina Monastery - Plaza de Armas - San Lázaro Neighborhood - Tristán del Pozo Mansion

The experience of touring the White City of Arequipa begins with pickup from your hotel or a central location in the city. Next, we will head to the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the most important architectural and religious jewels in Peru. This fascinating site houses more than four centuries of history among colorful cloisters, cobblestone streets, flower-filled courtyards, and ancient spaces that preserve the legacy of convent life from the colonial era. Its walls of volcanic sillar, the murals painted with natural pigments, and each carefully preserved space turn every corner into a journey to the past.

Continuing on our journey, we will head toward the elegant Plaza de Armas, considered one of the most beautiful in Peru. Here we will admire the majestic Arequipa Cathedral, a symbol of the city and a magnificent example of republican architecture built with sillar. This venue is surrounded by colonial arches and a lively atmosphere. The square offers a perfect combination of history, tradition, and local culture.

The next stop is the traditional San Lázaro neighborhood, the oldest sector of Arequipa and the cradle of the first Spanish settlements. Its picturesque cobblestone streets, white houses, and colonial balconies preserve the charm of another era, making it one of the most authentic and photogenic places in the city.

Finally, the last stop on the tour will be the historic Casona Tristán del Pozo, one of the finest examples of Arequipa's viceroyal architecture. Its extraordinary facade carved in sillar and its artistic details reflect the cultural richness and colonial legacy that have made Arequipa one of the most important heritage cities in South America.

In this way, the Arequipa city tour and the visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery culminate; the experience can be done in the morning (9:00 a.m.) or in the afternoon (2:00 p.m.).

1. Accompaniment and security Accompaniment and security

Virtual or in-person assistance prior to the tour

Before the start, the team provides virtual or in-person assistance to address all the traveler's questions and doubts about the program, so they can enjoy their trip without worries.

Bilingual private professional guide (Spanish and English)

An excellent staff of professional guides, highly trained in history, culture, and tourist information, accompanies the entire tour to provide a safe, informative, and memorable experience.

24/7 Customer Service

The team is available to resolve the traveler's inquiries from start to finish, with a number What is not included?

Admission Ticket to the Monastery of Santa Catalina

The entrance ticket to the Monastery of Santa Catalina is not included in the tour price and must be purchased directly at the ticket office or through the monastery's official channels. The monastery guide service is optional.

Adult (national or foreign): S/ 50.00 / approx. USD 15.00

Ticket to the Sistine Chapel of Arequipa:

He entered the historic Chapel of San Ignacio de Loyola, famous for its beautiful polychrome dome in mestizo Baroque style, considered one of the cultural jewels of the Historic Center of Arequipa.

Foreign adult: 15.00 soles / approximately 5.00 USD. Note: the amounts in dollars are for reference and are subject to the current exchange rate. The payment is made in soles.

Private service and experience at your own pace without rush:

Enjoy a more comfortable and personalized experience, with flexible schedules, more time for photographs, and the freedom to explore each place without the limitations of a shared group.

You will have time to make stops, consult with your sales executive.

Mandatory documents

Original valid passport or ID card (mandatory).

Valid physical student card (if booked with student fare)

Recommended luggage

Lightweight backpack or handbag (20 to 30 liters) for the essentials.

Water bottle and snack.

Clothing and footwear

Comfortable shoes with a good non-slip sole.

Light and breathable clothing.

Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.

Warm clothing for the morning and evening.

Hat or cap for the sun.

Sunglasses.

A special set to capture unforgettable photographs.

Personal items

Sunscreen.

Personal medication.

Basic personal first aid kit.

Wet wipes or toilet paper.

Hand sanitizer.

Energy snacks (chocolate, nuts, energy bars).

Equipment and extras

Camera or cell phone.

Extra cash (soles) for drinks, souvenirs, or tips.

Important considerations

It is an ideal tour to acclimate in Arequipa before going on a hike.

Avoid heavy luggage to better enjoy the experience.

Always keep your documents and valuables with you.

How long does the Arequipa City Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the group's pace and the time spent at each attraction.

What are the available schedules?

We have two schedules: The morning shift at 9:00 a.m. and the afternoon shift at 2:00 p.m.

Does the tour include entry to the Monastery of Santa Catalina?

No. The entrance ticket to the Santa Catalina Monastery is not included in the tour price and must be paid directly at the official ticket office. The price for adults, whether national or foreign, is 50.00 soles per person.

Is it worth visiting the Monastery of Saint Catherine?

Yes. It is one of the most important cultural attractions in Arequipa. Its internal streets, cloisters, patios, and sillar architecture allow you to learn about more than 400 years of colonial history, which is why it is considered a true "city within a city."

Does the tour include entry to the Sistine Chapel of Arequipa?

No, the visit is optional and payment can be made directly. The approximate cost is 15.00 soles per person.

Does the City Tour include pickup from the hotel?

Since it is private, you will be picked up from your hotel by your guide within the historic center of Arequipa. For hotels outside this area, a nearby meeting point will be arranged.

Is the tour private or shared?

The service is private and personalized, with small groups of 2 to 6 passengers, allowing for a more comfortable, flexible experience with greater attention from the guide throughout the entire tour. The tour is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 passengers, without the need to wait to form large groups to experience it.

Is transportation included?

It is not necessary to use transportation during this tour, as the City Tour takes place within the Historic Center of Arequipa. The experience is done on foot, allowing for a more leisurely enjoyment of its traditional streets, sillar architecture, plazas, and historical monuments while discovering the essence of the White City.

Does the guide enter the Monastery of Santa Catalina with the passengers?

The guide will accompany the group throughout the entire tour until entering the Monastery of Santa Catalina, providing historical and cultural explanations of the surroundings and the most important points of the city.

Inside the monastery, due to it being a religious site managed by the institution, the guided tour is conducted by the monastery's authorized guides; however, this second guided tour is also included. This internal tour will allow you to see its main cloisters, streets, courtyards, and historical spaces.

What is the difficulty level of the tour?

The level of difficulty is easy. It is a cultural tour with short walks through the streets of the historic center and inside the Monastery of Santa Catalina.

Is the tour recommended for the first day in Arequipa?

Yes. It is an excellent activity to get to know the city, acclimate to the altitude, and prepare for other experiences like the Colca Canyon or other treks.

Can children and seniors participate?

Yes. It's a tour for families, couples, and travelers of all ages.

At what altitude is the City Tour conducted?

The tour takes place approximately between the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa at 2,335 meters above sea level (7,661 feet) and the San Lázaro neighborhood at 2,360 meters above sea level (7,743 feet).

Does the tour operate year-round?

Yes, it operates year-round. During the rainy season (approximately from December to March), we recommend wearing a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.

In what language is the guided tour conducted?

The service can be provided in Spanish and English.

How are the admission tickets paid for?

It is recommended to carry cash, as it is the fastest way to purchase tickets. Some places accept cards, but a surcharge may apply and it may depend on the available connection.

What documents should I bring?

It is advisable to carry your original valid Passport or ID card and the current physical student ID card (if applicable for a special rate).

What is the process for booking the tour?

Step 1: Check availability

Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check available dates. We will send you a personalized reservation form that each group participant must complete.

Step 2: Passenger Information

To manage the tour, we need the following information from each participant, as it appears in the passport:

Full name

Gender

Passport number

Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)

Nationality

Once we have received your information, we will proceed to confirm your reservation and send you all the necessary information for the trip.

Step 3: Deposit and Confirmation

Once we receive the completed forms, we will request a deposit per person to proceed with the purchase of permits. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during holidays and peak seasons.

Step 4: Final Confirmation

When the permits are secured, you will receive your official confirmation invoice. At that moment, your reservation will be guaranteed 100%.

Can I cancel or change the date?

Yes, it is possible to cancel or change the date of your reservation up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases, an administrative fee will be applied, which will be deducted from the total amount as appropriate.

Do you have any more questions?

If you have more questions, you can contact our sales team via WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com. We are available to help you plan your experience.

Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?

Sakura Expedition is a 100% local Peruvian company, specialized in adventure and cultural tourism experiences in the main destinations of Peru. We have a team of certified guides, porters, and operational staff committed to providing unique, safe, and high-quality experiences.

We are distinguished by responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities, and personalized attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee excellence standards in every detail of the operation, from planning to tour execution.

With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.