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SACRED LAKE
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El Misti volcano above Arequipa and its countryside

Tours · Arequipa City Tour

Arequipa City Tour, the White City

YanahuaraPlaza de ArmasSanta Catalina

Half a day around Arequipa with pickup at your hotel in the historic centre: the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit church of La Compañía and the Santa Catalina Monastery. It leaves at 9:00 or 14:00, takes about 4 hours and costs US$ 45 per person on the tourist bus.

Duration
4 hours
Pickup
09:00 · 14:00
Price · from
US$ 45

Arequipa is built of sillar, the white volcanic stone that earned it the name White City, and three volcanoes stand around it: El Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. The tour starts high up, at the viewpoints, so you see where the city sits, then comes down into the historic centre, a World Heritage Site, and ends inside the Santa Catalina Monastery.

The itinerary, hour by hour

  1. 09:00

    Hotel pickup

    In Arequipa's historic centre. On the afternoon departure pickup is at 14:00 and the route is the same.

  2. 09:15

    Yanahuara viewpoint

    The sillar arches carved with verses, and El Misti framed through them.

  3. 09:45

    Carmen Alto viewpoint

    A wide view over the Chilina valley and the Arequipa countryside, with Chachani in front.

  4. 10:30

    Plaza de Armas and Cathedral

    The heart of the city, built entirely of sillar.

  5. 11:15

    Church of La Compañía

    A carved stone façade and the painted dome of its sacristy, known as Arequipa's Sistine Chapel.

  6. 12:00

    Santa Catalina Monastery

    A walled religious citadel in the middle of town, with its own streets, cloisters and colours. Entry is included.

  7. 13:00

    End of the tour

    We drop you at your hotel or, if you'd rather stay, in the centre.

What's included

  • Pickup at your hotel in the historic centre
  • Panoramic tourist bus (shared) or private vehicle (private)
  • Bilingual guide: shared on the bus, a private driver-guide on the private option
  • Entry to the Santa Catalina Monastery

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips

What to bring

  • Sunscreen: the Arequipa sun is strong all year
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Cash in soles

Gallery

Frequently asked questions

About Arequipa City Tour

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Can I do it in the afternoon?

Yes. There are departures at 9:00 and 14:00 on the same route. On the private option, you choose the time.

Is entry to Santa Catalina included?

Yes, on both options.

Where do you pick me up?

At your hotel, if it is in Arequipa's historic centre. If you are staying elsewhere, message us and we'll arrange it.

How do I combine Arequipa with Puno?

With a private transfer between the two cities, stopping along the way. Arequipa first is the better order: at 2,335 metres it helps you acclimatise before going up to the lake at 3,812.

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from US$ 45per person

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