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Centro Histórico, Arequipa, Peru
Classic Arequipa Tour from Lima
$380
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Overview
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Description
Embark on an enchanting journey through Peru's White City with our carefully crafted 3-Day Classic Arequipa Tour from Lima. Nestled beneath three majestic volcanoes, Arequipa beckons with its UNESCO-listed historic center, where colonial architecture meets vibrant Peruvian culture in perfect harmony.
Step into a world where time stands still as you explore the atmospheric Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city, featuring stunning colonial architecture painted in rich earth tones. Our expert guides will unveil centuries of history while you wander through its peaceful cloisters and sun-drenched courtyards.
Experience the perfect blend of comfort and adventure with our carefully planned itinerary. From the breathtaking Carmen Alto viewpoint to the knowledge-rich halls of La Recoleta Convent's ancient library, every moment is thoughtfully curated to create lasting memories of Peru's most charming colonial city.
Included in the Classic Arequipa Tour from Lima:
- Private airport transfers in Arequipa
- 2 nights' accommodation in tourist-class hotel with breakfast
- Expert English-speaking guides
- All entrance fees to mentioned sites
- Exclusive walking tours
- 24/7 customer support
- Complete biosecurity protocols
- Air-conditioned transport
Highlights
- Explore the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece
- Visit La Recoleta Convent's historic library, housing over 20,000 ancient books
- Enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes from Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints
- Discover Arequipa's historic center with its stunning white sillar architecture
- Experience local textile craftsmanship with exclusive shopping opportunities
Tour Plan
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Day 1: Welcome to the White City Morning:
• Arrival at RodrÃguez Ballón International Airport
• Private transfer to your selected hotel in central Arequipa
• Check-in and brief orientation meeting with your guide
• Time to freshen up and acclimate to the altitude
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
• Begin your walking tour through Arequipa's historic center
• Visit the picturesque Yanahuara district, known for its sillar arch viewpoints
• Explore the traditional plaza and colonial-era church of Yanahuara
• Photograph the three volcanoes (Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu) from the scenic viewpoint
• Stroll through charming streets lined with traditional picanterÃas (local restaurants)
• Learn about Arequipa's unique volcanic stone architecture and construction methods
Evening:
• Free time to explore the illuminated Plaza de Armas
• Optional visit to a recommended local restaurant for traditional Arequipeña cuisine
• Time to rest and acclimate to the altitude
Day 2: Cultural Heritage Exploration Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM):
• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit to La Recoleta Convent, a Franciscan monastery founded in 1648
• Guided tour of the extraordinary library housing over 20,000 ancient books
• Explore the convent's four distinct cloisters, each representing different architectural periods
• Visit the museum featuring Amazonian artifacts and religious art
• Photo opportunity at Carmen Alto viewpoint, offering panoramic views of agricultural terraces and volcanoes
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 6:00 PM):
• Historical city center exploration
• Visit the Cathedral, spanning the entire north side of Plaza de Armas
• Tour La CompañÃa Church, featuring the finest example of carved baroque facade in Arequipa
• Explore the stunning cloisters with their intricate volcanic stone work
• Visit the Plaza San Francisco and surrounding colonial streets
• Optional visit to the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries to see "Juanita," the frozen Inca mummy
Evening:
• Free time to explore local craft markets
• Optional cooking class or traditional dance show (additional cost)
Day 3: Santa Catalina and Artisanal Heritage Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM):
• Breakfast at hotel
• Early visit to Santa Catalina Monastery, a 20,000 square meter citadel
• In-depth guided tour through:
â—¦ The communal kitchen with traditional clay ovens
â—¦ Nun's private quarters and meditation cells
â—¦ Beautiful streets named after Spanish cities
â—¦ Photography of the distinctive blue and terra-cotta walls
• Learn about the fascinating history of the cloistered nuns and their daily life
Afternoon (2:00 PM - Departure):
• Visit to traditional textile workshop in Mundo Alpaca
• Learn about ancient weaving techniques and alpaca fiber classification
• Shopping opportunity for high-quality alpaca products
• Visit to a sillar stone workshop (time permitting)
• Return to hotel for luggage collection
• Transfer to airport for departure
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Questions & Answers
What makes Arequipa's architecture unique?
Arequipa’s distinctive architecture stems from its use of sillar, a white volcanic rock quarried from nearby volcanoes. This material gives the city its nickname “The White City” and creates stunning buildings that gleam in the sunlight. The Spanish colonial architecture blends with local craftsmanship to create a unique style called “Escuela Arequipeña,” featuring intricate baroque decoration and robust earthquake-resistant construction methods.
How high is Arequipa, and will altitude be an issue?
Arequipa sits at approximately 7,660 feet (2,335 meters) above sea level. While this is considerable, it’s lower than Cusco and Machu Picchu, making it an excellent place for altitude acclimatization. Most visitors experience minimal altitude effects, but we recommend taking the first day easy, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy meals. Our guides are trained to handle altitude-related concerns and can provide assistance if needed.