Private Arequipa City Tour: Santa Catalina Monastery & Volcanic Viewpoints
Discover the White City of the Andes: Colonial Gems, Volcanic Views, and the City-within-a-City.
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: ~3 Hours (Half Day).
- Start Time: Flexible (09:00 AM or 02:00 PM).
- Strategic Focus: Colonial Architecture, History, Photography & Religion.
- Key Note: A compact but deep dive into Arequipa’s UNESCO heritage and its most iconic convent.
- Difficulty Level: Easy (Relaxed walking on paved streets and within the monastery).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Highlights: Santa Catalina Monastery, Yanahuara Viewpoint, Plaza de Armas, San Ignacio Dome.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
The Elegance of Sillar Stone
Arequipa is unlike any other city in Peru. Built almost entirely from white volcanic stone (sillar), it gleams under the Andean sun. This Private Arequipa City Tour invites you to explore its UNESCO-listed historic center with the exclusivity and pace you deserve. Unlike large walking tours that skim the surface, your private guide will unlock the secrets of the baroque façades and the hidden courtyards.
Your journey begins with panoramic views of the volcanoes that guard the city—Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu—from the districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara. But the crown jewel is the Santa Catalina Monastery. This massive 16th-century complex is a city within a city, frozen in time with its vivid red and blue walls, narrow streets, and silent cells.
With a private driver to navigate the traffic and an expert guide to narrate the history, you’ll experience the sophistication of colonial Arequipa without the rush, ending with a deep appreciation for its art and architecture.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
Volcanic Views & Sacred Spaces
Step 1: Private Hotel Pickup
Your private driver and guide collect you from your Arequipa hotel. We start by driving to the outskirts to get a sense of the city's geography.
Step 2: The Volcanoes (Carmen Alto & Yanahuara)
- Carmen Alto Viewpoint: We drive to this traditional district for the best panoramic shot of the three volcanoes framing the Chili River valley.
- Yanahuara: Visit this charming neighborhood famous for its sillar arches (Los Arcos de Yanahuara). It’s the perfect spot to see how the white stone architecture blends with the landscape.
Step 3: The Historic Heart (Plaza de Armas)
We head to the city center for a walking tour of the Plaza de Armas. Admire the impressive Cathedral and the Jesuit Church (La Compañía), a masterpiece of Andean Baroque art.
- San Ignacio Dome: We enter the Church of La Compañía to see the breathtaking Dome of San Ignacio, often called the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its intricate tropical frescos.
Step 4: The City Within a City (Santa Catalina Monastery)
The highlight of the tour. Enter the Santa Catalina Monastery, which was closed to the world for 400 years.
- The Experience: Wander through its colorful streets (painted in burnt orange and cobalt blue), visit the nuns' living quarters, and see the cloisters filled with flowers. Your guide will share the fascinating stories of the wealthy women who lived here in seclusion.
- Photography: This is arguably the most photogenic building in Peru. With a private guide, you can take your time to get the perfect shots of the light playing on the colored walls.
Step 5: Return to Hotel
After soaking in the history, your private transport takes you back to your hotel, leaving you with the rest of the day to enjoy Arequipa's famous culinary scene.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Service: Exclusive vehicle and driver.
- Expert Guide: Professional English/Spanish speaking guide dedicated to you.
- Entrance Fees: Tickets to Santa Catalina Monastery and the Dome of San Ignacio.
- Door-to-Door: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
- Flexible Pace: Time for photos and questions without group pressure.
Not Included
- Gratuities: Tips for your guide and driver.
- Meals: Food and drinks are not included (though your guide can recommend excellent picanterías for lunch/dinner).
- Additional Entrances: Entry to the Cathedral museum or other sites not listed.
What to bring
Recommendations
- Altitude: Arequipa is at 2,335m (7,660 ft). It is lower than Cusco, making it a great place to start your Peruvian trip and acclimatize gently.
- Sun Protection: The sun in Arequipa is intense. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, even if it feels cool.
- Best Light: The afternoon tour (2:00 PM) offers beautiful "golden hour" light inside the Santa Catalina Monastery, making the colors pop even more.
- Culinary Capital: Arequipa is famous for its food. Ask your guide to drop you off at a traditional restaurant like Chicha or La Nueva Palomino after the tour.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Is there a lot of walking?
A: The tour is rated "Easy." Most of the walking is inside the Santa Catalina Monastery and around the Plaza de Armas. The surfaces are paved but can be uneven (cobblestones). It is manageable for most fitness levels.
Q: Can we visit the mummy "Juanita"?
A: The standard tour does not include the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries (where Juanita is kept). However, since this is a private tour, if you wish to swap a viewpoint for the museum or add it on (extra time/cost may apply), let us know in advance!
Q: Is the monastery open every day?
A: Yes, Santa Catalina is open daily. It sometimes has evening hours with candlelight, which is a magical experience if you prefer a later tour (subject to schedule).
Q: Is this tour suitable for kids?
A: Yes, children usually enjoy exploring the maze-like streets and colorful rooms of the monastery. It feels like a secret village.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Private Arequipa City Tour: Santa Catalina Monastery & Volcanic Viewpoints
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
