Historical Pedestrian City Tour in Arequipa

We will pick you up from your hotel in downtown Arequipa and start our pedestrian tour.

First we will visit the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa where we will have a detailed explanation of the history of the Cathedral of Arequipa and the portals that surround the Plaza de Armas.

Afterwards we will go to the Church of the Society of Jesus where we will give a brief explanation about the history of the church and its construction and characteristics that make it so representative in the city.

Cloisters of the Society of Jesus, located on the left side of the Church of the Company of Jesus, in this place you can appreciate the carved ashlars on the pillars and the beautiful corridors.

We will visit the San Camilo Market built over an old church. It is famous for its colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. In this market, you can taste the queso helado, a traditional Arequipa dessert made of milk, sugar and cinnamon.

Plaza and Church of San Francisco, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, a very beautiful and quiet place.

Fundo el Fierro is currently an artisan center for local souvenirs and in colonial times was the old jail of the city of Arequipa.

The neighborhood of San Lazaro is considered the oldest in Arequipa, and according to tradition, is the place where the second founding of the city took place. This picturesque neighborhood, with its narrow cobblestone streets and ashlar houses, preserves the historical essence of the city, transporting visitors to its origins. In its surroundings is the Church of San Lazaro, one of the first temples founded in Arequipa, which adds a touch of majesty to the neighborhood. Here, in this place full of history and legends, you can breathe the colonial atmosphere of the city, being a key site to understand the birth and growth of Arequipa.

During our visit, we will have the opportunity to get close to South American camelids, where we will be able to get up close to alpacas and llamas, two of the most representative species of the region. In addition, we will learn about the fascinating process of elaboration of clothing made with the soft and warm alpaca fiber. We will discover each of the stages, from the collection of the fiber, its spinning and dyeing, to the creation of these high quality garments that have gained worldwide prestige for their softness, durability and exceptional thermal properties. It will be a unique experience to understand the cultural and artisanal value of alpaca fiber, and how it is transformed into exceptional products that reflect the tradition and talent of local artisans.

The Santa Catalina Monastery is a historic convent founded in 1580, famous for its impressive colonial architecture and peculiar layout, reminiscent of a city within the city. With streets, squares and buildings painted in vibrant colors, the monastery was originally a place of retreat for Dominican nuns, who lived there in total seclusion. Today, it is one of Arequipa’s main tourist attractions, offering visitors a fascinating insight into 16th century monastic life. With its rich history, beautiful artistic details and unique atmosphere, the Santa Catalina Monastery allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past, exploring its nooks and crannies full of history and art.