Location: Arequipa
Top Things to do in Arequipa
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Things to do in Arequipa, Arequipa Region: The Best City Tours
In Peru's second-most populous city, aka "The White City," stunning colonial buildings made of pearly sillar stone vie for attention with the surrounding volcanoes and snow-capped peaks of the western Andes. Founded in 1540, it's a smorgasbord of mansions and museums. The top attraction, 215,000-square-foot Santa Catalina Monastery, is like its own city within a city, complete with fountains and cobblestone streets. Arequipa is the favorite base for visiting Colca Canyon and its massive condors.
Restaurants in Arequipa
1. Private Arequipa City Tour: Juanita Museum, Santa Catalina and Colonial Suburbs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Take a private city tour and discover Arequipa by private van. Explore "The White City" with its monastery and museum, including the famous Juanita Mummy, perfectly saved. Visit the colonial suburbs of Cayma, Sabandia and Yanahuara and enjoy a traditional Arequipenian meal for lunch after your tour.
Inclusions: A professional English speaking tour guide, A professional driver with a private van, Lunch, Local Taxes, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities, Entrance tickets
Reviewed By Jzeliger51
We had 2 nights in the Amazon at Amazona Posadas. We packed in a lot to very little time. The lodge was beautiful and very comfortable, food was excellent. Our guide was very good but seemed a bit disinterested at times. Very knowledgeable. We then went to Cusco, had a walking tour and cooking class. Our new guide, Albero was excellent. Our cooking class with Jesus was fun, very accommodating. We then moved on to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Highly recommend the hike at MP Mountain. Our guide was very supportive and patient! Next we then went to the Rainbow Mountain. Unfortunately, though I requested we NOT go to Vinicunca, that is where we were taken. It was very beautiful, but very crowded. I did not understand why we did not go to Palcoyo. Was told later it was not accessible due to landslides. This may have been the case, but was unhappy about the lack of transparency prior to embarking. Overall, we were very happy with our experience and grateful to have completed it before the travel restrictions were set in place for the COVID pandemic.
2. Private Arequipa Walking City Tour with Juanita Museum - All Included
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Visit the beautiful "White City" Arequipa on a 3 hour guided private walking tour where you will experience and learn about its amazing architecture, history, its main square, most beautiful church, the Tristan del Pozo mansion, the colorful Monasterio of Santa Catalina where its nuns are living inside and the very interesting Andean Santuarios museum where the Juanita Mummy can be found among many others.
Inclusions: Private bilingual tour guide, All entrance fees
Exclusions: Tips
Reviewed By FL_Jane
We had a great trip to Machu Picchu booked with Cusco Unique Experience. It was a private tour, which I highly recommend for this important site. Karina and Brian worked with us to plan the perfect trip for us. They are flexible and will plan the trip that you want. Prior to the trip they sent the itinerary so we knew what we were going to do. We were met at the airport, even though out flight was very late, and driven to our hotel in the sacred valley that used to be a hacienda. Our guide for the sacred valley and Cusco was Rina, and we felt we saw and learned so much about the Incas. Our guide for Machu Picchu was Alex. He met with us the night before we were going to Machu to tell us what to bring, what not to bring, and what to expect. He met us at our hotel on Machu Picchu morning to walk to the bus with us. He explained so much about the Incas and Machu Pichu. He helped us with our photos and suggested good places to take photos. It was so great to have a private tour. We spent two more days touring with Rina ending in Cusco. We were offered one more activity to end our tour and we chose a cooking class. That was a riot because the chef spoke Spanish but the restaurant provided a someone to translate for us. The food was delicious. Our driver picked us up at 4:30AM for our vert early flight to Santiago, Chile. Overall, it was a wonderful trip. We loved Peru and we were totally satisfied with Cusco Unique Experience.
3. 4-Day: Lima to the Canyon in Arequipa
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 11 reviews
Take a speedboat out to the Ballestas Islands to see penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat. – Paracas Dune Buggy up and Sandboard down the biggest sand dunes at the only desert oasis in South America. – Huacachina Make a quick stop (30 minutes) to see the Nazca Lines for free, or let us assist with a Nazca Lines flight (overnight stay required). – Nazca Tour or trek the second deepest canyon in the world at the Colca Canyon. – Arequipa Free hotel/hostel pickups and dropoffs at every stop. Avoid ripoffs and unsafe taxis.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Restroom on board, Pick up and drop off at your hotel, Horse Exhibition, Chincha Secret Slaves Tunnels, Paracas National Reserve Tour, Pisco Vineyard Guided Tour, Nazca Viewing Tower, Bilingual Guide
Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reviewed By Pradeep K
Where do I start? I’m a solo traveler who booked a ticket to Peru 4 days before the flight and I’ve never been to South America and nor can I speak Spanish which made me anxious. Peru Hop was the first company I contacted via email and they have been super helpful!! From all the communication, the arrangements, Peru hop made it so so easy!! It’s not like the hop on hop off buses in Europe, this is a tour full of experiences and I’m always skeptical for paying to travel around but this is well worth it. More importantly the guides were great in particular Ricardo!! This guy made me feel so welcomed, talked to me like we’ve know each other for ages. He answered all my questions, made enquirer for me, and looked after me. Alex have such good insight to the national reserve. I met wonderful people and had the best time of my life. I’m booking Peru Hop again for Cusco to lake titicaca. I don’t usually write reviews but I had to share how good they were.
4. Lonely Planet Experiences: Small Group Lima Discovery Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 90 reviews
Get your hands on the blueprint to modern Peruvian life on this Lima tour that puts you in the shoes of locals. Admire the colonial balconies, visit San Francisco Convent and the Catacombs, hit the local market and see the great variety of fruits and vegetables reflecting the rich biodiversity of Perú and try the best Pisco Sour in town! Our National drink
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, City bus ticket, Entrance fee to San Francisco, One Pisco Sour
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, Gratuities
Reviewed By icon6669
Great experience and couldn't have asked for a better guide than Jean-Paul. Was a busy evening since it was Valentine's day but we were able to be flexible and had a good evening.
5. 7-Day: Full South to Lima from Cusco
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 88 reviews
- Take a speedboat out to the Ballestas Islands to see penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat. – Paracas - Dune Buggy up and Sandboard down the biggest sand dunes at the only desert oasis in South America. – Huacachina - Make a quick stop (30 minutes) to see the Nazca Lines for free, or let us assist with a Nazca Lines flight (overnight stay required). – Nazca - Tour or trek the second deepest Canyon in the world at the Colca Canyon. – Arequipa - Take a boat to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and visit families living on the floating islands. – Puno - Visit the Sacred Valley and tour/trek to the world famous ruins of Machu Picchu. – Cusco - Free hotel/hostel pickups and dropoffs at every stop. Avoid ripoffs and unsafe taxis.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Restroom on board, Drop off at your hotel, Nazca Viewing Tower, Pisco Vineyard Guided Tour, Paracas National Reserve Tour, Chincha Secret Slaves Tunnels, Bilingual Guide
Exclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reviewed By Pradeep K
Where do I start? I’m a solo traveler who booked a ticket to Peru 4 days before the flight and I’ve never been to South America and nor can I speak Spanish which made me anxious. Peru Hop was the first company I contacted via email and they have been super helpful!! From all the communication, the arrangements, Peru hop made it so so easy!! It’s not like the hop on hop off buses in Europe, this is a tour full of experiences and I’m always skeptical for paying to travel around but this is well worth it. More importantly the guides were great in particular Ricardo!! This guy made me feel so welcomed, talked to me like we’ve know each other for ages. He answered all my questions, made enquirer for me, and looked after me. Alex have such good insight to the national reserve. I met wonderful people and had the best time of my life. I’m booking Peru Hop again for Cusco to lake titicaca. I don’t usually write reviews but I had to share how good they were.
6. City Tour of Arequipa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Arequipa, the white city of Peru offers you many interesting highlights: One of them is its historic city center and the traditional towns around the city. Come with us in our daily tour, elaborated with an itinerary that show you something more of our beautiful city.
Inclusions: Professional English/Spanish guide, Hotel pickup., Live commentary on board, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Monastery of Santa Catalina entrance fee, Other entrance fees
Reviewed By BoardingPass745205
I loved my Machu Pichu travel and especially the tour agents who helped with my transport between places.I particularly liked their help with transport. My trip was a 3 day from usa and never did I miss any planned attraction. The hotel accommodation at machu pichu could have been better for the price value but I felt transport/tour agents justified it.
7. Bus City Tour Arequipa - Guided visit by bus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
ITINERARY Schedule Morning • 09:00 a.m. Departure on bus panoramic of the Plaza de Armas with the direction of the Mirador de Carmen Alto. • 09:20 a.m. Arrival and visit to the Mirador of Carmen Alto. • 10:00 a.m. Visit to the mirador of Yanahuara. • 10:15 a.m. Visit outlet of IncaPalca and zoo of Andean animals • 10:40 a.m. Visit “landscape highway” and El Balneario de Tingo • 11:10 a.m. Visit Founder mansion • 11:30 a.m. We will go to the monastery of Santa Catalina walk during (30 minutes). • 12:00 p.m. Visit Paucarpata terraces and time for you to get a lunch (not included – optional) • 01:00 p.m. End of tour, arrival at plaza de armas Schedule Afternoon 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Inclusions: Tour Bus with comfortable seats, English/Spanish speaking guide
Exclusions: Extra expenses, Lunch on touristic restaurant
Reviewed By mjmb94
We took two separate trips from Puno with Inca Lake Tours. The first was to Tinajani Canyon, Lampa and Sillustani. There was heavy rain all day and the road to Tinajani Canyon was flooded, but our guide was able to find a nearby hiking trail that allowed us to see the canyon with only a 20 minute walk. If the road was accessible, you would be able to drive right to the canyon. The highlight of Lampa was Santiago Apostol church where you can tour the catacombs under the church and see a large room respectfully covered in human skeletons. At Sillustani, the burial tombs are interesting and situated on a very scenic location. The second trip we took with Inca Lake was a half day tour of Puno. We visited a nice park with a great view of Puno and Lake Titicaca and also several places of interest. The guides for both trips were well-informed and extremely helpful.
8. Walking Tour Arequipa Including Santa Catalina Monastery
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
Join this 2.5-hour walking tour of the beautiful city of Arequipa with the company of your professional tour guide.
Inclusions: 2.5-hour walking tour, English professional tour guide during the tour, Hotel pickup walking, Entrance fee (ticket for santa Catalina Monastery), English tour guide (in the Monastery)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Transport (it is walking tour not by car)
Reviewed By Kim290388
Salinas salt lagoon is incredibly beautiful. I was there during the rainy season so it’s not white but instead a big mirror. Our guide Elli was super knowledgeable and could answer all our questions about the region and the lagoon itself. Since we were only two guests, the whole tour was super flexible and tailored to our wishes. I can highly recommend this tour - it’s worth every penny :-)
9. Private Guided City Tour Arequipa
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
Arequipa is the second most industrialized and commercialized city in Peru Its industrial activity includes manufactured goods and camelid wool products for export. The city was founded on 15 August 1540, by Garcí Manuel de Carbajal as "Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción". During the Colonial period, Arequipa became highly important for its economic prosperity and for its loyalty to the Spanish Crown. The historic center of Arequipa spans an area of 332 hectares and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Its historic heritage, natural scenery and cultural sites make the city a major tourist destination. Its religious, colonial, and republican architectural styles blend European and native characteristics into a unique style called "Escuela Arequipeña".
Inclusions: Bottled water, Professional guide /Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan / Van
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By Valerie D
After a 10 day Traveling adventure with a group through another traveling group, my friend and I opted for a private tour of Rainbow Mountain! Unfortunately it snowed on the day we reserved our tour; however it was one of our most enjoyable days due to the kindness of our guide Richard. He was very informative regarding the history and culture of the area and people. We were able to see some beautiful sites on the way to and home. We met some local folks, stopped by a lovely place to eat Los Cabanas and have coffee. The food was awesome!! Richard took some beautiful photos and was patient with us when we wanted to stop to view some sights/alpacas!! The time with Cusco Holiday Peru Servicios Turisticos was one of our most favorite and memorable!! Thanks for such a wonderful time and adventure!!
10. Tour Around The City Arequipa In Bus
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 2 reviews
For this tour we will take a panoramic bus tour whose visits will be the Plaza de Armas, the Mirador de Carmen alto, Plaza and Mirador de Carmen Alto, Yanahuara Mirador Church and Plaza, Outcal Incalpaca and zoo, Sachaca District, Tingo Spa, via Landscaper, Mansion of the Founder, Stone Mill in Sabandia and Andenería de Paucarpata. During this trip you will appreciate the scenic splendor that Arequipa has. Making short stops at 5 main points where you can walk around.
Inclusions: TURISTIC TRANSPORT (TURISTIC BUS), PROFESSIONAL GUIDE ENGLISH / SPANISH
Exclusions: TICKET ENTRANCE VIEW POINT CARMEN ALTO 2 DOLLARS, TICKET ENTRANCE OPTIONAL. MUSEUM OF THE FOUNDATION 4 DOLLARS , TICKET ENTRANCE TO SABANDIA´S MILL. 3 DOLLARS
Reviewed By DLop55
Very interesting to see the white mountains and natural rock walkways. Tour guide was excellent and over all was a great tour. Can be a tough walk to get through, but worth it based on physical ability.
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