What to do and see in Arequipa, Arequipa Region: The Best Cultural Tours

November 14, 2021 Terina Blouin

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. Afternoon: Arequipa Panoramic bus with entrances

Plaza de Armas, Paucarpata 04008, Peru PV Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

We will pick you up from your accommodation in Arequipa around 13:30h then we will start our tour, we will make a panoramic bus tour with specially conditioned units to be able to appreciate the landscapes with a 360 ° view from the second level of the bus, and a wide panoramic view from the first level. We will visit the Arequipa main Plaza de Armas, the Mirador Carmen Alto, Plaza and Mirador de Carmen Alto, Yanahuara Mirador Church and Plaza, Incalpaca Outlet and Zoo, Sachaca District, Tingo Balneario, Vogy vía landscaper, Mansion of the Founder, Stone Mill in Sabandia and Andenería de Paucarpata. During this trip you will be able to appreciate the landscape splendor of Arequipa. We will be back in Arequipa around 18:00h

Inclusions: Pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa, Transport in Panoramic bus, Professional bilingual guide English / Spanish, Entrances to Mansion of the Founder, Entrances to Sabandia Mill

Exclusions: Meals not specified in the itinerary

Reviewed By Gazza1112015

The tickets we booked were non-refundable. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic we had to cancel our June 2020 trip and excursion with them. Upon our request, they offered a full refund immediately, without question. Very much appreciated. We look forward to travel via them in the future.

2. Colca Magic Destination

Ruta Sur AQP
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

With this service you will visit the Canyon and the Colca Valley considered one of the deepest canyons on the planet and its enchanted villages that surrounds it. Observing the famous flight of the Condor. You will also enjoy its delicious cuisine, typical of the southern region of the country.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Tourist transport with air conditioning, clean and disinfected with a disinfection certificate., 01 hotel night in the town of Chivay., Hotel taxes, Professional tour guide (English - Spanish).

Exclusions: Tourist entrance to the Colca Canyon (Foreigner pays S / 70.00; National pays S / 20.00), Entrance to the Thermal Baths of "La Calera" General income S / 15.00, Lunches and dinners.

3. Monastery of Santa Catalina, Historic center and viewpoints of Arequipa.

Plaza de Armas Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru AREQUIPA TOURS
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

With this tour we will be able to know both the history of Arequipa from its beginnings, the constructions of the Historic center of Arequipa, Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the surrounding viewpoints as well as one of the most representative centers such as the Monastery of Santa Catalina, come and know this tour on foot walking and enjoying the city as well as by car to get to know the closest viewpoints of the city with beautiful landscapes and beautiful archeology stories. This tour is offered privately and is guided on board in your preferred language so you have a full day knowing a lot about the history of Arequipa.

Inclusions: Private tourist transport, Professional guide, Revenue to all places of visit

Exclusions: Food and extra expenses.

4. Colca Canyon / 2 day 1 night trek

Travel Adventures Peru
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Come and enjoy an impressive 2 day trek through one of the deepest canyons in the world. Our guide will show you all the beauties of the valley such as huge birds, beautiful alpacas and vicuñas and more than 79 different types of cactus. Our tour starts very early to be able to arrive on time at the Condor's Cross and watch the condors flying over our heads and follow our route to Cabanaconde from where our adventure begins. Do not miss it and book now. It will be an unforgettable experience!

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Entrance ticket to Colca Canyon and hot springs , Lunch on the second day

Reviewed By karlamZ9503OP

We took the one day tour Colca Canyon and surrounding areas. Our tour guide Omar, was very kind and he positioned us perfectly for one hour of condor watching. The tour was well planned and on time. We had a really nice buffet lunch mid-day and for sure I recommend using this company for a nice experience in the Colca canyon.

5. Colca Canyon / Full day tour

Travel Adventures Peru
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Come and enjoy an impressive Full day tour through one of the deepest canyons in the world. Disconnect at least one day from the city and fully enjoy the nature that surrounds this valley. Our guide will show you all the beauties such as the huge birds, beautiful alpacas and vicuñas and more than 79 different types of cactus. Our tour starts very early to be able to arrive on time at the Condor's Cross and watch the condors flying over our heads, follow our route to different tiny towns and of course visit the relaxing hot springs.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Breakfast

Exclusions: Entrance ticket to the Colca Canyon: 70 soles per person, Entrance ticket to the Hot Springs, We can buy a buffet lunch for 30 soles

Reviewed By Jaime N

Our tour guide, David, was absolutely brilliant and his knowledge, humour, friendliness and problem-solving skills are what made the tour such a success. He provided us with lots of fascinating commentary, made sure everyone's dietary requirements were met at the restaurants, ensured nobody felt left behind on the short hikes, and he was always happy to answer all our questions. He even sourced clean towels for our visit to the hot springs so that we didn't need to rent any. Worth every single penny we paid for this tour.

6. Golden hour, legends of Arequipa and Peruvian Coffee

Calle Zela 301, Arequipa 04001, Peru SKY VIAJES Y TURISMO
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

This is a tour full of history in Arequipa and legends that I will tell you as we induce ourselves into the small streets, squares, wrought iron windows and traditional mansions carved in white volcanic stone (sillar). We will stop briefly to take strength in a local coffee shop with an Peruvian organic coffee espresso and Andean tasting chocolates to go to Quinta Salas or "Castillo del Diablo" through its narrow streets until we reach the edge of the Chili River to meet the Barrio del Solar and the Tambo Matadero. Both places were built in the seventeenth century entirely of white ashlar, the first to house the people and the second to sacrifice the sacrifice of animals. Finally at 5:30 p.m., privileged time to take photos (golden hour), we will go to the Plaza de Armas appreciating Spanish courtyards and colonial balconies of the city. Here ends our journey through time in old Arequipa.

Inclusions: Peruvian specialty coffee (espresso or American), Handmade chocolate tasting

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Reviewed By LisaHiHo

This day trip ist perfect to get out of the city for a while. It's just about an hours ride outside of Arequipa. We visited Yura Viejo first which ist very small but in a beautiful sourrounding. Then went on a hike through a small canyon to a waterfall. You have to wade through the water quite a bit which was a lot of fun for our six year old. He did not even ask once 'are we there yet' ;-) The waterfall is beautiful as is the landscape. Our guide was great and our driver very relaxed, too. The termal baths are ok, maybe not a must-do, but our son loved the warm water. Overall a great Tour.

7. Arequipa Historical Downtown Tour

Calle Jose Francisco de Zela 216, Arequipa 04001, Peru Paolo Corrales
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This walking tour in the downtown of Arequipa will help us to understand about the people and history. You get to enjoy more of the city with the anecdotes, legends and traditions you'll know about.

Inclusions: chocolate

Exclusions: Gratuities

8. Lonely Planet Experiences: Small Group Lima Discovery Tour

Iglesia Matriz Virgen Milagrosa, Cl. Lima 333, Miraflores 15074, Peru Lima Urban Adventures
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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.

9. City Tour of Arequipa

Machupicchu Latin America
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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.

10. Arequipa, Historic and Colonial City and Santa Catalina Monastery

Viajes Pacífico
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4.4 based on 18 reviews

Get to know Arequipa on this history-filled city sightseeing tour. With a professional guide, you’ll see the city’s top historical attractions, including the colonial districts of St Lazarus and Yanahuara, the Monastery of St Catherine and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, as well as two locations that provide excellent views of the city and its surrounds – Carmen Alto and the Mirador de Yanahuara. Travel by air-conditioned coach and hop off at various sites to walk around and soak it all in.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

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