Tour Full Day City Tour Arequipa
Tour Full Day City Tour Arequipa - Photo Gallery
Tour Details
The Full Day City Tour in Arequipa offers a complete tourist experience combining the rich colonial history of the city center—declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO—with the natural and architectural charm of the Andean countryside.
In the morning, we will explore the historic heart: its famous sillar arches, the majestic Plaza de Armas, the iconic Santa Catalina Monastery (a true “city within a city”), and the urban viewpoints of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, offering privileged panoramic views of the Chili River valley and the guardian volcanoes. In the afternoon, the tour continues toward the countryside, visiting emblematic spots such as the historic Sabandía Mill, the Founder’s Mansion in Huasacache, and scenic country roads.
Itinerary
Day : Arequipa City Tour
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08:30 AM – 09:00 AM | Hotel Pickup and Departure
Pickup from hotels located in downtown Arequipa via tourist transport.
09:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Yanahuara Viewpoint and Carmen Alto Viewpoint
Visit the carved sillar ashlar arches of Yanahuara, engraved with local Arequipa poetry, featuring a direct view of the Misti Volcano. Continue to Carmen Alto to admire the fertile Chilina Valley and its pre-Inca agricultural terraces.
10:15 AM – 12:30 PM | Santa Catalina Monastery and Historic Center
Guided tour through the impressive citadel of the Santa Catalina Monastery (16th-century streets, plazas, and cloisters). Afterward, walking tour through the Main Square (Plaza de Armas) and the baroque cloisters of the Society of Jesus.
12:30 PM – 02:00 PM | Lunch at a Traditional Picantería (At Your Own Expense)
Stop and free time to savor famous Arequipa cuisine (Rocoto Relleno, Potato Bake, Solterito Cheese Salad, Shrimp Chowder) at a picantería recommended by the guide.
02:00 PM – 03:30 PM | Sabandía Mill
Bus transfer to the picturesque district of Sabandía. Visit the historic Sabandía Mill (built in 1638), surrounded by natural springs and centuries-old trees.
03:30 PM – 04:30 PM | Founder's Mansion and Scenic Drive
Visit the colonial residence of Arequipa's founder, Don Garcí Manuel de Carbajal, in Huasacache. Tour its spacious courtyards, colonial chapel, and gardens along the scenic drive (Vía Paisajista).
04:30 PM – 05:00 PM | Return to Downtown Arequipa
Transfer back to the city with drop-off near the Main Square or at your respective downtown hotel.
Services
Included
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Hotel pickup (from downtown Arequipa).
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Climate-controlled tourist transport for the entire tour.
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Official bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English).
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Entrance ticket to the Santa Catalina Monastery.
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Entrance ticket to the Sabandía Mill.
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Entrance ticket to the Founder's Mansion.
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24/7 assistance throughout the tour.
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Not Included
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Lunch and drinks (free time at a traditional picantería).
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Tips for the guide and driver (optional).
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Personal expenses or souvenirs/handicrafts.
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Travel insurance or personal medical coverage.
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Pickup from hotels located outside the central city area.
Recommendations
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing: For daytime, given Arequipa's sunny and dry climate.
- Light jacket or coat: For the evening, as temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Sneakers with good grip for cobblestone streets and countryside trails.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hats/caps, and UV-protection sunglasses.
- Camera / Smartphone: Fully charged with plenty of storage space.
- Cash: Peruvian Soles in small bill denominations for lunch, personal purchases, or souvenirs.
- Hydration: Reusable water bottle.
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour physically demanding, or is it suitable for seniors and children?
It is an easy/low-level tour, suitable for all ages. Walks are short and taken at a leisurely pace over flat terrain or cobblestone streets.
Will altitude sickness (soroche) affect me during this tour?
It is not included. A 1.5-hour stop is made at a recommended traditional picantería, where visitors are free to choose their own meals.
Is lunch included in the package price?
It is not included. A 1.5-hour stop is made at a recommended traditional picantería, where visitors are free to choose their own meals.
Are all attraction entry fees included?
Yes, the package includes admission tickets to the Santa Catalina Monastery, Sabandía Mill, and the Founder's Mansion.
What happens if my hotel is not located in the historic center?
If your accommodation is outside the central perimeter of the city, an accessible, centralized meeting point will be arranged (for example, under the arcades of the Plaza de Armas).
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