CITY TOUR & VIEWPOINTS OF AREQUIPA

We will start the tour picking you up from your respective accommodation to then head to the district of Cayma, on the way we will see some of the most modern neighborhoods of the city, and we will cross over the largest bridge in Arequipa. We arrive at the Carmen Alto viewpoint, this is one of the most popular viewpoints in the city, because there is an incredible view of the valley of Arequipa; this viewpoint is located between agricultural terraces, on the right bank of the Chili River. From here we will see the three volcanoes that surround the city, Misti, Chachani and Picchu Picchu, however, it is not only the incredible scenery that makes Carmen Alto an extraordinary place, here the guide will explain about the history and culture of Arequipa, show you typical products, and make a tasting of «queso helado», the traditional dessert of the city.

We will continue the route and march to Yanahuara, (village of black underpants) here the architecture and surroundings are much more charming than the name of the area. The guide will explain about the church and the origin of the village. The square of Yanahuara has a very nice viewpoint and is considered the most romantic place in town, so it is common to see many wedding couples every weekend.

The next destination is the museum and zoo of South American camelids, where we will see two different varieties of llamas and alpacas, we can also discover the best fiber, the vicuña. In addition, you will find the best quality alpaca, vicuña and cotton garments, the best in the region.

Arriving at the center of Arequipa we will begin our tour of the white city, we will visit on foot the historic center, this is the best way to know the center of Arequipa, which is a cultural heritage of humanity, declared so by Unesco in 2000. We will visit the main square, one of the most beautiful in Peru, on weekdays, we will have the opportunity to enter the cathedral where we will observe true works of art such as the Loret organ, the pulpit in which the devil is carved, and the main altar, made of Carrara marble. We will tour the oldest part of the city, visiting mansions such as Tristán del Pozo, the San Lázaro neighborhood, nearby handicraft centers, colonial churches such as the Compañía de Jesús, and its cloisters. In the Company stands out the Dome of San Ignacio, here we will observe a magnificent sample of Arequipa’s colonial art, it is called the Sistine of Arequipa, it is also open only from Monday to Friday. We will also visit the San Camilo market, the oldest supply center of the city, here we will learn more about the current culture of Arequipa, we will observe the enormous diversity of fruits, vegetables, tubers, and typical products of the region, and other areas of Peru.

Finally, we will visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a beautiful building dating from 1579, is the architectural jewel of Arequipa and holds many mysteries that you will love to discover.