
Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina worth booking?
Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina is a 3-hour experience in Arequipa, Peru, from $50 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Discover the heart of Arequipa on this immersive walking tour. We begin at the vibrant San Camilo Market, a colorful hub of daily life filled with local products, flavors, and traditions. Then, stroll through charming streets toward the Main Square, where your guide will share the rich history of one of Peru’s most beautiful plazas. Visit the ornate Church and Cloister of La Compañía de Jesús, home to the stunning Saint Ignacio Cupola, a masterpiece of colonial art. Continue to a 17th-century tambo, a traditional communal housing complex that reveals the city’s colonial past. Finally, explore the breathtaking Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within the city, with over 300 years of fascinating history. Your guide will assist with your entry before bidding you farewell.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the heart of Arequipa on this immersive walking tour. We begin at the vibrant San Camilo Market, a colorful hub of daily life filled with local products, flavors, and traditions. Then, stroll through charming streets toward the Main Square, where your guide will share the rich history of one of Peru’s most beautiful plazas. Visit the ornate Church and Cloister of La Compañía de Jesús, home to the stunning Saint Ignacio Cupola, a masterpiece of colonial art. Continue to a 17th-century tambo, a traditional communal housing complex that reveals the city’s colonial past. Finally, explore the breathtaking Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within the city, with over 300 years of fascinating history. Your guide will assist with your entry before bidding you farewell.
What's included
Included
- Entrance to San Ignacio Cupola.
- Entrance to Monastery of Santa Catalina.
- Permanent assistance.
- Professional English Guide.
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Mercado San Camilo
Our tour begins visiting the popular market of San Camilo; declared Historical Heritage in l987 and where you can find many products such as groceries, flowers, clothes, and other quality items at low cost. This is a place full of color, activity, variety of flavors, that show a little bit the daily life of our city.
45 minutes here
Plaza de Armas
Then we will continue walking toward to the city center (Main Plaza) exploring the streets of the city center and arrive to Arequipa’s Main Square, where your guide will give you a historical introduction of one of the most beautiful Peruvian main squares.
30 minutes here
Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus
We’ll continue our tour, visiting the church and cloister of La Compañía de Jesús, this Cloister and Church are one whole unit, with semi-archways of heavy pilasters fully decorated on all four sides. Each sides exhibits identical reliefs, of three thick clusters of grapes, papayas, shells, cantutas, roses, grapes etc. In the Church we will visit the famous Cupola of Saint Ignacio; a chapel so beautiful that is an example of colonial Arequipean art.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Monasterio de Santa Catalina
We will walk to the Monastery of Santa Catalina; monument that belongs to the most important attractions of Arequipa city, keeping behind their malls more than three centuries of history.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Arequipa
Our office is just a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. Walk along Calle San Francisco heading north, then turn right onto Calle Jerusalén. You'll find us on the right-hand. Look for the Giardino Tours sign at the entrance.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Giardino Tour Operator
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent experience and guide
Excellent service. We hired private tours for a family of five and they were punctual and very helpful. Special mention to the guide Luis, excellent explanation, always concerned and willing to resolve any questions and take photos of us, he really made the difference.
Response from the operator: ¡Muchas gracias, Carolina! Qué bueno saber que todo salió tan bien para la familia. La puntualidad, la atención y ese detalle de las fotos, son las cosas que hacen que un tour se recuerde. ¡Esperamos veros pronto en otra aventura por el Perú! El Equipo Giardino
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Fantastic tour operator with excellent guides
Had an amazing time with Giardino Tours. Right from the moment I made an inquiry to the website, the booking lrad Lisbet was prompt with her responses, helpful and designed the ideal private tour for me. Upon arrival to Arequipa, my guide Sam was super responsive via WhatsApp as some of my plans had changed. Sam was an excellent guide who is a born and raised local, and had a wealth of knowledge and insight to share. Responsive to my requests during our tour, including a stop to drop off Laundry. 5 stars+ - couldn't recommend Giardino Tours enough!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing this, ArtYee! We're thrilled to hear that the experience exceeded expectations from the very first inquiry all the way through the tour itself. It's wonderful to know that the flexibility and local knowledge of our team made such a difference, even when plans changed along the way. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Peru! Warm regards, The Giardino Team
via Tripadvisor
The magic of the white city
We had a fabulous time with our guide Brian. He was punctual and extremely knowledgeable about Arequipa. The expertise and enthusiasm that he conveyed as we went through the monastery was infectious and it was an incredible experience. I wish we had booked all of our tours around Colca Canyon through Giordano based on the experience with Brian.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Tanya, for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable experience exploring the White City and that the enthusiasm and knowledge of the Giardino team made the visit to the monastery so special. We hope to welcome you again in the future to continue discovering the magic of Peru together. The Giardino Team
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour and guide
We loved the city and the excellent and friendly guide Mrs. Lila explained us with great detail and knowledge the history of this beautiful city. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Estimado Toni, ¡Qué alegría leer sus palabras nuevamente! Nos llena de satisfacción saber que también disfrutaron del recorrido por la ciudad y que la experiencia resultó enriquecedora y agradable. Con aprecio, El equipo de Giardino
via Tripadvisor (translated)
5 stjerner!
We had the great pleasure of joining a guided tour in Arequipa with Giardino, and it was an experience we will never forget. Everything from the planning to the actual tour was professional, safe, and well-organized – but what truly made the day so special was our amazing guide, Lila. Lila was not only incredibly knowledgeable about Arequipa’s history, culture, and nature – she shared it all with a warmth, energy, and positivity that inspired the entire group. She was attentive to everyone’s needs, took the time to answer all our questions, and made us feel both welcome and comfortable. Her kindness and passion for her work turned the tour into so much more than just sightseeing – it felt like exploring the city with a good friend. We can highly recommend Giardino, and especially Lila, to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in Arequipa. Thank you for amazing two days – we would do it again without hesitation!
Response from the operator: Dear louises, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a heartfelt and glowing review! We are truly delighted to hear that your experience in Arequipa was not only professional and well-organized, but also warm and memorable thanks to the dedication and passion of our guide, Lila. She will be overjoyed to know that her knowledge, energy, and genuine care made you feel both inspired and at home during your time with us. Your words perfectly capture what we strive for at Giardino – turning each journey into more than just sightseeing, but a genuine connection with our culture, people, and landscapes. We are grateful for your trust and your kind recommendation, and we would be thrilled to welcome you back for more unforgettable moments in Peru! Warm regards, The Giardino Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Arequipa.
How much does Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Arequipa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Arequipa is not rushed.
Is Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Arequipa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Arequipa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Arequipa and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Arequipa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Arequipa?
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On Outty we rank every Arequipa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Arequipa Rafting on the Chili river free pick-up,snack., 2 Day 1 Night Trek Colca Canyon, Chili River White Water Rafting Adventure with Pickup. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Arequipa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Arequipa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina?
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Included: Entrance to San Ignacio Cupola; Entrance to Monastery of Santa Catalina; Permanent assistance; and Professional English Guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina?
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Our office is just a 5-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. Walk along Calle San Francisco heading north, then turn right onto Calle Jerusalén. You'll find us on the right-hand. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Arequipa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Walking City tour including the Monastery of Santa Catalina?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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