The White City of Arequipa Tour

The “White City”, the “City of Eternal Spring”, the “Legal Capital of Peru”, all are nicknames for Peru’s second most populous city, Arequipa. Name “White City” is attributed to the predominance of white volcanic stone. This city is rich with beauty, and its Plaza de Armas is said to be the most stunning in the country.

Arequipa’s historical center is a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. Closed for 391 years to the public, the Santa Catalina Convent is a city within the city, complete with streets, a central plaza, churches and homes. The Jesuit Church of the Company of Jesus displays Spanish baroque architecture at its peak with details of native carvings and decor.

Relax on the second day with a country drive to the Sabandia Mill and Founders Mansion, a working water mill three centuries old and the home of Garcia Manuel de Carbajal, founder of Arequipa. There is an option to replace the tour of the Mansion with a visit to Juanita; a mummy sacrificed to honor the gods of the mountains.

Day 1: Arequipa Arrival

Welcoming reception, briefing and transfer to your hotel. After you have had time to rest, your visit will begin with a half-day tour of the city starting with the Santa Catalina Convent. This convent once housed as many as 450 residents, including nuns, servants and slaves. Due to a demand by the city to install electricity and running water, the convent was forced to open its doors to the public in 1970 in order to raise funds for the modern additions.

Next stop is the Plaza de Armas and the Jesuit Church of the Company of Jesus. Originally built in 1573, this church has been altered, if not demolished, by earthquakes again and again. Finally, your tour will conclude with a venture to the Cayma and Yanahuara districts for a breathtaking view of the Misti Volcano.

Overnight: Arequipa

Day 2: Countryside and Sabandia Mill

Enjoy a ride to the outskirts of Arequipa as you travel to the Sabandia Mill and the Founders Mansion. Another option replacing the tour of the Mansion is a visit to see the exhibit of the Mummy Juanita, the Virgin of the Sun. In Incan times, sacrifices were made to appease their gods. They realized the gods of the mountains or Apus, had the ability to kill and destroy with volcanoes, landslides and other natural disasters. In this case, a young girl between the ages of 12-14 was the offering to the Ampato summit. Juanita was discovered in 1995 by two climbers after a recent volcanic eruption that melted the snow and exposed the Mummy.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Arequipa

Optional: Exhibit of the mummy Juanita

Day 3: Arequipa Departure

At the scheduled time you will transfer to the airport or bus station for your check-in and departure.

Meals: Breakfast

End of Services

Included

• All services, lodging, food, and beverages mentioned in the trip description, tourist tickets, and entrance fees.
• All excursions come with a guide in the English language.
• Our prices include entrance fees and tourist ticket costs to determined historical, natural, or religious landmarks that are managed by the local authorities in many cases.

Not included

• Early check-in, late check-out, services and food not listed in the itinerary, beverages during the meals, hotel extras and personal expenses.
• Domestic and international airfare.
• Tips for guides, drivers, and waitresses, if not specified in the description.

Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots or shoes, hat, light jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen.