Arequipa walking tour.

After a short reset, Gisselle continued guiding us through our first real exploration of Arequipa — and what a beautiful city it is.
We began near the Plaza de Armas, wandering through the historic cloisters. These elegant stone arcades were originally part of religious and administrative buildings during the Spanish colonial period. Built from the city’s famous white volcanic stone (sillar), the cloisters were designed as quiet, reflective spaces — linking chapels, residences and courtyards while providing shelter from the sun and rain. Walking through them today, you can feel that calm still lingering.
From there we spent quite some time inside the Convent of Santa Catalina, one of Arequipa’s most remarkable places.
Founded in 1579, the convent was essentially a city within a city. It housed nuns from wealthy Spanish families who often brought servants and possessions with them. Rather than simple monastic life, many lived in private rooms arranged along colourful streets, courtyards and small plazas — which is why the convent feels like wandering through a miniature town.
The vivid red and blue walls, narrow passageways, quiet prayer rooms and preserved living spaces gave us a fascinating glimpse into how life was lived here for centuries. It’s peaceful, atmospheric and surprisingly large — easy to lose track of time exploring.
We finished the tour the best way possible — a well-earned beer overlooking the Plaza, watching the city move into evening.
Back at the room, it was time for a traditional coca tea — recommended to help our bodies adjust to the altitude. A gentle reminder that this adventure is now heading higher.
Arequipa already feels special.Læs mere