A must see site in Arequipa! We highly recommend seeing this historical site and accessing a guide once you enter. We were very impressed by the large convent which was practically its own city within Arequipa. Our guide, Claudia, was very knowledgeable, friendly and funny. The convent was very well maintained for its age with beautifully colored walls, period furniture, etc. It was fascinating to learn about and see how this convent operated with 500 nuns and 300 servants for many centuries.

A beautiful city worth visiting while touring Peru. The historic plaza is the heart of the city adorned by the splendid cathedral. The Santa Catalina historic monastery is a haven of beauty, peace, colors, and scenery. A city within a city. Take your time to walk through the history of this enchanting place.

Undoubtedly, Arequipa is a wonderful destination if you are going to visit Peru. Warm people, very good food, very beautiful places, an incomparable nature.

The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned many aspects of the Peruvian culture. In a short time (4 hours) we really get acclimated in this city. Just that you take this early on your trip so you can get oriented before you decide on your next stops.

The view that is pictured here is really quite beautiful. I know the Santa Catalina Monastery is supposed to be a big point of interest, but personally (and so did the rest of my group of 8 people) found it quite boring and our guide was quite "stuffy". I've been to Arequipa twice and really enjoy the city, but one trip to the monastery was more than enough.

A great attraction in Arequipa is Santa Catalina, a big Nunnery established in 1579 by a widow. There is an entire village hidden behind its walls. It has winding alleys, individual dwellings, chambers, tiny gardens and prayer rooms. Dominican nuns still occupy a small section of the complex, that part is closed to the public. We went there in the morning, open daily 9am to 5pm, admission is 35 S/. We hired a freelance tour guide. They wait to be hired right next to the entrance, and spoke Spanish or English. The cost for an hour tour was 20 S/. She took us to see many dwellings, explaining the life of it’s occupants and gave us over two hours. We gave her 50 S/. because we had enjoyed the tour so much. After that we walked south past the town square down Calle Sucre on the way back to our hotel. Just down a side street on the right we found a small cafe in some arches called “Kamish Snack” the place was clean, the food was delicious and cost half of the price to the big bars on the same street. We ended up lunching at this small local’s place throughout our stay.