Arequipa offers several free walking tours: a basic tour of the old city, an extended tour that reaches the Santa Catalina Monastery, and unique options such as a bike tour or a walk in the countryside surrounding the city. The model is "pay as you wish" - participants participate without paying in advance, and at the end of the tour, they give the guide a tip based on their discretion and level of enjoyment of the tour.

The White City, as it is called due to the volcanic hessian stone from which most of the buildings in the historic center were built, is considered one of the most impressive colonial cities in South America, and its center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided walking tour is the natural way to understand how Spanish style and Andean tradition have blended here, and why the locals are so proud of their city.

The tours usually depart from the main square area, last about an hour to several hours depending on the theme, and are held mainly in Spanish and English.

Why take a walking tour of Arequipa?

Arequipa was built at the foot of three volcanoes - the symmetrical El Misti, the giant Chechani and the extinct fire symbol Pico Pico - and this mountain view is visible from almost every street in the city center, making a walk on foot as much a visual experience as it is historical.

Compact historic center

The colonial quarter around the main square (Plaza de Armas) is built entirely of light-colored Siar stone, giving it the nickname "the white city." The cathedral, the church of La Compañía with its magnificent carved facade, and the municipal buildings surrounding the square are all easily accessible on foot, and a local guide can explain the religious and cultural symbols hidden in the stone carvings.

Santa Catalina Monastery

The Santa Catalina Monastery is essentially a small city within a city - colorful streets, courtyards, and nunneries that have survived almost unchanged for centuries. Although there is a separate entrance fee to the monastery itself, the street tours tell its historical background and show the surroundings outside the walls.

Neighborhoods with a view

The observation decks of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, with their famous stone arches, offer the classic image of Arequipa with a mystical mountain in the background - a stop that almost every hiking trail includes in one way or another.

Areas and starting points of the tours

Most tours in Arequipa depart and circle around a few fixed areas, each of which adds a different layer to your introduction to the city.

The main square and the colonial quarter

The natural starting point for most tours. Here are the cathedral, the church of La Compagnia, the historic town hall buildings and the surrounding cobbled streets, all in the characteristic white Cisier stone.

Santa Catalina and surrounding streets

The area around the famous monastery is characterized by narrow alleys, small cafes and colorful facades, and stars in tours that focus on the religious and social history of the colonial city.

Yanawara and Carmen Alto

Lookout neighborhoods slightly outside the center, with stone arches, small local markets and open views of the volcanoes. Some tours arrive here on foot or a short section by transport, to finish with a panoramic view of the city.

Beyond the city - fields and villages

Dedicated tours, such as a bike tour or a walk through the countryside, head out into the agricultural landscape and terraces surrounding Arequipa, where you can see how local agriculture thrives in the shadow of the volcanoes.

Important tips before you go out

Arequipa is about two kilometers above sea level, significantly lower than Cusco or Puno, so most visitors feel comfortable there on the first day - but it is still worth drinking plenty of water and moving at a leisurely pace in the first few days.

Invitation and language

It is recommended to register in advance through GuruWalk, both because space is limited and to confirm the exact departure time and station. Check the language of instruction for each tour on the registration page - some are in English, some in Spanish, and some are offered in both languages at different times.

Arrival, shoes and weather

It is a good idea to arrive about ten minutes before the tour starts to easily find the guide. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the trails include stone sidewalks and steps that are not always even. The sun is strong even on cool days at this altitude, so a hat and sunscreen are worth a place in your bag, and during the rainy season it is worth checking the forecast before setting out.

The guide's tip

The tour itself is free, and the only payment is a cash tip at the end of the tour - in Peruvian soles or dollars, whichever is convenient for you. The amount is at your discretion depending on the quality of the tour and your satisfaction, and this is the main way the local guides make a living.

Children and groups

Basic walking tours are generally suitable for families with older children, while cycling or countryside walks require a reasonable level of fitness. If in doubt, it is a good idea to check the level details on the tour page before signing up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the free tours in Arequipa really free?

Yes - registration and participation in the tour itself are free of charge, and the guides work on a tip basis only. At the end of the tour, participants give the guide a payment at their discretion, depending on the quality of the tour and their satisfaction.

Do I need to register in advance?

Highly recommended. Free tours are limited in number of participants, and pre-registration (e.g. through GuruWalk) guarantees a spot and provides details of the exact meeting point and departure time.

In what languages are the tours held?

Most tours in Arequipa are offered in English and Spanish, and it's worth checking the registration page for each tour to see in which language it is guided on the requested date - additional languages such as French or Italian are available on more limited dates.

How much to tip the guide?

There is no fixed amount - the tip is given at your discretion, depending on the length of the tour, the quality of the guide, and your personal feelings. It is customary to pay in cash, in Peruvian soles or dollars.

Are the tours suitable for families with children?

The basic walking tours are in most cases suitable for older children who can walk a reasonable distance, while the bike tours or walking tours in the countryside require physical fitness and are more suitable for adults and teenagers.

Do I need to get used to the altitude before the tour?

Arequipa is significantly lower than Cusco or Puno, so most visitors do not experience significant discomfort, but it is still recommended to drink plenty of water and move at a leisurely pace in the first few days in the city.