Price of tickets to the main attractions of Arequipa
Arequipa is one of the most visited destinations in Peru. The fact is that there are many tourist attractions that they offer: the Colca canyon, the Santa Catalina monastery, the Cathedral, the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and more. Entering each of these sites has a cost that many visitors are unaware of. In this article you will know the price of the entrance ticket to the main tourist attractions of Arequipa, the ‘White City’.
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The Colca Canyon
The Colca Canyon is the main tourist destination in Arequipa. It is located in the province of Chivay about 165 kilometers from the city of Arequipa. It is famous for its viewpoints where the ‘Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint’ stands out. The canyon is one of the deepest in the world. It reaches 4,160 meters.
The entrance is included in the ‘Colca Tourist Ticket’. This also includes the entrance to the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca as well as the nearby natural attractions. The ticket offers discounts for Latin American and Peruvian tourists. Also for college students, kids, and more. Children under 5 years old are free.
- Entrance price: 70 soles for foreigners, 40 soles for Latin Americans, 20 soles for Peruvians and 20 soles for children (from 6 to 15 years old).
- Where to buy?: In the town of Chivay or Cabanaconde (before accessing the Colca canyon).
The Santa Catalina Monastery
The Santa Catalina monastery is one of the most photographed tourist attractions by tourists visiting Arequipa. It is located just 600 meters from the Main Square of the ‘White City’. It was founded in 1579. It has several cloisters, beautiful colonial architecture and pieces of great historical value.
Although most tourists visit the Santa Catalina monastery through the Arequipa City Tour, it is also possible to go on your own. The cost of the ticket does not include the tour guide service, which can be paid and requested at the same place. The opening hours are from Monday to Saturday from 10 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.
- Entry price: 40 soles for foreigners, 30 soles for Peruvians, 20 soles for foreigners from 7 to 21 years old, 20 soles for Peruvian seniors, 12 soles for Peruvian university students and 6 soles for Peruvian schoolchildren.
- Where to buy?: At the Santa Catalina Monastery (Arequipa) or on its official website online.
The Cathedral of Arequipa
The Cathedral of Arequipa is the main religious temple in the region. It was built between 1540 and 1656. Due to the devastating earthquakes that the ‘White City’ suffered, it was constantly rebuilt to its current shape. Its neo-Renaissance architecture is one of the most beautiful in all of Peru. It is right in front of the Main Square.
Entrance to the Cathedral is free during mass hours. However, the entrance to the museum of the basilica of the place does have a cost. There are the main works of colonial art. Also objects of gold, silver and precious stones. The visit to the Cathedral is also included in the Arequipa City Tour. Visiting hours are from Monday to Saturday from 10 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.
- Entrance price: 10 soles general admission (you also pay 5 soles per person for a guided tour).
- Where to buy?: At the door of the Cathedral of Arequipa.
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve
The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is a natural area protected by the Peruvian State . It covers an area of 366,936 hectares. Its extension covers the Arequipa provinces of Caylloma and Arequipa as well as the Moqueguana province of General Sánchez Cerro. It stands out for its beautiful Andean landscapes inhabited by a great variety of flora and fauna.
In this reserve you can visit different natural tourist attractions such as the Choqolaqa stone forest, the Pillones waterfalls or the Imata stone forest. The entrance ticket for these places is included in the Colca Tourist Ticket (it also includes the entrance to the reserve). The ticket can be bought in the same towns and tourist attractions.
- Entry price: 40 soles for foreigners, 30 soles for Peruvians, 20 soles for foreigners from 7 to 21 years old, 20 soles for Peruvian seniors, 12 soles for Peruvian university students and 6 soles for Peruvian schoolchildren.
- Where to buy?: In the town of Chivay or Cabanaconde (before accessing the Colca canyon).
The stone forest of Choqolaqa
The stone forest of Choqolaqa is one of the most incredible landscapes in the Arequipa region. You get there after a journey from the ‘White City’ of approximately 5 hours. This stone forest was formed millions of years ago as a result of erosion. It is above 5,200 meters above sea level. Its extreme geography is a challenge for visitors.
The entrance ticket to the Choqolaqa stone forest is included in the Colca Tourist Ticket. The town of Tisco is in charge of organizing the visit. They also offer a natural spectacle full of dances and customs. It is recommended to visit in the dry season (from April to October). From November to March it rains with more intensity (especially in January, February and March).
- Entrance price: 70 soles for foreigners, 40 soles for Latin Americans, 20 soles for Peruvians and 20 soles for children (from 6 to 15 years old).
- Where to buy?: In the same stone forest of Choqolaqa.
The church of the Company of Jesus of Arequipa
The church of the ‘Jesuits’ is one of the most beautiful in the city of Arequipa. It is located just a few steps from the Main Square (on General Morán street). Its construction was carried out at the end of the 16th century. For more than four centuries it was modified to its current form. It has a striking baroque architecture. Inside there are treasures and works of art of great historical value.
The visit to the church is free for everyone during mass hours. The museum sector of the temple has a different cost. Many people visit the place with the famous Arequipa City Tour. The cost of this service is approximately 65 soles (the price varies depending on the tourism agency you choose). Visiting hours are from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Entry price: 20 soles for general admission.
- Where to buy?: At the entrance of the Compañía de Jesús de Arequipa.
The Sabandía Mill
The Sabandía mill, as its name suggests, is a mill of colonial origin (built in 1621) located just 30 minutes by car from the city of Arequipa. The house in which it is located is surrounded by vegetation. Llamas and alpacas can also be seen. Today your visit is like going back in time.
The entrance ticket to the Sabandía mill can be purchased at the same site. Visitors can also get there through the so-called ‘City Tour Countryside’ (cost approximately 50 soles). This service also includes a visit to the Sachaca viewpoint, the Founder’s mansion and the Paucarpata platforms. All are tourist attractions near the center of the ‘White City’.
- Entrance price: 10 soles for adults, 5 soles for children and adults over 65 years old.
- Where to buy?: In the Sabandía Mill itself.
By Machupicchu Terra – Last updated, August 28, 2023