Santa Catalina Monastery

Easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Arequipa. The Monasterio de Santa Catalina de Siena feels like a small city within the city, and it is absolutely stunning. Everything is incredibly well preserved, from the cobblestone streets to the arches, courtyards, and living quarters. The colors are striking, especially the deep reds, blues, and whites, which contrast beautifully with the bright sky and greenery. Every corner feels thoughtfully maintained and historically alive. What stood out most was how peaceful the monastery feels. Despite its size and popularity, it never felt rushed or overcrowded. We walked around for more than two hours and could have easily stayed longer, just wandering through narrow alleys, open plazas, and shaded cloisters. The atmosphere is calm and almost meditative, making it easy to imagine what daily life was like here centuries ago. Founded in 1579, the monastery functioned as a cloistered religious community for centuries and now offers a rare glimpse into colonial-era life in Arequipa. The use of local volcanic stone gives the architecture a unique texture, and the layout feels both intimate and grand at the same time. If you enjoy history, architecture, photography, or simply want a quiet escape from the city, this place is an absolute must. Plan enough time, wear comfortable shoes, and take it slow.

Beautiful monestry located in the heart of Arequipa. Well worth the visit to experience this wonderful, colorful and very peaceful monestry. We spent over 2hrs wandering through the rooms and 'streets', amazed at the architecture, artistry and life behind the monestry walls. Absolutely stunning. Bathrooms and cafe available. Remember to bring your passport or copy of passport. Highly recommend 👌

As monasteries go, this one really stands out. peaceful, colorful, and bigger than it looks. Wandering the narrow streets and courtyards feels like stepping into a quiet little city, with beautiful blue and terracotta walls and so much history. A great place where you can escape the energy of the historic area.

We had a great tour at this place. There is so much to learn and see. The whole place is very beautiful and much bigger, than we expected. The tour lasted about 1 hour, and is a great addition, because it adds a lot to the experience. You are also free to explore the place without a tour of you so please.

Beautiful and colorful place. Huge! Lots of places to walk and admire the houses once were inhabited by the nuns. Go until the end. Check the bakery!! Also you can go to the rooftop and check the volcano view.

Visiting the Santa Catalina Monastery is like stepping back in time. The colorful walls, quiet courtyards, and narrow streets create a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city. Every corner tells a story, and the mix of history, art, and architecture makes it a truly unique experience. A must-see place if you visit Arequipa — perfect for wandering, taking photos, and enjoying a calm moment surrounded by beauty and history. 🌺📸

An amazing citadel, so well preserved and maintained it's unreal. Sometimes I had to remind myself I was not inside a replica at some amusement park but in a real monastery that's full of history. Entrance is S/45, then for an extra S/10 you can get a one-hour guided tour. We did just that and had the amazing Diana all to ourselves. Otherwise you can scan the QR codes along the way and read the information for free. One of my best historical site visits ever!

Calm and peaceful place with lots to take in. Ended up spending 3 plus hours here. Interpretation signs are in English and Spanish. 45 Soles entry fee in Nov 2025. Food and drink is available on site, had a fresh pineapple juice.