Museo Santuarios Andinos

An Andean Baroque style church, finished in 1698. Like many major colonial-era buildings in Arequipa it's built out of sillar (volcanic rock) with carved façades, though the carvings on this church are some of the most impressive depicting animals, plants, and even elements of Pre-Columbian mythology. Also the side cloisters featuring stone carvings, and the decorated interior of the church are worth a view.

The main square of Arequipa, surrounded by buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone.

A grand two-story house in Baroque-Moorish style, built in 1773 and named after an old mulberry plant on its patio. The entrance features magnificent stone carvings, and the wooden doors inside the building are also decorated in the same way. Inside the building you can see furniture and paintings by artists from the Cuzco School (Escuela Cuzqueña) from the colonial era.

The first cathedral was built in 1544. This reconstruction dates from 1848, with a substantial repair after the 2001 earthquake caused the towers to collapse through the roof. The tour takes you into the Basilica, and to see the cathedral's collection of liturgical items in precious metals & gemstones, and sacremental garments. You are also taken up to the roof to see the bell tower and for views of the Plaza de Armas and the city.

Built in 1738 as the residence of general Domingo Carlos Tristán del Pozo, nowadays the building houses a branch of the BBVA Perú bank. The building features beautiful stone carvings above the entrance portal, like many buildings in Old Arequipa. This grand building has a total of 5 patios.

Around 2½ hr. Tour is more about presenting the background of Arequipa, how and why it developed into the city it is today, different aspects being presented from different locations (rather than a tour of the major sights). Just turn-up (no booking necessary). Very worthwhile.