Is Santa Catalina Monastery Worth Visiting in Arequipa?
Prices, Entry, and Travel Tips
Santa Catalina Monastery is one of the most visited spots in Arequipa, and is known for its vibrant colonial architecture, extensive network of streets and plazas inside, and rich religious history.
Santa Catalina Monastery is renowned as one of the world's most famous religious sites, making it a must-see while you're in Arequipa. Don't miss out because it's a favorite among many travelers. It should be on your itinerary as well. Also, this is a fairly popular place with tourists, so be prepared for crowds. During peak season, this spot can get even more crowded, so plan accordingly.
What is Santa Catalina Monastery?
Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa is a vast and vibrant religious complex that feels like a city within a city. Founded in 1580, it offers visitors a glimpse into the life of cloistered nuns with its colorful streets, squares, chapels, and peaceful courtyards. The architecture showcases colonial Spanish style with vivid colors and intricate details, making it one of Arequipa's most captivating attractions. Visitors can wander through the extensive grounds to see the beautifully preserved interiors and learn about the history of the convent. It is a cultural and historical treasure with photography opportunities at almost every corner. The monastery is an excellent destination for history buffs, architecture lovers, and those interested in religious heritage. It requires a ticket for entry but rewards with a serene and immersive experience into a bygone era.
Families with kids really enjoy it, so it's worth visiting with children. It's not particularly romantic for couples, but not bad either. It's fairly popular with budget travelers and backpackers, too. Younger travelers tend to find it quite interesting and fun.
Visiting Santa Catalina Monastery
How much does Santa Catalina Monastery cost?
Entry to Santa Catalina Monastery costs around 40 Peruvian Soles for adults, with discounts available for students and children.
Do I need a tour for Santa Catalina Monastery?
You'll be on your own to explore the area.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking in advance is not required, but highly recommended to reserve your spot. Entry tickets cost around 40 Peruvian Soles for adults, with discounts available for students and children.. Also, if you don't want to go inside, it's possible to see the religious site from the outside for free if you just want to walk by. In fact, many tours in Arequipa will pass by the outside while giving you an overview.
How long does it take to visit Santa Catalina Monastery?
You should probably expect to spend around 2 hours here. Expect to do plenty of walking during your visit, so wear comfortable shoes. You'll find areas of this religious site both indoors and outdoors, so you might need to be prepared for the weather.
When is the best time to visit Santa Catalina Monastery?
As for the time of year, Santa Catalina Monastery is equally busy year-round. To avoid the crowds, try to arrive early or later in the day. Visit on weekdays, and avoid the high season if possible. It's only possible to visit during the day.
More things to do around Arequipa
For even more trip ideas, check out these other articles about Arequipa.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.