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Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa

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Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa

Located in the heart of the old town, this religious complex consists of a basilica and an attached convent. Visitors go here to see the colonial-era architecture and the historic layout of the convent, which serves as a landmark of the city's religious history.

Getting There

The site is situated within the central district of Arequipa. If you are staying in the city centre, it is accessible via a short walk of a few minutes. For those arriving from other areas, local taxis or buses can drop you off at the nearby Plaza de Armas.

Duration of Visit

Allow approximately one to two hours to walk through the basilica and explore the convent's courtyards and corridors.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning or mid-afternoon is generally recommended. Like many central landmarks, it can get crowded during peak tourist hours and on religious holidays. The weather in Arequipa is relatively consistent, though the dry season from May to September offers the clearest skies.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this site is easy to combine with other nearby points of interest:

  • Santa Catalina Monastery: 0.2km
  • Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa: 0.4km
  • Museo Santuarios Andinos: 0.6km
  • Goyeneche Palace: 0.7km

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

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Stays near Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa

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Itineraries including this place

1 nights, 2 days

Arequipa 2-Day Itinerary (1 Nights)

A 2-day route through Arequipa grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Santa Catalina Monastery

Temples & religious sites

Santa Catalina Monastery

A large monastery in Arequipa, consecrated in 1579. It forms part of the historic center of Arequipa, which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

0.2 km away
Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

Temples & religious sites

Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa

A cathedral standing on Arequipa's central Plaza de Armas. Its distinctive colonial architecture, among Peru's finest, continues to draw travelers.

0.4 km away
Museo Santuarios Andinos

Museums & galleries

Museo Santuarios Andinos

An archaeological museum in downtown Arequipa, Peru, displaying artifacts from the Andean region. It makes for an easy stop while sightseeing in the city center.

0.6 km away
Goyeneche Palace, Arequipa

Castles & palaces

Goyeneche Palace, Arequipa

This 17th-century mansion stands on La Merced street in Arequipa. Its spacious courtyard, arched ceilings, and balconies showcase colonial-era Baroque architecture throughout.

0.7 km away
Arequipa Peru Temple

Temples & religious sites

Arequipa Peru Temple

A Latter-day Saint temple in the Cayma district of Arequipa, southern Peru. It was built for worshippers in the southern region, sparing them the long journey to Lima they once had to make.

2.2 km away
Harvard Observatory, Arequipa

Attraction

Harvard Observatory, Arequipa

This former observatory on the outskirts of Arequipa was once operated by Harvard University to observe stars in the southern hemisphere. It's worth a visit if you're interested in the history of astronomy.

2.8 km away