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Temples & religious sites

Santa Catalina Monastery

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Santa Catalina Monastery

Santa Catalina Monastery

Consecrated in 1579, this large monastery is located within the historic center of Arequipa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors go here to explore the complex of streets, plazas, and cloisters that functioned as a city within a city for cloistered nuns. The architecture is characterized by its volcanic sillar stone and brightly colored walls.

Getting There

The monastery is situated in the heart of Arequipa. From the city center, it is accessible via a short walk of a few minutes, depending on your starting point.

Duration of Visit

Allow between two and three hours to walk through the various courtyards and residential areas of the complex.

When to Visit

The site can get crowded during peak tourist hours. Visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid the largest groups. Arequipa has a temperate climate, but sun protection is advised due to the high altitude and open courtyards.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, this site can be combined with other nearby landmarks within walking distance:

  • Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa (0.2km)
  • Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa (0.3km)
  • Museo Santuarios Andinos (0.6km)
  • Goyeneche Palace (0.6km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Santa Catalina Monastery

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Santa Catalina Monastery Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

Day trip

Arequipa 1-Day Itinerary (0 Nights)

A 1-day route through Arequipa grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

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

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa

Temples & religious sites

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco de Arequipa

This basilica and convent stands in the heart of Arequipa's old town and is one of the city's historic religious landmarks. It's a lovely place to explore for its antique architecture and atmosphere.

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.

0.3 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.

0.6 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.

2.6 km away