Santa Catalina Monastery
The 435-year-old Santa Catalina Monastery is located in the historic center of Arequipa. Built entirely of white sillar stone, the massive monastery once housed 175 nuns during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Doña María de Guzmán, a wealthy widow, founded the Santa Catalina Monastery in 1579. The monastery is large and once consisted of a hundred houses, a main square, church, three cloisters, a cemetery, and painting gallery. The monastery held hundreds of nuns—the most notable of these was Sor Ana de Ángeles Monteagudo, who eventually became Mother Prioress of the monastery. Several miracles were attributed to her, and as a result the monastery has attempted to get the Vatican to make her a saint.
A few nuns still live in the monastery today. Until 1985, the nuns were not allowed to leave the monastery and had to speak with their families through screened windows. Nowadays they can leave to run errands or visit friends.
Visitors can tour the monastery – which occupies a whole block of the city – on their own or with a guide. It’s fun to stroll around and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and colonial architecture. You can also take an hour-long tour and learn a little more about the history and culture of Santa Catalina.
Where to stay in Santa Catalina Monastery
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Santa Catalina Monastery accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
In Arequipa, you’ll find some of the loveliest colonial architecture in Peru, buildings and facades that have made it through hundreds of years of earthquakes and reconstructions. A room at the Casa Andina Private Collection is a good way to guarantee that you’ll get a good dose of everything the city has to offer. The Plaza de Armas is nearby the hotel, Arequipa’s beautiful centerpiece of white colonial buildings.
San Agustin Posada del Monasterio
Visitors come to Arequipa to admire the beautiful colonial buildings made from sillar, a pale volcanic stone that was used to make many of the city's historic attractions. San Agustin Posada del Monasterio hotel fits right in, as it was built with sillar in the 18th century. Located near the Santa Catalina Monastery, the San Augustin Posado del Monastario allows you to experience historical Arequipa throughout every moment of your trip.
Casa Andina Select
Casa Andina Select is a modern hotel in front of Arequipa’s main square, the Plaza de Armas. It offers 58 comfortable rooms in a 5-story remodeled building.
Sonesta Posada del Inca Arequipa
Posadas del Inca Arequipa is set within the town of Arequipa. This hotel is located right along the Plaza de Armas and has modern, well-equipped rooms.
Casa Andina Standard Arequipa
Casa Andina Arequipa is set within the town of Arequipa. This hotel has practical rooms and a convenient location.
Corregidor Hotel
The Corregidor Hotel is located in Arequipa. This hotel has simple rooms and a good daily breakfast.
Libertador Arequipa
The five-star Hotel Libertador is located in the town of Arequipa. This hotel has elegant architecture and super comfortable rooms.
Inkanto Hotel
At the gorgeous Inkanto Hotel, you’ll feel the full weight of the Arequipa’s historical cache. From the outside, the hotel’s stately architecture belies its cozy interior. Staying at Inkanto, you’ll be a short drive from Arequipa’s main attractions, and feel right at home thanks to the many services and amenities provided.
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Insider-led Peru Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
