Santa Catalina Monastery
Arequipa, Arequipa Region, Peru[0.1 miles]
This perfectly-preserved, art-filled convent, scented with orange blossom and hidden behind high walls, is one of South America’s great colonial treasures.
Best for ages: 5+ | £8
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This elegant colonial hotel has it all. There is a great location, no more than a few blocks from Arequipa’s principal historic sites. Sip a cocktail on the roof deck and you can admire views of the cathedral and the El Misti volcano in the distance.
Then there’s the art and architecture: a lovingly-maintained baroque mansion – once the old mint – that fills up almost half a city block. Historic works of art decorate the public areas.
And there are the gracious touches, such as the sweet chocolate coins deposited bedside in the evenings. A few nights here and it can be hard to go back to contemporary life.
The neighbourhood is a picturesque warren of cobbled streets that date back to the 16th century and most major sights are within walking distance.
Immediately to the east is the famous Santa Catalina Monastery. Three blocks south is the pleasant main square and cathedral, which is beautifully lit up at night. The streets north of the main square are lined with shops selling fine pisco and alpaca wool – perfect for an afternoon stroll.
North of the main entrance, a small antechamber houses the Salon Museo, an art gallery stuffed with museum-worthy pieces of colonial silver and portraiture. Definitely worth a look.
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Arequipa, Arequipa Region, Peru[0.1 miles]
This perfectly-preserved, art-filled convent, scented with orange blossom and hidden behind high walls, is one of South America’s great colonial treasures.
Best for ages: 5+ | £8
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Peru
A land of spectacular deserts, high mountains and rainforests that teem with wildlife, Peru is also home to an array of dramatically situated pre-Colombian ruins, including Machu Picchu.