La Compañía Church (Iglesia de la Compañía) Tours
Due to its position near the imposing Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, it’s easy to overlook the small yet perfectly formed Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús). The church’s facade pays homage to the churrigueresque style typical of 16th-century Spanish churches, while its interior is dominated by an intricate altar smothered in gold leaf.
The Basics
La Compañía church, a fine example of the distinctive sillar (volcanic rock) that gives Arequipa its nickname the White City (Ciudad Blanco), draws smaller crowds than other attractions, making it an ideal place to take a break. Although most tours focus on Arequipa heavy hitters such as the Monastery of St. Catherine (Monasterio de Santa Catalina) and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, a few city tours stop to appreciate the finer details of this Jesuit church.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is centrally located off Plaza de Armas, making it easy to reach on foot for travelers staying in the historic center of Arequipa. To avoid having to navigate between the dispersed attractions in the Old Town, many travelers opt for a guided walking tour.
When to Get There
The church is open daily between morning and evening. Mass is celebrated Monday through Saturday at 12pm, 6pm, and 7pm and Sunday at 10am, 12pm, 6pm, and 7pm, so if you don’t plan to participate, visit outside of those times.
The Churches of Arequipa
The historic center of Arequipa is renowned for its churches, which embody architectural styles that span both history and the globe. Must-see structures include Iglesia de San Agustín (Saint Augustine Church), famous for its bold illustrations and baroque style, and Convento de la Recoleta, a medley of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
The Basics
La Compañía church, a fine example of the distinctive sillar (volcanic rock) that gives Arequipa its nickname the White City (Ciudad Blanco), draws smaller crowds than other attractions, making it an ideal place to take a break. Although most tours focus on Arequipa heavy hitters such as the Monastery of St. Catherine (Monasterio de Santa Catalina) and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, a few city tours stop to appreciate the finer details of this Jesuit church.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Don’t miss the unusual junglelike murals in San Ignacio Chapel, beside the altar.
- Respectful clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended.
- Beside the church, the ornate Claustros de la Compañía shopping center is a great place to browse boutiques.
How to Get There
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús is centrally located off Plaza de Armas, making it easy to reach on foot for travelers staying in the historic center of Arequipa. To avoid having to navigate between the dispersed attractions in the Old Town, many travelers opt for a guided walking tour.
When to Get There
The church is open daily between morning and evening. Mass is celebrated Monday through Saturday at 12pm, 6pm, and 7pm and Sunday at 10am, 12pm, 6pm, and 7pm, so if you don’t plan to participate, visit outside of those times.
The Churches of Arequipa
The historic center of Arequipa is renowned for its churches, which embody architectural styles that span both history and the globe. Must-see structures include Iglesia de San Agustín (Saint Augustine Church), famous for its bold illustrations and baroque style, and Convento de la Recoleta, a medley of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
Address: General Móran 114, Arequipa, Peru
10 Tours and Activities to Experience La Compañía Church (Iglesia de la Compañía)
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Private Guided City Tour Arequipa
1
Explore Peru’s second biggest city, Arequipa on a private half-day guided tour. Discover the “White City,” named after its white buildings made from sillar stone of the nearby volcanoes, and how Arequipa became very prosperous during Spanish colonial times. Visit key landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina Monastery and get a panoramic at the three volcanoes that surround the city.
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From
$100.00
From
$100.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Walking Tour Arequipa Including Santa Catalina Monastery
2
Get in touch with Peru’s colonial heritage during this 3-hour guided walking tour of Arequipa. Stroll the streets of the country’s second-biggest city, admiring the unique ashlar-clad (white volcanic rock) buildings of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center. As you wander you’ll tour the oldest neighborhood in the city, see Arequipa’s first church, play around with some llamas and alpacas and sample some potatoes, one of Peru’s most typical snacks. A guide, hotel pickup and food tasting are all included.
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From
$48.00
From
$48.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Sillar Route and Center historic in Arequipa
This tour is unique because you can get to know the center of the city, you will be informed of its creation, the guide will give details of its foundation and how is the beginning of the city in relation to the ashlar, this stone originating from volcanic tufo. After that we will have an excursion to the same quarries where they extract by hand and there are some carvings so they can have the photos of the memory. After that we will visit the shingles canyon, of pink ashlar, virgin ashlar cannon where many good photos can also be taken.
The duration is 4 hours and you can really know the importance of Sillar in Arequipa and how it has marked the history of the city of Arequipa.
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From
$15.39
From
$15.39
City Tour, Santa Catalina in Arequipa + Lunch
Enjoy with family and friends our beautiful white city, Arequipa.
Tour the amazing Monastery of Santa Catalina, a place full of culture and history. The intrusive cells, the small streets, cloisters full of colorful flowers and the walls painted in fresh dyes.
We will visit the Plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful in Peru, the Jesuit Church of the Company, which on its beautiful facade announces the so-called mestizo architecture, its cloisters and dome.
You will also visit other charming places like Casona Tristan del Pozo, Plaza San Francisco that surround the cataloged as Rome of America. Arequipa, white city known in part for its architecture of Sillar, white volcanic stone.
Do not miss the history of Arequipa without visiting the main architecture of the historic center of the city.
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From
$82.06
From
$82.06
City Tour in Arequipa, Historic Center and Viewpoints around
This tour will allow you to know professionally the different places that comprise the historic center of the city, as well as the main viewpoints that surround the city of Arequipa. Having a pleasant walk time and at the same time cultural information of the city of Arequipa.
Start in the historic center, taking a walk on the main places of free entry with colonial architecture.
After that we went in a private car with a guide on board to the main viewpoints of Arequipa, with a good view and with a lot of history, to know a little more details about the surroundings and also the news in which the White city of Arequipa is located .
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From
$63.59
From
$63.59
Monastery of Santa Catalina, Historic center and viewpoints of Arequipa.
1
With this tour we will be able to know both the history of Arequipa from its beginnings, the constructions of the Historic center of Arequipa, Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the surrounding viewpoints as well as one of the most representative centers such as the Monastery of Santa Catalina, come and know this tour on foot walking and enjoying the city as well as by car to get to know the closest viewpoints of the city with beautiful landscapes and beautiful archeology stories. This tour is offered privately and is guided on board in your preferred language so you have a full day knowing a lot about the history of Arequipa.
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From
$128.21
From
$128.21
City Tour in Arequipa, Santa Catalina and viewpoints
This tour is a complete visit to the city, knowing a lot of its architecture, culture, the historic center, then you visit some incredible landscapes where you can also appreciate the beauty of the fields and green areas that Arequipa has, it ends up having a pleasant moment, besides knowing one of the important attractions of Arequipa such as the Monastery of Santa Catalina.
This tour makes it special that it does not have any extra expense on your part, it includes all income and permanent assistance, complete tour of Arequipa.
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From
$76.93
From
$76.93
Arequipa Private City Tour Including Santa Catalina Monastery
The route begins in Arequipa´s Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru. Facing this square is the imposing Cathedral, built in the 17th century. From there, continue to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a cloister and small religious citadel built in 1579, still in use to this date. Then, visit the Church of the Compañia de Jesus (1590). Considered a classic example of local baroque architecture, it houses an exceptional collection of paintings and murals. Lastly, visit the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto for a panoramic view of the Arequipa countryside. At the end, take a transfer back to the hotel.
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From
$105.00
From
$105.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Arequipa Private City Tour & San Camilo Traditional Market
Tour of the historic center of Arequipa, built with local 'sillar' stone, a pale volcanic rock, affording Arequipa its glorious architecture and its appropriate nickname, 'the White City'. Visit the San Lazaro district, this neighborhood of narrow streets, narrow passages, small squares and large houses is the most representative area of the old Arequipa. Proceed then to the Compañia Church, built by the Jesuits and part of a representative monument of religious architecture of the XVII century. Continue to the local market of San Camilo, and appreciate a variety of local products. Notably, this market is considered a Monumental Heritage of Architecture representative of Public Civil architecture, whose structures were designed by the renowned French engineer Gustave Eiffel. Finally visit the convent of Santa Teresa, built in 1710, and recently opened to the public. The site has valuable pieces of religious art and fabulous frescoes.
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From
$105.00
From
$105.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Arequipa City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery
The route begins in Arequipa´s Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru. Facing this square is the imposing Cathedral, built in the 17th century. From there, continue to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a cloister and small religious citadel built in 1579, still in use to this date. Then, visit the Church of the Compañia de Jesus (1590). Considered a classic example of local baroque architecture, it houses an exceptional collection of paintings and murals. Lastly, visit the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto for a panoramic view of the Arequipa countryside. At the end, take a transfer back to the hotel.
…More
From
$56.42
From
$56.42
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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