In the heart of Arequipa, right where the city sounds are silenced out of respect, emerges a citadel within the city: the Santa Catalina Monastery. It's not a simple convent or a typical tourist destination. It's a time capsule. A labyrinth of cloisters, cobblestone streets, flowery courtyards, and vermilion and cobalt blue walls that protect centuries of living history. For many travelers, this monastery is one of Peru's best-kept secrets. For others, it's the reason why Arequipa leaves an indelible mark on them forever. Here, the colonial past is not a museum topic: it's an experience you breathe, touch, and walk through. And if one knows how to explore it, it can be much more than a visit: it can be an immersive experience that connects history, spirituality, architecture, and adventure. At Condor Xtreme, we understand this perfectly. We provide experiences for those who want to experience Peru like never before: adventure activities and unique tours designed for passionate explorers. And although the Monastery may seem, at first glance, a place of silent contemplation, you'd be surprised at how much it can offer to those who explore it with the right approach. Living History within Sillar Walls: the Colonial Legacy of the Monastery The Santa Catalina Monastery was founded in 1579 by a wealthy Arequipa widow, Doña María de Guzmán. What began as an exclusive retreat for the daughters of Spanish aristocracy transformed, over the centuries, into a bastion of spiritual power, religious art, and female monastic life. The building has survived earthquakes, social changes, and even ecclesiastical reforms. For more than three centuries, the nuns lived in complete isolation from the outside world. Their seclusion was so marked that until 1970, the convent remained closed to the public. When its doors finally opened, the world discovered a space frozen
In the heart of Arequipa, right where the city sounds
