San Francisco Church and Complex
A serene Spanish colonial complex dating back to 1535, offering peace, history, and a glimpse into Arequipa's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
San Francisco Church and Complex
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Spanish colonial complex dating back to 1535, offering peace, history, and a glimpse into Arequipa's past.
"A hidden gem in Arequipa, it was beautiful in and out! Shame the best parts can't be photographed but it only means you've got to visit it yourself."
🎯 Guided Tour Essential
Highly recommend a guided tour; guides like Francisco are gems! :man_teacher:
🎫 Entry Fee
Entry to museum and church is S/10. Worth every sol for the history! :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
San Francisco Church
A Spanish colonial masterpiece built in 1535, offering a serene atmosphere and rich history.
San Francisco Museum
Explore historical artifacts and learn about the complex's past. Entry fee applies.
Guided Tours
Gain deep insights from knowledgeable guides like Francisco, who share fascinating history.
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Timing Your Visit to San Francisco Complex
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Guided Tour Essential
Highly recommend a guided tour; guides like Francisco are gems!
:man_teacher:🎫 Entry Fee
Entry to museum and church is S/10. Worth every sol for the history!
:ticket:🤫 Respect the Peace
It's a place for peace and rest. Enjoy the tranquility.
:pray:📸 Photography Restrictions
Best parts can't be photographed, so soak it in!
:camerawithflash:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Guided Tour Essential
Highly recommend a guided tour; guides like Francisco are gems!
:man_teacher:🎫 Entry Fee
Entry to museum and church is S/10. Worth every sol for the history!
:ticket:🤫 Respect the Peace
It's a place for peace and rest. Enjoy the tranquility.
:pray:📸 Photography Restrictions
Best parts can't be photographed, so soak it in!
:camerawithflash:☕ Nearby Cafes
Explore Alice in Wonderland themed cafes on San Francisco street!
:coffee:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the San Francisco Complex as a hidden gem offering peace and historical depth, with guides like Francisco receiving special commendation for their knowledge. While photography is restricted in key areas, the overall experience is highly valued for its tranquility and historical significance.
"a hidden gem in arequipa, it was beautiful in and out! shame the best parts cant be photographed but it only means you've got to visit it yourself and the guide, aptly named francisco, was a true gem during the tour, he knew everything and kept on answering whatever questions were left floating (not many since he explained the whole thing) our group of 5 was mixed so he balanced between english and spanish, it doesn't take long to get the guided tour and as someone said and I can bear witness to, even with one visitor it goes on anyway."
Ingrid Jack
"Best regards to guide Francisco! Wonderful explanation of the history of this place."
Kamil Boguszewski
"San Francisco Complex, is a place to have peace and rest.
San Francisco Church is a Spanish construction built in 1535, also there is a school for boys starting at three years old to seventeen years."
Anibal Guillen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The San Francisco Church and Complex is located in the historic center of Arequipa, easily accessible by taxi or a short walk from the main plaza. Many tours also offer pick-up points near Plaza San Francisco.
Parking in the historic center of Arequipa can be challenging. It's advisable to use public transport, a taxi, or walk if you are staying nearby.
Yes, several tour operators in Arequipa offer city tours that include a visit to the San Francisco Complex. Some tours even offer pick-up from specific locations like Clínica Arequipa or Plaza San Francisco.
For a convenient and direct route, consider using ride-sharing apps or local taxis. If you're near the city center, walking is a pleasant option to explore the historic streets.
While direct bus routes might be limited, you can take a local bus towards the city center and then walk a short distance to the complex. Taxis and ride-sharing services are generally more straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for the museum and church is S/10.
This fee grants access to explore the historical exhibits and the beautiful church interior.The church typically opens at 4 PM.
It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal or special event closures before your visit.Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. Tours are available even for a single person, so you can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
The standard entry fee of S/10 covers access to both the museum and the church. Guided tours are also available and highly recommended for a richer experience.
While the entry fee covers access, the cost of a guided tour might be separate or included in specific tour packages. Inquire upon arrival for the most accurate information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spend about 1 hour exploring the museum and church.
However, taking a guided tour can extend your visit as you delve deeper into the history.Photography is restricted in certain areas, especially the most beautiful parts, encouraging visitors to experience them directly.
Be mindful of signage and guide instructions.Yes, guides are often multilingual and can balance explanations between English and Spanish, catering to mixed groups.
The complex is described as a place to find peace and rest, offering a serene and tranquil environment.
The complex houses a school for boys, indicating a lively environment. While the historical aspects might be more engaging for older children, the peaceful atmosphere can be appreciated by all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The San Francisco Complex itself does not appear to have dining facilities. However, the surrounding streets, particularly Calle San Francisco, are lined with cafes and eateries.
Calle San Francisco is known for its charming cafes. 'El té de Alicia' offers an Alice in Wonderland theme with drinks and desserts, and Aleiana Brunch & Cake is popular for brunch.
Yes, Arequipa is renowned for its cuisine. You can find traditional Peruvian dishes in restaurants located a short walk from the San Francisco Complex in the city center.
Cafes like 'El té de Alicia' offer drinks starting from S/7 and desserts from S/11, making them relatively affordable options.
Calle San Francisco offers a variety of options, from themed cafes with drinks and desserts to places serving hearty meals like 'La Francisca' which offers a 'SalchiExtrema'.
📸 📸 Photography
While the most beautiful parts are restricted from photography, the exterior architecture and the general ambiance of the complex offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is not allowed in certain areas, particularly the most visually stunning sections, to encourage visitors to experience them firsthand.
A versatile camera that can handle both interior and exterior shots would be ideal. Given the restrictions, a smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also sufficient for capturing the permitted views.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and urban areas. It's best to assume drone photography is not permitted without explicit authorization.
Absolutely! Cafes like 'El té de Alicia' on San Francisco street are highly photogenic with their Alice in Wonderland theme.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the themed cafes on Calle San Francisco afterwards, like 'El té de Alicia', which offers a fun, whimsical experience that kids often enjoy. This provides a nice contrast and a more playful activity for the family after exploring the historical site.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the museum within the complex, which houses artifacts that further illuminate the area's past. Even with photography restrictions in certain areas, the depth of historical information available makes it a deeply rewarding experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For a more photogenic experience, explore the nearby Calle San Francisco, which is lined with charming and visually appealing cafes like 'El té de Alicia', known for its whimsical decor. These spots provide ample opportunities for creative shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of San Francisco Complex
Visitors often highlight the peaceful and restful atmosphere within the complex, making it a sanctuary from the bustling city. While the most breathtaking parts are not permitted to be photographed, this rule encourages a deeper, more personal engagement with the site's beauty and history.
Guides like Francisco are frequently praised for their extensive knowledge and engaging explanations, making the historical narratives come alive for visitors. The blend of religious architecture, historical artifacts in the museum, and the ongoing presence of the school creates a unique and layered experience for anyone visiting this Arequipa gem.
Exploring the Surrounding Calle San Francisco
A standout is 'El té de Alicia', a cafe inspired by 'Alice in Wonderland'. It offers a whimsical escape with themed drinks and desserts, perfect for those seeking a bit of magic. Another popular spot is Aleiana Brunch & Cake, known for its delicious brunch offerings, making it a great option for breakfast or an early lunch.
For those craving something more substantial, 'La Francisca' on Calle San Francisco serves hearty dishes like their 'SalchiExtrema'. The street's diverse culinary scene means there's something to satisfy every palate, from sweet treats to savory meals, all within easy reach of the San Francisco Complex.
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