It’s the first bridge ever built over the Chili River in 1608. The construction used volcanic ashlar and lime, becoming the gateway to and from the colonial city (now the Historic Centre).

Centuries haven’t weakened its urban importance or its colonial airs, also known as the Old or Royal Bridge. Its current name honors Colonel Francisco Bolognesi, hero of the War of the Pacific and patron of the Peruvian Army.

After crossing the Bolognesi Bridge, you’ll walk towards the Plaza de Armas, the place chosen by the Spanish Garci Manuel de Carbajal to found the city of Arequipa on August 15, 1540. Originally named “la Villa Hermosa de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción del Valle de Arequipa”.

There, surrounded by colonial churches and neo-Renaissance portals, you’ll feel the mystique of Arequipa, a city proud of its traditions. Take the opportunity to ask your guide about the Tuturutu, the copper character of the central fountain.

In the fourth block of Mercaderes Street, one of the main streets in the Historic Centre, you’ll pause to admire the facade of a colonial mansion built in the early 18th century and remodeled in the 19th century.

This building houses the Colonial Los Tambos Hotel, considered one of the oldest in Arequipa. Its name evokes the inns that, in colonial times, hosted travelers and muleteers who arrived in Misti lands.

Back at the Plaza de Armas, you’ll be amazed by the exquisite white ashlar facade of the Church of the Society of Jesus, whose architectural history began to unfold in the second half of the 16th century.

This church was built slowly and progressively, as a miracle of persistence and faith, until it became a unique example of the mestizo or Andean Baroque style.

After admiring the facade of the Church of the Society of Jesus, our guide will lead your nighttime steps towards San Francisco Square, taking the opportunity during the journey to reveal various details of the architecture and history of the old town.

It will be a fun and instructive walk where you’ll be free from symptoms of altitude sickness, because Arequipa is located at 2,400 meters above sea level, an altitude that allows exploration on foot without agitation or headaches.

“A little bit of everything” is the phrase that could describe this square in the Historic Centre, which gathers around it a colonial temple and convent, an artisan center, and several restaurants and pubs that delight palates and festive hearts.

So, during your tour, keep your eyes wide open to spot an ideal spot to return to and extend the night. You can also ask your guide about places to enjoy a good dinner.

It’s not common for the same place to have been the oldest prison and also a school for young ladies. It’s even stranger that this same urban space is now a colorful artisan center and also a Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

These are some of the peculiarities of Fundo El Fierro, a neoclassical building with military architecture that now houses master craftsmen in its colonial surroundings, displaying and selling their inspired creations.

After the nighttime tour, your guide will leave you near the Plaza de Armas.

If you wish to extend your night, you’ll find more than one place to relax and entertain yourself, because the Historic Centre of Arequipa is not only history but also fun, good taste, toasts, music, and even dancing. It’s up to you!