RECOGNISED AROUND THE WORLD
A legacy of excellence honoured year after year
The Monastery of Santa Catalina has been honoured with awards and certifications that reflect its commitment to delivering an exceptional cultural experience to visitors from all over the world.
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice
2012 — 2025
A streak that places the monastery among the world's top 10% most recommended attractions, year after year.
Track record
An award earned year after year
Hover over each year to see the official badge received.
Each award is given to the top 10% of attractions worldwide based on verified traveller reviews.
"This convent shouldn't be missed, even if you've had a colonial-architecture overload. It's one of the most fascinating religious buildings in Peru."
"The serene Convent of Santa Catalina in Arequipa, founded in 1579 under the Dominican order, is the most important and impressive religious monument in Peru."
"The Convent of Santa Catalina is the highlight of any visit to Arequipa."
"The buildings of the historic centre of Arequipa are representative of the fusion of European and indigenous building techniques."
More distinctions
Other recognitions
PERUVIAN STATE · 1944
National Cultural Heritage
Officially declared a national historic and artistic monument by Supreme Resolution No. 3108 of 2 October 1944. The oldest formal recognition the monastery has received, valid for over 80 years.
UNESCO · 2000
World Heritage
Inscribed as part of the Historic Centre of Arequipa on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 2000, during the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Cairns. The monastery is one of the most representative monuments of this heritage ensemble, recognised for its outstanding universal value.
TRAVEL PRESS
Featured by the world's leading travel guides
The monastery has been reviewed and recommended by Lonely Planet, Frommer's, Michelin Guide, Fodor's and Atlas Obscura — some of the most respected publications in cultural tourism and heritage worldwide.
Testimonials
What our visitors say
"Un lugar extraordinario que captura el espíritu del Perú colonial como ningún otro."
María
Mexico
"Une expérience inoubliable. L'architecture, les couleurs, l'histoire. Tout est parfait."
Pierre
France
"A hidden gem that should be on every traveler's list when visiting South America."
John
USA
Come and see for yourself
Discover why the world celebrates us
Live the experience that millions of visitors have enjoyed for over a decade.