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Founder's Mansion (La Mansión del Fundador) Tours
8 Reviews
Founder's Mansion (La Mansión del Fundador) dates back to the 17th century, when the Spanish first colonized Peru. Characterized by white volcanic rock painted warm pastel colors, the grand building once belonged to the founder of Arequipa and now attracts visitors with its antique furniture, colonial-style decor, and artwork imbued with Inca symbolism.
The Basics
Due to the mansion’s location around 6 miles (10 kilometers) outside the Historic Center of Arequipa, Founder's Mansion attracts fewer crowds than some of the buildings in the Old Town. The mansion is a popular stop on Arequipa countryside tours, which nearly always include stops at the 18th-century Sabandia Mill (Molino de Sabandía) and the traditional agricultural district of Paucarpata. Opting for a guided tour means that you’ll be able to sit back and soak up the scenery of El Misti volcano rather than worrying about reading maps.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Founder's Mansion is a 20-minute drive from the Historic Center of Arequipa, depending on traffic. Visitors can travel to the building in a private taxi or, for maximum convenience, as part of a countryside tour.
When to Get There
Founder’s Mansion is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Like most of Arequipa’s buildings, the mansion is made of sillar rock, which makes for a cool haven from the daytime heat; consider a midday visit.
The Mighty El Misti
As you explore the countryside of Arequipa, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of El Misti, the snow-capped volcano that’s responsible for the city’s sillar (white-rock) architecture. El Misti, however, isn’t just for admiring from afar: Hiking enthusiasts can summit the mountain on a 2-day hiking tour, which allows you to climb to 19,000 feet (5,800 meters).
The Basics
Due to the mansion’s location around 6 miles (10 kilometers) outside the Historic Center of Arequipa, Founder's Mansion attracts fewer crowds than some of the buildings in the Old Town. The mansion is a popular stop on Arequipa countryside tours, which nearly always include stops at the 18th-century Sabandia Mill (Molino de Sabandía) and the traditional agricultural district of Paucarpata. Opting for a guided tour means that you’ll be able to sit back and soak up the scenery of El Misti volcano rather than worrying about reading maps.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Founder's Mansion plays an important role in Arequipa’s colonial history, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
- Visitors must purchase an admission ticket to enter the mansion.
- Founder's Mansion is accessible on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which allows you to create your own itinerary and spend as much time as you like at each stop.
How to Get There
Founder's Mansion is a 20-minute drive from the Historic Center of Arequipa, depending on traffic. Visitors can travel to the building in a private taxi or, for maximum convenience, as part of a countryside tour.
When to Get There
Founder’s Mansion is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Like most of Arequipa’s buildings, the mansion is made of sillar rock, which makes for a cool haven from the daytime heat; consider a midday visit.
The Mighty El Misti
As you explore the countryside of Arequipa, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of El Misti, the snow-capped volcano that’s responsible for the city’s sillar (white-rock) architecture. El Misti, however, isn’t just for admiring from afar: Hiking enthusiasts can summit the mountain on a 2-day hiking tour, which allows you to climb to 19,000 feet (5,800 meters).
Address: Arequipa 04011, Peru
Admission: Varies
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Founder's Mansion (La Mansión del Fundador)
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Cultural ToursSPECIAL OFFER
Bus City Tour Arequipa - Guided visit by bus
Arequipa, Peru's ‘White City’, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site well worth the visit. See all its top spots while riding in comfort onboard a panoramic bus driven and narrated by a bilingual guide (English & Spanish). Start in Plaza de Armas then take in the scenery offered by a series of viewpoints before making several stops to experience this ancient city on foot and learn some of its long and fascinating history.
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- 4 hours
From
$38.00
$2.00 savings
Ports of Call ToursTOUR AROUND THE CITY AREQUIPA IN BUS
For this tour we will take a panoramic bus tour whose visits will be the Plaza de Armas, the Mirador de Carmen alto, Plaza and Mirador de Carmen Alto, Yanahuara Mirador Church and Plaza, Outcal Incalpaca and zoo, Sachaca District, Tingo Spa, via Landscaper, Mansion of the Founder, Stone Mill in Sabandia and Andenería de Paucarpata. During this trip you will appreciate the scenic splendor that Arequipa has. Making short stops at 5 main points where you can walk around.
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- 4 to 5 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$10.00
Half-day ToursSmall-Group Arequipa Countryside Tour Including La Mansion del Fundador -Mirabus
Get a sense for the rich history and stunning scenery near Arequipa during this 4-hour, small-group, excursion. Travel with a guide and no more than 15 other guests, discovering the stunning landscape of the Chilina Valley and the towering Misti volcano in the distance. You’ll tour the 18th-century stone mill of Sabandia and visit the La Mansion del Fundador, one of the most iconic mansions in the region, before ending your day at the ‘Iron Bridge,’ designed by famed architect Gustave Eiffel. Benefit from a guide and round-trip transport (including hotel pickup, but not hotel drop-off) too.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$15.00
Bus & Minivan ToursSPECIAL OFFER
CITY TOUR AREQUIPA 1/2 day
The service is provided by a panoramic bus and where we can visit the attractions in the City of Arequipa. Known as »White City of Arequipa, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; permanently accompanied by a bilingual guide on board (English, Spanish), with mandatory stops and guided tours of the most attractive places in the city of Arequipa. Our services are provided every day of the year in double hours, in comfortable fully equipped units.
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- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$43.20
$4.80 savings
Cultural ToursAREQUIPA CULTURE AND ADVENTURE WITH TRANSFER TO PUNO
Visit the city of Arequipa where you will observe its living culture, its tourist charms and its delicious gastronomy. It is a visit that includes adventure, flora and fauna observation and experiential tourism.
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- 3 days
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$250.00
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