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Cirqa

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An exquisite boutique hotel in a restored former monastery right in the heart of Arequipa’s historical centre.

Dating back to 1540 – the year in which Arequipa was founded – Cirqa pays homage to the dedicated way monks would receive travellers. Listed in the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio and located just a block from Arequipa’s main square, the hotel is a superb place for discovering the city on foot, and to relax and unwind after a day’s exploring.

There are just eleven guest rooms centred around the main terrace, each one stylish and intimate with discreet modern amenities. Cirqa embodies Arequipa’s traditional architecture by flaunting its original sillar volcanic rock walls and many original features have been preserved, including ornate arches and vaulted roofs.

The hotel also offers its own restaurant, inspired by the rural Arequipenean picanterías, and its rooftop bar is a wonderful spot for sundowners under the watchful gaze of Misti volcano.

What our clients say

Highlights?: Maccu Picchu and the trains to and from the Sacred Valley, also the hotels in Cusco and the Sacred valley.
AJ, London Jan 2018
The whole holiday was memorable and the flow and way it had been planned was excellent - we had a build up that allowed us to visit other parts of…
AB, Reading Aug 2012
There were so many highlights, but Machu Picchu and climbing Huana Picchu and the whole Galapagos trip are the most memorable.
GJ, Richmond Jul 2018
Most memorable experience: “Colca Canyon, Floating Islands on Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu without doubt. The journey from Ingapirca to Cuenca was very beautiful.”
CR, Truro Apr 2012
Machu Picchu was the most memorable part of the trip. The rain forest was fun. We loved the Andean Express train journey too.
MdlATS, London Aug 2015
Highlights?: Visiting Machu Picchu and climbing the mountain. The hot springs at Colca Lodge. Seeing the condors in the Colca Canyon. Trying to walk 100yds at almost 5000m. :-)
MP, London Dec 2017

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Our Expert's Opinion

Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.
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After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!