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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?: 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
Most Memorable Moment?: Perhaps looking down on Machu Pichu for the first time, or was it the ceviche for lunch as part of the buffet in the Sacred Valley, or…
AD, Cheltenham Feb 2016
Highlight?: Walking and running on the cliffs of Lima. Food tour in Lima.
CC, Settle Feb 2018
Highlight?: Too many to mention but the Condors and Machu Picchu were spectacular.
GB, Westerham Jun 2017
"The aim was always to get to Machu Pichu and we did it in style all the way. MP was everything we expected. Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu hotel…
JE, London Nov 2014
Most memorable experience: “The jungle was fantastic and being alone in Lake Titicaca as well.”
SD, South Ealing Mar 2012

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Our Expert's Opinion

Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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Get in touch Meet our experts

Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.
Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.
Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.
Alex Walker - Travel Expert

A globetrotter since her childhood, Alex spent a year studying abroad in Guadalajara and has returned to Latin America countless times since then.
Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

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!