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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

We had a private tour, which we think was the best way to do this sort of trip. Although we had only 9 days in Peru in the Cuzco area,…
PS, Reading May 2013
The Belmond train ride to Machu Picchu followed by the tour round Machu Picchu was stunning and very memorable. However, the Amazon was also wonderful, especially the breakfast in a…
MS, Alton Feb 2020
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
Highlight?: The whole of the Ausangate trek - the best short trek we have ever done in terms of scenery and local culture with the added advantage of comfortable mountain…
AST, Berwick-Upon-Tweed Oct 2016
A short note of thanks for organising our Peruvian holiday. The fast moving itinerary went exactly to plan, all the accommodation was excellent and exactly as you described....We all thoroughly…
AF, Chiswick Sep 2012
Highlight?: Machu Picchu
RN, London Nov 2016

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Our Expert's Opinion

Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

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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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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.
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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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Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.