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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

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 Moments?: Seeing a forest of Puyas de Raimondi near Huarez The trek from Ascobamba to Pillcocancha particularly the hospitality of the campesinos and watching cows being milked by…
RM, London Oct 2017
It was all good and every location was special so cannot choose one in particular.
BC, Beckenham Mar 2012
Highlight?: The train journey to M Picchu and seeing M Picchu - absolutely awesome and I got a seat on the left of the train (for best views!). The tour…
MP, Amersham Jun 2017
Highlights: That's hard.., so many... for Alex: inca trail, for us: condors, lake titicaca, huchuy qosqo, ruins around cusco, colca canyon riding, chinchero market, moray & maras, macchu Picchu /…
CB, Sandwich Jun 2017
Highlights:- It is difficult to pick out just one experience from such a plethora of new ones. There was so much to see and absorb in Peru which was fascinating…
ND, Lewes Jul 2011

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Our Expert's Opinion

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.

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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.
Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.
Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

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.
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.
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.
Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.