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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

Most memorable experience: “Probably visiting the islands on Lake Titicaca followed closely by HB train and Machu Picchu"
TS, Birmingham Dec 2011
Peru was incredible. The slick organisation of Journey Latin America allowed us to really enjoy every moment. The service was excellent and I would thoroughly recommend.
HG, Malvern Oct 2017
Machu Pichu of course.
IB, London Oct 2016
For me, I think that it was the Lords of Sipan and Royal Tombs Museum, and the Temple of the Moon at Trujillo. For Angela, it was Tucume and the…
PS, Reading Jul 2017
Most memorable experience: “The jungle was fantastic and being alone in Lake Titicaca as well.”
SD, South Ealing Mar 2012
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

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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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Real Latin american experts

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Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

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.
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.
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.
Finn Clennett - Travel Expert
Ben Line - Travel Expert

Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Head of Sales.
Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.