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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

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
Most Memorable Moment?: The train from Cusco to Puno ... Best day by far. Plenty of time to relax and hang out with the family in very comfortable surroundings, fantastic…
KH, Oct 2016
"The most enjoyable… having chocolate pancakes in the narrow cobbled streets of Cusco. And in the mountain village of Aguas Calientas. And in lots of other places. The kids having…
LBM, South Africa Jun 2013
Highlight?: Seeing Machu Picchu for the first time, it literally took my breather away, Ineven had tears in my eyes it is so stunning.
CE, Rickmansworth Jul 2017
“We enjoyed all the places we visited on our holiday in Peru, and the experience was enhanced by friendly and knowledgeable local guides. The spectacular scenery we saw will stay…
MM, Newcastle Upon Thyne Aug 2012
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

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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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Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

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Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.
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.
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.
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.
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.