CIRQA - Relais & Châteaux

About the property Photo gallery Explore similar

The epitome of Arequipa, a Relais & Chateaux hotel that will submerge you in the city’s World Heritage experience. Just 11 rooms in total and comfortably the best hotel in the city, but skip the small entry-level rooms.

Plan your trip

Stay at CIRQA

Sillar stone architecture wraps you in the past. Secrets whisper from the walls, rekindling the year 1540 when this monastery and its monks first received travellers. Warm Arequipenean traditions continue everywhere, tempered by the nuances of modern travel. This Relais & Chateaux property epitomises Arequipa, celebrating its history while moving subtly into the present, not least in the outstanding restaurant. You’re sleeping in one of the most important buildings in the Arequipa World Heritage site. The only drawback is how 16th-century architecture favoured small rooms, so be very selective over your choice of suite.

Location

One block from the Plaza de Armas, Arequipa’s central square. In the heart of the city’s rich heritage, with all the key historic sights easily reachable on foot.

Rooms

This is certainly a very atmospheric place to stay. Guest rooms combine original medieval architecture and colonial heritage with the necessary modern luxuries.. Unfortunately, being such an old building means many of the rooms are quite small. The entry-level Claustro rooms are only 20 sqm. Go for at least Aposento, but ideally a Boveda room, which measures 48 sqm, has high-vaulted ceilings, separate bathtub, and the most prestigious original features.

Who is it for

Arequipa is a better destination for couples than families. Cirqa is a reflection of this. There’s a grown-up atmosphere and it’s a very romantic place to stay, especially the design balance between old and new.

What to do

You can comfortably explore Arequipa’s main city attractions in half a day but you’ll want to linger a lot longer to appreciate all the streets of colour and cobblestone. This is a slow-paced city with a relaxed atmosphere, great for hand-in-hand strolls every evening. Arequipa is also a base for adventure and there are many volcanoes you can climb nearby, plus a whole range of outdoor activities.