A CONTEMPORARY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
A former monastery dating back to 1583, Cirqa has been lovingly restored into a contemporary boutique hotel whilst retaining its original architectural style. The building formed part of the San Agustín church and has an envious position, in the heart of the UNESCO centre of Arequipa, just a short walk from the Plaza de Armas and the Santa Catalina monastery.
Flanked by three volcanoes, Arequipa is known as the ‘White City’ due to the white volcanic rock, known as sillar, which is used in many of the city’s buildings. The strong rock can be found in the arches, columns and high-vaulted ceilings of the hotel.
Inside Cirqa there are two beautiful courtyards, surrounded by eleven individually designed and styled rooms. There is also a heated plunge pool and therapy room. The rooftop has been converted into a restaurant and organic garden, with impressive views of the city’s skyline. A separate dining room and lounge area can be found on the ground floor, which is solely for hotel guests. Cirqa’s restaurant provides a culinary journey through the flavours of Arequipa’s picanterías – known for their use of fresh ingredients and spice as well as their large portions!
Surrounded by art, history and architecture as well as larger natural phenomenon’s like the Colca Canyon and Chilina Valley, Cirqa have their own inhouse guides who are on hand to plan bespoke programs for guests staying on an all-inclusive basis. Activities range from historical tours of the city’s convents and museums, to full-day adrenaline packed adventures, including rafting and mountain biking in the surrounding canyons.
CIRQA, PERU
Cirqa, at a glance,
- 18 stylish suites featuring clean, modern design and local textiles
- Wrap-around terraces with decking and walkways over the water
- Individually controlled, heated floors
- Three lounges and a dining room
- Four acres of grounds
- Boutique selling local products
For leisure and pleasure
- Explore the colonial monasteries of Arequipa’s UNESCO listed old-town, including Santa Catalina and Santa Teresa. Afterwards visit the colourful market of San Camilo and relax in the one of the cafes in La Compania.
- Discover the relatively unknown Salinas y Aguada Banca Reserve, home to wild guanacos and vicuna. Then heard to the Salinas salt flat, a smaller version of the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and home to Andean flamingos in the rainy season.
- Unearth the origins of the sillar volcanic rock in the Culebrillas Canyon, where local masons still work the white stone. Discover petroglyphs which are over 1000 years old and are found in the quarry.
From the first conversation to the final day of our trip, Catherine and the team were helpful, efficient and easy to reach. Their recommendations not only improved our original plans but also made the whole holiday more cost-effective. Even when we needed assistance while away, their response was immediate. We wouldn’t hesitate to travel with them again.
