Cirqa

Located in the historic centre of Arequipa, Peru, Hotel Cirqa – Relais & Châteaux shares an age-old bond with the San Agustín Church.

Cirqa is located only one block away from the city’s main square. The striking historic complex formed part of the San Agustin church and lies within walking distance of many of Arequipa’s architectural jewels.

Like the Church’s traditional parador, where monks would receive travellers with one-of-a-kind service and hearty cuisine, Cirqa was fervently inspired by the unbounded hospitality and ecclesiastical history that still define Arequipa to its core.

Honouring this original concept, Cirqa is a place of both rest and fine cuisine. In the hotel, travellers can embark on a myriad of excursions or choose to sample homegrown dishes in the several eating areas.

As Arequipenean tradition dictates, good food is fundamental. On the one hand, our comedor serves exclusively to overnight guests and a few outside guests with prior reservation. On the other hand, our rooftop eatery is open to the public.

As Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa is located at an altitude of 2335 m (7661 ft) and safely surrounded by three snow-capped volcanoes. At the hearth of Peru’s southern circuit, this colonial gem is home to beautiful architecture and a wonderful year-round climate.

The estate echoes 1540 – the year in which Arequipa was built – and safeguards the unique character of its traditional arequipean architecture.

Cirqa’s powerful walls, arches and columns, all made of volcanic sillar rock, were conserved as carefully as possible and form the timeless nucleus of the property on the first floor where carefully designed rooms, of which some have the original high- vaulted ceiling. The rooftop is converted into an organic garden which serves as the base for a rural style picantería in the heart of the city.

Cirqa’s cuisine is inspired by the taste and ingredients of the traditional Arequipenean countryside picanterías, but in a contemporary format.

With enticing aromas carried throughout the city, our kitchen team was immediately inspired by the native blend of flavours. While Arequipenean gastronomy is known for its abundance, use of local ingredients and spice, Cirqa adds a refined touch to every dish. All lunch and dinner options, locally-inspired or all-time classics, captivate the essence of Arequipa, its heritage, legacy and traditions.

The hotel offers eleven exquisite rooms, centred around two patios. Every room is decorated with sophisticated sturdy furniture, the finest linens and includes a smart HDTV with DirecTV and Netflix, air-conditioning and heating, a personal safe, a wireless speaker, organic tailormade amenities, complimentary snacks and beverage service and housekeeping twice a day.