# Cirqa > A 16th-century monastery reimagined as Arequipa's most intimate luxury retreat CIRQA is an intimate 11-room Relais & Châteaux parador in the heart of Arequipa's UNESCO World Heritage historic center. Housed in a restored 16th-century monastery dating to 1540, the property combines original volcanic sillar stone architecture with contemporary Peruvian design. As a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection and recipient of 2 Michelin Keys, CIRQA offers an authentic gateway to Peru's 'White City' - one of South America's most beautiful colonial cities. The restaurant showcases contemporary Arequipeña cuisine inspired by traditional picanterías, making it a culinary destination in one of Peru's gastronomic hubs. Ideal for discerning travelers seeking cultural immersion with refined comfort before exploring Colca Canyon or continuing to Lake Titicaca. Website: https://www.cirqa.pe/ ## Key Facts - Type: Hotel - Rating: 5-star - Rooms: 11 - Location: Arequipa, Peru - Price Range: $$$$ - Check-in: 15:00, Check-out: 12:00 ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What makes CIRQA different from other luxury hotels in Arequipa? CIRQA is Arequipa's only Relais & Châteaux property, housed in a restored 16th-century monastery with original sillar stone architecture. With just 11 rooms, 2 Michelin Keys, and a restaurant celebrating Arequipeña gastronomy, it offers an intimate cultural immersion that larger hotels cannot match. ### Is CIRQA a good base for visiting Colca Canyon? Yes, CIRQA is ideally positioned for Colca Canyon excursions. The hotel arranges private guided tours to see Andean condors at Cruz del Condor, visit traditional villages, and experience the world's deepest canyon. The journey from Arequipa to Colca takes approximately 3-4 hours through stunning Andean landscapes. ### What is the best luxury hotel in Arequipa Peru? CIRQA is widely considered Arequipa's finest luxury hotel, recognized with 2 Michelin Keys and membership in Relais & Châteaux. Its UNESCO-protected historic location, 16th-century architecture, and acclaimed restaurant make it the top choice for discerning travelers visiting Peru's White City. ### How does CIRQA connect to other Andean properties? CIRQA serves as a perfect starting or ending point for multi-property Andean journeys through Peru. Guests commonly continue to Puqio tented camp in Colca Valley for condor watching, then to Titilaka on Lake Titicaca for cultural immersion with Aymara communities. ### What dining experiences does CIRQA offer? CIRQA's restaurant offers contemporary Arequipeña cuisine inspired by traditional picanterías - rustic countryside restaurants unique to Arequipa. The menu celebrates local ingredients and cooking traditions, making it a culinary highlight in one of Peru's most important gastronomic regions. ## Features & Amenities - **Historic Sillar Stone Architecture**: Original volcanic sillar stone walls from 1540, the distinctive white volcanic rock that gives Arequipa its 'White City' nickname - **Contemporary Arequipeña Cuisine**: Restaurant showcasing modern interpretations of traditional picantería dishes using local ingredients from Peru's gastronomic hub - **UNESCO World Heritage Location**: Located in Arequipa's protected historic center, one block from the main plaza in a UNESCO World Heritage site - **Curated Cultural Experiences**: Access to private tours of colonial architecture, artisan workshops, and exclusive visits to nearby Colca Canyon - Relais & Châteaux Member - 2 Michelin Keys - Restaurant - Bar - Rooftop Terrace - Concierge - Airport Transfer - Free WiFi - Room Service - Laundry Service ## Contact - Phone: +51 1 700 5100 - Email: concierge@andean.travel - Book: https://www.cirqa.pe/ - Address: Calle Sucre 104, Arequipa, PE - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cirqa_andean/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cirqabyandean - TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com.pe/Hotel_Review-g294313-d17782922-Reviews-Cirqa_by_Andean-Arequipa_Arequipa_Region.html --- Generated by Spinlink for Cirqa