Historic Center of Arequipa Arequipa, Peru
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe HeritageOutside the door
White sillar monastery
Courtyard braziers warm the pale volcanic sillar stone at dusk, illuminating quiet cloistered walkways and immense glass-paneled arches.
“It’s in a 16th-century monastery… it has such a strong sense of place.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Sleek modern woodwork and black steel fixtures offset dramatic sillar stone vaults.
Remarkable
Founded in 1540, the former monastery stands sculpted from volcanic white ashlar.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The best hotels in South America
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery and AFAR.
These rooms are designed for a lively contrast with the historic backdrop; the décor is sparse, somewhat eclectic, and modernist-influenced.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The UNESCO-listed historic center unfolds right outside, one block from the Plaza de Armas beneath the snowcapped peak of El Misti.
The rooms
Restored volcanic stone surrounds bespoke timber furniture, while spacious Bóveda suites retain original sixteenth-century barrel-vaulted ceilings and freestanding tubs.
The plunge pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated stone plunge pool sits in the central courtyard, framed by pale sillar walls beneath the church dome.
The spa
A quiet therapy room beneath stone vaults hosts private massages and restorative bodywork upon request.
Restaurant
El Salón
Crystal chandeliers hang above long dining tables, where the kitchen serves contemporary takes on traditional Arequipeño picantería recipes.
The ancient walls and soaring barrel ceilings seem to hum with history... but it’s the whopping great panels of glass that have been inserted into the arches that gives it its high drama.
Bar
El Techo
Under woven pendant lights and fabric awnings, this rooftop terrace serves cocktails with views of the surrounding volcanoes.
At the table
White-clothed tables spread across the open-air stone courtyard for sunny lunches and hosted afternoon tea.
How it began
Tracing its origins to Arequipa's founding year in 1540, this ecclesiastical monastery was sculpted from white volcanic ashlar beside San Agustín Church.
“This 11-room Relais & Châteaux hotel resides in a meticulously restored 16th century monastery, displaying soaring vaulted ceilings…”
Good to know
Stay here
CIRQA
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.