Arequipa’s gastronomy is known for its diverse use of local ingredients & its varied flavours & spices. Similarly, CIRQA’s cuisine is inspired by the taste of Arequipenean countryside picanterias, captivating the essence of the region & its classic dishes. CIRQA’s seasonal menu, curated by Maria Fé García, focuses on simplicity & truthfulness to the local terroir.
Maria Fé’s passion for cooking sparked when she was a little girl watching her grandma prepare meals for the family. Years later after her daughter was born, Maria Fé found herself looking for a novel professional challenge. She instantly knew gastronomy was her new future. She went on to study at the Cordon Bleu & experimented with different ingredients, destinations, & methods. For the past 12 years she has been the executive chef at Relais & Châteaux’s Titilaka & now CIRQA.
“My signature style is focusing on simplicity, but overflowing with flavour; showcasing the authentic essence of the destination’s gastronomy. A kitchen’s success is only achieved when you combine new learnings with what is already known; you don’t replace ancient traditions just like that—you value and use them.”
Breakfast, lunch, & dinner are served in the Salón & the Terraza.
The contemporary Salón combines a casual sitting area with a monastic dining room & a large fireplace. Its décor is complemented by long tables & carefully selected tableware that create an organic aesthetic & tranquil ambiance. The Terraza offers an open space sitting & dining area with a comfortable feel & fire pits. Both are available for guests or walk-ins who have made prior reservations.
The Parador’s new rooftop experience, El Techo de CIRQA, was inspired by old Picanterias. Its particular design resembles the structure of the first Arequipenean road-stops, where travellers from all around would gather to drink and eat traditional food before continuing on to their destinations.
The casual ambiance of “El Techo de CIRQA” offers stunning views of Arequipa’s volcanoes & the surrounding neighbourhoods—great for sundowners.