Background
Casa Arequipa was a neo-colonial home built for a wealthy family in the mid-20th century. The best local and imported materials were employed in the construction:

• Sillar, or crushed volcanic ash from the surrounding volcanos for the walls;
• Marble and mahagony for the floors;
• Hand-crafted wrought iron for the interior fixtures.

In 2002, an Arequipa native and an American writer purchased the property and transformed it into a boutique bed and breakfast. Painstaking efforts were put into maintaining the original features of the building. But bathrooms were constructed in each room and other modern features were added. The result is an alluring mix of Old World grandeur and contemporary amenities.

The Interior
The interior of the house is dominated by a handsome lobby. It is furnished especially for lounging, sipping cocktails or coca tea. Fresh flowers and candles complete the romantic atmosphere. The adjoining dining room, another elegant space, is where breakfast or gourmet dinners are served.

A small balcony and open-air top-floor roof deck also offer a dramatic view of the Andes.