Discover the origin of the “White City” on a fascinating tour through the quarries where sillar is born, the volcanic stone that gave architectural identity to Arequipa.
The Sillar Route combines history, geology, art, and mysticism in a unique landscape formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. An essential cultural and natural experience to understand the soul of Arequipa.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Location: Arequipa – Quarry Area
Duration: Approximately 4 hours
Modality: Group service
Schedules: Morning or afternoon
Average altitude: 2,400 m.a.s.l.
TECHNICAL DATA
Type of tour: Cultural – Scenic
Hike: Approximately 20 minutes in Quebrada de Culebrillas
Difficulty level: Easy
Climate: Dry and sunny most of the year
DESTINATION EXPERIENCE
Sillar is a volcanic-origin stone (ignimbrite) formed by ancient eruptions of the Chachani volcano. Since colonial times, it has been used to build churches, mansions, and monuments that today form part of Arequipa’s architectural heritage.
During this tour, you will learn about the artisanal extraction process, the history of the stonemasons, and the cultural importance of sillar. You will also explore impressive natural formations and pre-Hispanic vestiges that reveal ancestral presence in the area.
Availability
Daily departures
Transport
Hotel pickup
Guide
It is included in the service
Available languages
English and Spanish
Type of service
Group Service
Cancellation policy
Non-refundable
Maximum altitude
2.400 m.a.s.l
Difficulty
Easy
Location
Arequipa, Perú
Itinerary
Departure to the Sillar Route: We begin our tour from the city of Arequipa heading toward the quarries where sillar originated.
Añashuayco Quarry: We arrive in approximately 45 minutes at Añashuayco Quarry, one of the most representative points of the route.
Here we can appreciate an immense canyon with cliffs (ignimbrite walls) formed by the extraction of sillar. The guide will explain:
- The history of sillar
- Its production process
- Its architectural use from colonial times to the present
At this point, you can also observe the impressive Mega-Carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus, sculpted by the stonemasons themselves as a display of their art and tradition.
Quebrada de Culebrillas: Afterwards, we move to Quebrada de Culebrillas, located 30 minutes from Añashuayco.
Upon arrival, we take an approximately 20-minute walk inside the small natural canyon formed by the passage of water. Its walls reach between 15 and 20 meters in height and rise progressively as we move forward.
At the end of the tour, you can observe petroglyphs made by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago, evidence of pre-Hispanic occupation in the area.
Andean Apachetas: Before returning to the city, we observe the traditional Apachetas, stone formations placed one over another as an ancestral symbol of gratitude to nature and a request for good fortune.
These structures convey a mystical feeling and represent the Andean spiritual connection with Pachamama.
Return to Arequipa: We finish the tour returning to the city.
Important note: Schedules are for reference only. Our operations team will contact you the day before the tour to reconfirm the schedule.
Includes
What's included
- Tourist transportation
- Professional guide
- Entrance to Añashuayco Quarry (S/ 5.00)
- Entrance to Quebrada de Culebrillas (S/ 5.00)
What's not included
- Additional expenses
- Tips for staff
- Snacks or drinks
Recommendations
(CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT)
- Comfortable clothing
- Shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
WHAT TO BRING
- Identity document
- Personal water
- Cash
- Camera
CLIMATE
- Dry climate most of the year
- High solar radiation
- Little natural shade along the route
PHOTOGRAPHY AND CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
- Do not damage petroglyphs
- Do not extract stone fragments
- Do not leave waste
- Respect the work of the stonemasons.
Trade Policies
- Price expressed in Peruvian soles.
- Reservation confirmed with a 20% deposit.
- Remaining balance must be paid 24 hours before the start of the service.
- Cancellations more than 48 hours in advance: partial refund according to operational policies.
- Cancellations less than 24 hours: 100% penalty.
- No show: 100% penalty.
- Service subject to availability.
Price
Sillar Route – Living History in White Stone and Millenary Canyons – Half Day
Half Day
Special Offers
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