Arequipa: Sillar Route Tour.

The Arequipa: Sillar Route Tour promises an immersive exploration of the city’s architectural heritage, centered around the unique volcanic stone known as sillar. Priced affordably at just $12.50 per person, the tour departs from the iconic Plaza de Armas and includes convenient hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a knowledgeable guide. From the stunning views of Mirador de los Volcanes to the insights into traditional stone extraction techniques, this culturally enriching experience caters to travelers of all ages, 5 to 65. What secrets of Arequipa’s past might this tour unveil?

Contents show

Key Points

Immersive 4-hour tour exploring Arequipa’s architectural heritage, including the Mirador de los Volcanes, Añashuayco Quarry, and Culebrillas Ravine.
Priced from $12.50 per person, with English and Spanish tours available, hotel pickup, and air-conditioned transportation.
Opportunity to witness the traditional extraction and carving techniques of sillar, the volcanic stone that gives Arequipa its "White City" nickname.
Insights into Arequipa’s rich heritage, blending ancient practices with modern preservation efforts.
Suitable for participants aged 5 to 65, with groups limited to 16 people and private tours available upon request.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Arequipa: Sillar Route Tour offers an immersive exploration of Arequipa’s architectural heritage. Priced from $12.50 per person, this 4-hour tour showcases the city’s iconic volcanic stone, known as sillar.

Conducted in English and Spanish, the tour departs from Plaza de Armas and includes highlights like the Mirador de los Volcanes, Añashuayco Quarry, and Culebrillas Ravine.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour is suitable for ages 5-65.

Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and entrance tickets are included, providing a comprehensive cultural experience.

Looking for more options in Arequipa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Plaza de Armas de Arequipa, the tour takes travelers to the Mirador de los Volcanes, offering panoramic views of the majestic Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes.

Next, the group explores the Añashuayco Quarry, witnessing the extraction and carving techniques of the iconic sillar stone that gives Arequipa its "White City" nickname.

Visitors observe the extraction and carving of the iconic sillar stone that earned Arequipa its "White City" title.

The tour then visits Culebrillas Ravine, where participants can see fascinating petroglyphs and enjoy a 20-minute walk.

The tour concludes with a return to the Plaza de Armas de Arequipa, providing a comprehensive experience of Arequipa’s unique cultural heritage.

Cultural Insights

As visitors explore the Arequipa Sillar Route Tour, they’ll discover the volcanic stone that gives the city its iconic "White City" nickname. Known as sillar, this stone has been quarried and carved since colonial times, showcasing techniques still used today.

Travelers will witness the entire process, from extraction to sculptural creation. Along the way, they’ll spot Apachetas – traditional Inca stone structures found along the trail.

These cultural insights offer a unique glimpse into Arequipa’s rich heritage, blending ancient practices with modern-day preservation efforts.

Inclusions and Special Activities

The Arequipa Sillar Route Tour includes several special activities and services to enhance the experience.

A professional guide accompanies participants, providing insight into the tour’s cultural and historical aspects. Hotel pick-up and air-conditioned transportation ensure a comfortable journey.

Entrance tickets to all sites are included, allowing seamless access. Lunch and drinks are provided, catering to the group’s needs.

Plus, the tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the entire process of extracting and carving the iconic sillar stone, a key element of Arequipa’s architectural heritage.

These inclusions create a comprehensive and immersive tour experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

The Arequipa Sillar Route Tour is suitable for participants aged 5 to 65 years.

Groups are limited to 16 people, but private tours can be arranged. Children under 5 and people over 65 aren’t recommended for this tour.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.

The meeting point is the Plaza de Armas de Arequipa, and the guide will provide orientation via phone.

Visitors are advised to have their phones charged and be ready for a 4-hour tour exploring the volcanic stone that makes Arequipa the "White City".

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Customer Reviews

Visitors to the Arequipa Sillar Route Tour have overwhelmingly positive experiences, with one reviewer describing the tour as "Muy bien todo!"

The tour boasts a solid 5/5 rating based on a single review so far. Customers appreciate the opportunity to:

Discover Arequipa’s iconic volcanic stone.
Witness the extraction and carving of sillar firsthand.
Explore the ancient Culebrillas Ravine.

With a professional guide, air-conditioned transportation, and included lunch, the Sillar Route Tour provides an immersive cultural experience.

As more travelers discover this unique offering, additional glowing reviews are sure to follow.

Departure and Return Details

The Arequipa Sillar Route Tour departs from the Plaza de Armas de Arequipa, the city’s central square.

From there, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to the Mirador de los Volcanes, a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes.

Next, you’ll explore the Añashuayco Quarry, witnessing the extraction and carving of the iconic sillar stone that gives Arequipa its "White City" nickname.

The tour then takes you to the Culebrillas Ravine, where you’ll see ancient petroglyphs and enjoy a 20-minute walk.

Finally, you’ll return to the Plaza de Armas, completing the four-hour Sillar Route adventure.

Booking and Reservation Policies

To book the Arequipa Sillar Route Tour, visitors can reserve their spot and pay nothing today.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Private tours are available with prior coordination for groups of any size.

Key booking policies include:

Prices start from $12.50 per person.
The tour is suitable for ages 5 to 65 years.
Groups are limited to 16 participants, with private options available.

Travelers can secure their tour and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience for this immersive exploration of Arequipa’s iconic Sillar stone.

Things To Know

Are Children Under 5 Allowed on the Tour?

Children under 5 are not allowed on the tour. The tour is suitable for ages 5 to 65 years old, per the important information provided. Private tours may be available for families with younger children with prior coordination.

How Long Is the Walk at Culebrillas Ravine?

The tour includes a 20-minute walk along Culebrillas Ravine, where participants can view petroglyphs. This scenic portion of the itinerary allows visitors to explore the natural landscape and cultural features of the area.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for Private Tours?

The maximum group size for private tours is flexible, with prior coordination. According to the information provided, private tours are available, allowing for customization and smaller group sizes beyond the standard 16-participant limit for the group tour.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish to Participate?

No, you don’t need to speak Spanish to participate. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, so English-only speakers can fully enjoy the experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch and drinks as part of the package. It’s best to rely on the provided refreshments to fully enjoy the experience.

Sum Up

The Arequipa: Sillar Route Tour offers an immersive and affordable cultural experience. Visitors can explore the city’s unique volcanic stone architecture, witness traditional extraction techniques, and enjoy stunning views. With hotel pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and a professional guide, this 4-hour tour is perfect for travelers of all ages seeking to uncover Arequipa’s rich heritage. It’s a must-do activity for anyone visiting this captivating Peruvian city.

You can check availability for your dates here: