Sillar Route With Hike Through Culebrillas in Arequipa

Uncover the geological wonders and cultural heritage of the Sillar Route, where stonemasons' craftsmanship and ancient Wari petroglyphs await your discovery.

The Sillar Route in Arequipa offers an enriching blend of natural and cultural delights. Visitors can explore the majestic Andean landscapes, witness skilled stonemasons at work, and uncover ancient Wari petroglyphs – all within a compact 4-hour tour. With stunning viewpoints and a scenic trek through the Culebrillas Ravine, this $13 per person experience promises to immerse travelers in the region’s remarkable geological and historical heritage. What else might this captivating tour have in store?

Key Points

  • The Sillar Route hike in Arequipa offers a 4-hour tour priced at $13 per person, with two departure times and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
  • The tour highlights include the Megacavado, scenic viewpoints, Culebrillas Canyon, and the opportunity to observe stonemasons working with the white volcanic sillar stone.
  • The itinerary includes a visit to the Añashuayco Quarry, a hike through the Culebrillas Ravine to see Wari petroglyphs, and stunning views of volcanoes and Andean terraces.
  • The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and an entrance ticket, providing an immersive experience of Arequipa’s geological and cultural heritage.
  • Visitors can explore the Sillar quarries, learn about sillar production, and observe the Apachetas, stone formations honoring the natural landscape, during the Sillar Route hike.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sillar Route hike in Arequipa offers a comprehensive tour that takes visitors through the city’s iconic sillar quarries and the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon.

Priced at just $13 per person, the 4-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a convenient "reserve now, pay later" option.

Highlights include the Megacavado at the Añashuayco Quarries, the scenic viewpoint of the volcanoes and Andenerías, and a 20-minute walk through the Culebrillas Canyon to see Wari culture petroglyphs.

With two departure times available, the tour provides a well-rounded experience to explore Arequipa’s rich history and natural wonders.

Tour Highlights

Sillar Route in Arequipa presents visitors with a captivating journey through the city’s iconic quarries and the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon.

Highlights include the Megacavado, an impressive quarry site where stonemasons demonstrate the production of sillar, the white volcanic stone that defines Arequipa’s architecture.

Trekkers can explore the Culebrillas Ravine, discovering ancient Wari petroglyphs along the 20-minute hike.

The tour also showcases stunning views of the towering volcanoes and Andean terraces that frame the Chilina Valley.

The Chilina Valley’s landscape is framed by towering volcanoes and Andean terraces, offering visitors stunning vistas.

Finally, visitors can observe the symbolic Apachetas, stone formations honoring the region’s natural wonders.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at 9:15 AM with a visit to the Sillar Route, where participants can explore the iconic quarries and historical sites.

Next, the group stops at a viewpoint to admire the stunning vistas of the Volcanoes and Chilina Valley.

The journey then continues to the Añashuayco Quarry, where travelers observe stonemasons at work and learn about the production of sillar, a unique white volcanic stone.

The final destination is the Culebrillas Ravine, where a 20-minute walk through the canyon reveals Wari culture petroglyphs and the symbolic Apachetas stone formations.

Return Information

At 12:30 PM, the tour begins its return trip to Arequipa. The journey takes about an hour, arriving near the Plaza de Armas in the city around 1:30 PM.

For those unable to join the initial 9:15 AM tour, an additional shift is available at 2:00 PM. The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and an entrance ticket costing 10 soles.

Participants are advised to check availability for their desired date and number of people. The meeting point is provided on Google Maps for easy navigation to the starting location.

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Inclusions and Meeting Point

The tour includes transportation, a professional guide, and an entrance ticket costing 10 soles.

To join the tour, you’ll need to check availability for your preferred date and number of participants. The meeting point is available on Google Maps, making it easy to find.

The key inclusions are:

  1. Tourist transportation

  2. Professional guide

  3. Entrance ticket (10 soles)

  4. Availability check for your desired date and number of participants

With these inclusions, you’re set to embark on the Sillar Route hike through the stunning Culebrillas in Arequipa.

Exploring the Sillar Route

As you embark on the Sillar Route hike, you’ll be immersed in the rich history and natural wonders of Arequipa.

The tour starts with a visit to the Sillar quarries, where you’ll observe stonemasons crafting the distinctive white volcanic stone used in Arequipa’s architecture.

Observe stonemasons crafting the distinctive white volcanic stone used in Arequipa’s architecture at the Sillar quarries.

At the Añashuayco Quarry, you’ll learn about the intricate process of sillar production.

The highlight is the trek through the Culebrillas Ravine, where you’ll discover Wari petroglyphs and marvel at the impressive Apachetas, stone formations honoring the natural landscape.

This captivating journey showcases Arequipa’s deep connection to its geological and cultural heritage.

Discovering the Añashuayco Quarry

After exploring the stunning Culebrillas Ravine, the next captivating stop on the Sillar Route is the Añashuayco Quarry. Here, visitors can observe skilled stonemasons carving the distinct white sillar stone.

The quarry offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and production of this iconic regional material:

  1. Sillar, a volcanic rock, has been extracted from Añashuayco for centuries to construct Arequipa’s famous white buildings.

  2. Visitors can witness the meticulous process of quarrying, shaping, and transporting the heavy blocks of stone.

  3. Guides provide insights into the cultural significance and sustainable practices of sillar production.

  4. The quarry’s megacavado, or large excavation, showcases the scale and complexity of this centuries-old industry.

Trekking Through the Culebrillas Ravine

Leaving the impressive Añashuayco Quarry behind, visitors embark on a captivating 30-minute journey to the Culebrillas Ravine.

The ravine’s steep walls and rugged terrain offer a glimpse into the region’s geological past. As they descend into the canyon, guests witness ancient Wari culture petroglyphs etched into the rock, a testament to the area’s rich history.

During the 20-minute trek, they marvel at the natural beauty of the ravine, with its striking rock formations and tranquil atmosphere.

The ravine’s striking rock formations and tranquil atmosphere captivate visitors during the 20-minute trek through the rugged terrain.

The experience culminates with the observation of the Apachetas – stone piles symbolizing gratitude to the natural world.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for Children and Elderly Participants?

The tour seems suitable for children and elderly participants. The itinerary includes a moderate hike and visits to historical sites, which can accommodate various fitness levels. The tour length of 4 hours also allows for breaks.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Water During the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and water during the tour. The tour does not provide any food or beverages, so it’s recommended to bring your own refreshments to stay hydrated and fueled throughout the 4-hour experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Guests can arrange to visit additional sites like colonial churches or markets for an extra fee. The tour operator is flexible in customizing the experience.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Take This Tour?

The best time to take this tour is during the dry season, typically from April to November, when weather conditions are mild and pleasant. Visitors can enjoy the scenic landscapes and outdoor activities without the risk of rain interrupting the experience.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. The tour provider is flexible and willing to tailor the itinerary to meet the needs and preferences of each group or individual participant.

Sum Up

The Sillar Route with a hike through Culebrillas in Arequipa offers an enriching experience blending nature and culture. This 4-hour tour, priced at just $13 per person, takes visitors to stunning viewpoints showcasing the majestic Andean landscapes and volcanic formations. Participants can explore the Añashuayco Quarry and trek through the Culebrillas Ravine, where ancient Wari petroglyphs highlight the region’s rich geological and cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: