Arequipa, Peru’s stunning "White City," offers a captivating excursion that showcases its unique cultural heritage. The Sillar and Culebrillas Route explores the historic significance of sillar, a volcanic rock used in the city’s iconic architecture. Visitors can witness the active Añashuayco Quarry and hike through the breathtaking Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, all while learning about the region’s ancient Wari culture. This comprehensive 4-hour experience promises an enriching adventure for just $14 – a bargain that may surprise even the most seasoned traveler.

Contents show

Key Points

The tour offers an excursion to the Sillar and Culebrillas Route in Arequipa, providing an opportunity to learn about the Sillar material and visit the Añashuayco Quarry.
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and includes transportation, a professional guide, and entrance tickets to the Añashuayco Quarry and Quebrada de Culebrillas.
Highlights of the tour include exploring the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, observing ancient Wari culture petroglyphs, and viewing Apachetas stone formations.
The tour has received positive reviews from travelers, with praise for the exceptional organization and enriching experience.
Reservations can be made in advance, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The excursion to the Sillar and Culebrillas Route in Arequipa is priced at $14.00 per person and lasts approximately 4 hours.

The tour is available at various starting times, which you can check. Reservations can be made now and paid later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The excursion allows you to learn about the unique sillar material used in Arequipa’s historic center and visit the active Añashuayco Quarry.

You’ll also explore the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon and observe ancient Wari culture petroglyphs and Apachetas stone formations.

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

Experience and Highlights

As you explore the Sillar and Culebrillas Route, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the unique sillar material that has shaped Arequipa’s historic center.

You’ll visit the Añashuayco Quarry, currently in operation, and observe the mega carvings and interact with the quarrymen.

The journey continues into the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, where you’ll marvel at the 15 to 20-meter-high walls and view the ancient Wari culture petroglyphs.

Along the way, you’ll also see the Apachetas, the stone formations symbolizing gratitude and good luck.

Itinerary

The excursion begins at 9:15 AM with the journey to the Sillar Route.

After a 45-minute drive, the group arrives at the Añashuayco Quarry.

They’ll walk for around 20 minutes through the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, with its 15-to-20-meter-high walls.

Along the way, they’ll observe petroglyphs from the Wari culture, which are over a thousand years old, as well as the Apachetas, the symbolic stone formations.

The tour wraps up at 12:30 PM with the return trip to Arequipa, arriving back near the Plaza de Armas around 1:30 PM.

Inclusions

This excursion includes tourist transport, a professional guide, and an entrance ticket priced at 10 soles.

The transportation service takes travelers to the starting point and back to central Arequipa. The knowledgeable guide provides commentary throughout the tour, ensuring participants gain insights into the region’s history and culture.

The entrance ticket grants access to the Añashuayco Quarry and Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.

With these inclusions, the tour offers a comprehensive experience exploring Arequipa’s unique Sillar architecture and ancient Wari petroglyphs, all within a convenient 4-hour duration.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback

Customers have expressed overwhelming satisfaction with this excursion, as evidenced by the tour’s impressive 5/5 rating based on 3 verified reviews.

Travelers from Germany, Russia, and France have praised the excursion’s exceptional organization and enriching experience. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide, well-structured itinerary, and opportunity to interact with quarrymen.

Visitors were captivated by the Sillar material, ancient petroglyphs, and stunning Culebrillas canyon. The excursion has provided a deeply insightful and visually striking exploration of Arequipa’s unique cultural heritage, leaving guests eager to recommend the tour to others.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Sillar: The Unique Material of Arequipa

Sillar, a unique volcanic stone, has long been the primary construction material used throughout Arequipa’s historic center. This lightweight, white stone is quarried from the nearby Añashuayco Quarry, where visitors can observe the quarrymen at work.

Sillar’s popularity stems from its durability, resistance to weathering, and distinctive appearance that has defined Arequipa’s architecture for centuries. The quarrying process, passed down through generations, involves carefully carving and shaping the stone to create the iconic buildings, churches, and plazas that make Arequipa a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exploring the Sillar Route offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring significance of this unique material.

Exploring the Añashuayco Quarry

As visitors approach the Añashuayco Quarry, they’re immediately struck by the scale and complexity of the ongoing operations.

Quarrymen skillfully carve and extract the distinctive Sillar stone, a white volcanic rock that’s been used for centuries to construct Arequipa’s historic buildings. Visitors can observe the meticulous process, from drilling and blasting to transporting the massive blocks.

The quarry’s sheer size and the physicality of the work are awe-inspiring. Guests can also interact with the quarrymen, gaining insight into this centuries-old tradition that’s vital to Arequipa’s architectural identity.

The quarry’s immense scale and the sheer physicality of the work are awe-inspiring. Guests can interact with the quarrymen, gaining insight into this centuries-old tradition.

It’s a captivating glimpse into the city’s unique cultural heritage.

Discovering the Quebrada De Culebrillas Canyon

After exploring the captivating Añashuayco Quarry, the journey continues into the remarkable Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.

Towering walls up to 20 meters high flank the narrow canyon, creating a dramatic natural landscape. Visitors can observe ancient Wari culture petroglyphs, over a thousand years old, adorning the rocky surfaces.

Unique stone formations called Apachetas, representing gratitude and good luck, dot the canyon floor. Trekking through this extraordinary natural wonder provides a fascinating glimpse into Arequipa’s rich cultural and geological heritage.

The experience culminates with a scenic return trip, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and valleys.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Lunch and Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own lunch and snacks on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t include any meals, so you’re free to bring your own food and refreshments to enjoy during the excursion.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Excursion?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available during the excursion. The tour includes stops at the quarry and canyon where guests can use basic restrooms. Travelers can plan accordingly and take advantage of these facilities throughout the 4-hour duration of the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Wheelchair Users or People With Limited Mobility?

The tour may not be fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The route includes some uneven terrain and walking through a canyon with high walls, which could present challenges. It’s best to check with the tour operator for more details.

Can We Make Any Additional Stops or Customize the Itinerary?

The tour’s itinerary can be customized to include additional stops or adjust the duration. Customers should discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who’ll aim to accommodate reasonable requests while ensuring a fulfilling and safe 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 May to October, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor exploration. Travelers can enjoy the itinerary without the risk of rain.

Sum Up

The Excursion to Sillar and Culebrillas Route in Arequipa offers a captivating 4-hour experience that explores the historic significance of sillar, the unique volcanic stone material of the region. Guests will visit an active quarry, hike through the stunning Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, and observe ancient Wari culture petroglyphs and Apachetas stone formations, all while guided by a knowledgeable expert, providing an enriching adventure in this beautiful area of Peru.