Excursion + Hike to the Sillar and Culebrillas Route

The Sillar and Culebrillas Route in Arequipa offers an engaging day-long excursion for adventurous travelers. Visitors can explore the iconic Añashuayco Quarries, witnessing the extraction of the region’s signature volcanic rock. Then, they’ll hike through the breathtaking Quebrada de Culebrillas, discovering ancient petroglyphs and dramatic geological formations. With expert guidance, you will uncover Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage as they enjoy the captivating natural landscape. But the true highlight just might be what’s waiting at the end of the trail.

Key Points

• A one-day excursion exploring the Sillar and Culebrillas Route in Arequipa, featuring visits to active quarries and the stunning Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.
• Guided tour providing insights into the history, cultural significance, and architectural identity of the region’s iconic sillar stone.
• Opportunity to observe the extraction and production of sillar, as well as witness ancient Wari petroglyphs and unique geological formations.
• Morning and afternoon departures available, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Overall customer feedback indicates a solid experience, though some note the lack of a private, personalized feel to the excursion.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Excursion

This one-day excursion offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Sillar and Culebrillas Route in Arequipa, a unique and historically significant destination.

Priced from Kč 345 per person, the tour features visits to the Añashuayco Quarries to learn about sillar production and see a large carving, as well as the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon with ancient petroglyphs.

Clients can choose from morning and afternoon departures, with transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees included.

The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking flexibility enables reserving a spot without upfront payment.

Exploring the Sillar Route in Arequipa

As visitors embark on the Sillar Route excursion, they’ll explore the history and cultural significance surrounding the Sillar, a unique volcanic rock material that has shaped the architectural identity of Arequipa’s historic center.

Visitors will explore the history and cultural significance of sillar, the volcanic rock that defines Arequipa’s architectural identity.

The tour takes them to:

• The Añashuayco Quarries, where they observe an active quarry, learn about sillar production, and see a massive carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus.

• The Quebrada de Culebrillas, a canyon with 15-20 meter walls showcasing ancient Wari petroglyphs.

• The Apachetas, stone formations symbolizing gratitude towards nature.

Throughout, the guide provides insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Visit to the Añashuayco Quarries

What awaits visitors at the Añashuayco Quarries? An active quarry where the distinctive sillar stone is extracted.

Visitors can observe the ignimbrite walls and learn about sillar production. The highlight is a massive carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus, demonstrating the skill of the quarry workers.

Guests gain insights into the historical and cultural significance of sillar, the unique volcanic stone that defines Arequipa’s architecture.

This stop offers a firsthand look at the source of materials used to construct Arequipa’s iconic structures, providing context for understanding the city’s rich heritage.

Discovering the Quebrada De Culebrillas

After exploring the Añashuayco Quarries, the excursion leads visitors through the picturesque Quebrada de Culebrillas, a stunning canyon with towering 15-20 meter walls.

Along the way, travelers can:

• Admire the ancient petroglyphs left by the Wari culture, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

• Observe the unique geological formations known as apachetas, stone piles built as a tribute to the land.

• Marvel at the natural beauty of the canyon, with its rugged terrain and dramatic rock walls.

• Learn about the cultural significance of this site from the knowledgeable guide.

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Observing the Apachetas

Along the hike through the Quebrada de Culebrillas, visitors encounter the unique geological formations known as apachetas.

These stone cairns are piled up by hikers as a symbol of gratitude and reverence towards nature. As trekkers pass by, they often add a stone to the existing piles, contributing to the ever-growing structures.

The apachetas serve as markers along the route, guiding travelers and representing the collective appreciation for the stunning landscapes.

These humble yet significant piles of rocks demonstrate the deep connection between the people and the land they traverse, fostering a sense of respect and community.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour commences at 9:15 am, with participants meeting at a designated location near Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas.

The itinerary includes:

• Visiting the Añashuayco Quarries, an active sillar production site, to observe the unique ignimbrite walls and a massive carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus.

• Hiking through the stunning Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, with its 15-20 meter walls, to view ancient Wari petroglyphs.

• Observing the traditional stone formations known as apachetas, which symbolize gratitude towards nature.

• Returning to Arequipa by 1:30 pm, with an alternative 2:00 pm option available.

Inclusions and Pricing

This excursion and hike include various amenities to provide a comfortable and informative experience. The cost is Kč 345 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour includes transportation, a professional guide fluent in English and Spanish, and entrance fees to the locations, which are 10 soles.

| Inclusions | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Tourist transport provided |

| Guidance | Professional guide fluent in English and Spanish |

| Entrance Fees | Includes entrance ticket to locations (10 soles) |

| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund |

| Price | From Kč 345 per person |

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to the information provided, the excursion and hike has received a modest overall rating of 3 out of 5 stars based on 1 review.

The lone reviewer, Varvara from Greece, noted that the tour was good but not private.

While the rating may not be stellar, the feedback highlights a few key points:

• The tour provides a solid overall experience.

• However, it lacks the personalized, private feel that some customers may prefer.

• The rating suggests room for improvement in certain aspects of the excursion.

• Potential customers should consider their preferences when deciding if this tour meets their needs.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks for the excursion. The tour doesn’t provide any meals or refreshments, so bringing a packed lunch or snacks is recommended to sustain energy during the hike.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children, though the hike may be challenging for younger kids. Parents should consider their child’s fitness level and ability to walk through the canyon. The tour provider can advise on age appropriateness.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Gear?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment or gear. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a small backpack with water and snacks are recommended. The terrain is moderate, so no specialized hiking gear is needed.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Price?

The price listed covers the key inclusions, but there may be additional costs not mentioned, such as tips for the guide or any optional purchases during the tour. It’s best to check with the operator for a full breakdown of expenses.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. However, there may be an additional cost for a private excursion. It’s best to check with the tour provider about the availability and pricing for a private option.

Sum Up

The Sillar and Culebrillas Route excursion in Arequipa offers a captivating one-day adventure, where travelers can explore the historical Añashuayco Quarries, the stunning Quebrada de Culebrillas, and learn about the cultural heritage of the region. Guided by experts, participants can enjoy the breathtaking natural landscape and enjoy the unique geological and archaeological features of this remarkable destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: