Uncover the hidden wonders of Arequipa’s geological past on this captivating 4-hour excursion. Venture through the captivating Sillar Route, where ancient quarries reveal the story of the iconic white stone that’s shaped the city’s architecture. Hike into the Quebrada de Culebrillas, where ancient petroglyphs await discovery. With an expert guide, you’ll explore the rich cultural traditions surrounding this remarkable natural landscape. Get ready to be captivated by Arequipa’s geological and historical treasures.

Contents show

Key Points

A 4-hour excursion that explores the Sillar Route, including visits to quarries, a viewpoint, and the Añashuayco Quarry, with a 20-minute hike in Quebrada de Culebrillas.
Priced at $19.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and includes tourist transport, a professional guide, and entrance tickets.
Offers insights into the history, production, and usage of sillar, a unique ignimbrite stone formed by the region’s fiery geological past.
Highlights include the Añashuayco Quarry and the ancient Wari petroglyphs observed during the Culebrillas canyon hike.
Features positive customer feedback, with an overall rating of 5/5 based on verified reviews praising the captivating geology, history, and knowledgeable guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview and Pricing

Spanning 4 hours, the Sillar Route excursion in Culebrillas offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s iconic quarried stone for just $19.00 per person.

Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The excursion features visits to quarries, a viewpoint for volcanoes and Chilina Valley, and the operational Añashuayco Quarry.

Explore quarries, volcanoes, and the Añashuayco Quarry on this excursion through the iconic Culebrillas region.

Guests will learn about sillar’s history, production, and usage, and even try their hand at stone cutting.

The itinerary also includes a 20-minute hike through the Quebrada de Culebrillas and a chance to view ancient petroglyphs.

Love being outdoors? Check out these other hiking spots we've covered in Cusco

Itinerary and Highlights

The excursion begins at 9:15 am with a journey to the Sillar Route, where visitors will explore quarries and areas of sillar origin.

They’ll stop at a viewpoint to admire the volcanoes and Chilina Valley.

Next, they’ll visit the Añashuayco Quarry, an operational site with impressive ignimbrite walls. Guests will learn about sillar’s history, production, and usage, and even try stone cutting with the quarrymen.

They’ll then hike for 20 minutes in the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, spotting ancient petroglyphs and Apachetas, stone formations symbolizing gratitude to nature.

The excursion concludes with a return to Arequipa by 1:30 pm.

Included Services

The excursion includes several services to enhance the experience.

Travelers will enjoy tourist transport to and from the sites. A professional guide will lead the tour, providing information in both English and Spanish.

Entrance tickets to all locations are included, costing 10 soles per person. However, any additional expenses or tips aren’t covered.

The guide’s expertise and the included admission fees ensure a seamless and informative outing along the Sillar Route and through the Culebrillas canyon.

With these valuable services, participants can fully enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of the region.

Language and Guide

As a highlight of the Sillar Route excursion, the tour is led by a live guide who’s fluent in both English and Spanish.

This ensures that all guests, regardless of their primary language, can fully engage with and understand the historical and cultural significance of the sillar quarries, petroglyphs, and other landmarks.

The guide’s expertise and multilingual capabilities allow them to provide in-depth explanations, answer questions, and ensure a seamless and enriching experience for all participants.

This attention to language accessibility is a key feature that sets this excursion apart and caters to the diverse needs of travelers.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Sillar Route excursion, with the experience earning a stellar 5/5 rating based on a verified review.

One reviewer, Lucile Campos from France, raved about the captivating geology and history learned on the tour. She was particularly fascinated by the operational Añashuayco Quarry, where she witnessed the skilled quarrymen at work.

The 20-minute hike through the stunning Culebrillas canyon, with its towering walls and ancient petroglyphs, was another highlight.

Customers consistently applaud the knowledgeable guide, who brings the story of Arequipa’s iconic sillar stone to life in both English and Spanish.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Geological Significance of Sillar

Because Arequipa’s iconic sillar stone is an ignimbrite, a type of volcanic rock formed by pyroclastic flows, it holds immense geological significance.

The sillar quarries showcase intricate geological formations, revealing the region’s fiery past. Visitors can observe the layered, compacted ash and debris that make up this unique stone.

The sillar quarries showcase intricate geological formations, revealing the region’s fiery past. Visitors can observe the layered, compacted ash and debris that make up this unique stone.

The towering cliffs at Añashuayco Quarry demonstrate sillar’s durability and the immense forces that shaped it.

Exploring the Culebrillas canyon, with its towering walls of this volcanic stone, offers a glimpse into the area’s dynamic geological history and the forces that sculpted the Andes over millennia.

Cultural Insights and Traditions

The Sillar Route excursion not only offers a geological exploration but also immerses visitors in the rich cultural traditions of the Arequipa region.

Along the way, travelers can observe ancient Wari petroglyphs, remnants of a pre-Inca civilization. The Apachetas, or stone cairns, serve as symbolic gestures of gratitude to the natural world.

Visitors can even witness the artistry of the quarrymen, learning about the skilled craft of stone cutting that has endured for generations.

This culture adds depth to the excursion, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Arequipa’s enduring heritage.

Planning Your Excursion

When planning your Sillar Route excursion, it’s important to book your spot in advance to secure your preferred date and time.

The 4-hour tour is priced at $19 per person and includes transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees. You can reserve your spot without upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

The excursion covers the Sillar Route, with visits to quarries, a viewpoint, and a hike in Culebrillas Canyon. You’ll learn about the history, production, and usage of the region’s iconic sillar stone.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, as it includes a 20-minute hike in a canyon with high walls. However, the other activities on the Sillar Route can likely be enjoyed by those with limited mobility.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Excursion?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. The tour doesn’t provide meals, so bringing snacks and beverages is recommended to fuel the hiking and sightseeing activities throughout the day.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. The 4-hour excursion can be expanded to a full-day experience upon request, allowing more time to explore the quarries, hike in Culebrillas, and immerse in the history and culture of the Sillar Route.

Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Hike?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment for the hike. Comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended to fully enjoy the 20-minute trek through the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.

Can We Visit Other Attractions in Arequipa Before or After the Tour?

Yes, you can visit other attractions in Arequipa before or after the tour. The tour drop-off location near the Plaza de Armas makes it convenient to explore the city’s historic center and other sights on your own schedule.

Sum Up

The 4-Hour Sillar Route Excursion offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Arequipa’s rich geological and cultural heritage. Priced at just $19.00, the tour provides a well-rounded experience, from visiting working quarries to admiring ancient petroglyphs. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, adventurers can enjoy the captivating stories of this stunning region, making it a must-do activity for those seeking to uncover the secrets of Arequipa’s impressive sillar stone.