From Arequipa: Sillar Route and Hike in Culebrillas

Explore the captivating Sillar Route and the scenic Culebrillas area on a 4-hour tour from Arequipa. This intimate experience, limited to 10 participants, offers a chance to explore the ancient sillar extraction process and discover fascinating petroglyphs along the Culebrillas creek. Priced at just $20 per person, this enriching tour combines cultural heritage, local gastronomy, and breathtaking natural landscapes – a must-try for anyone seeking to enjoy the wonders of the Arequipa region.

Key Points

• Explore the Sillar Route from Arequipa, focusing on the Añashuayco quarry and the Culebrillas creek area with ancient petroglyphs.
• Experience a 4-hour guided tour with a maximum of 10 participants, available in Spanish and English.
• Enjoy local gastronomy and culture as part of the tour’s well-rounded experience.
• Benefit from flexible online booking, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and secure spot reservation.
• Note that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with vertigo, or those with recent surgeries.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour from Arequipa offers a chance to explore the Sillar Route and hike in the picturesque Culebrillas area.

Priced from $20 per person, the 4-hour experience is limited to 10 participants and available in both Spanish and English.

Highlights include visiting the Añashuayco quarry to learn about sillar extraction, walking along the Culebrillas creek, and admiring petroglyphs.

The tour includes round-trip transport, a guide, and entrance fees, though it’s not suitable for pregnant women, those with vertigo, or recent surgeries.

Travelers should bring their passport/ID and wear comfortable clothing.

Itinerary and Highlights

The Sillar Route and Culebrillas hike offers a captivating journey through Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

Visitors will explore the Añashuayco quarry, witnessing the intricate process of sillar extraction, a unique volcanic stone used in Arequipa’s iconic architecture.

The tour then leads to the picturesque Culebrillas creek, where guests can admire and photograph the area’s ancient petroglyphs during a 20-minute walk.

Along the way, travelers savor local gastronomy, seeing the region’s vibrant culture.

This four-hour excursion promises an unforgettable experience, limited to 10 participants for a more intimate and personalized adventure.

Booking and Availability

How can travelers check availability and reserve their spot on the Sillar Route and Culebrillas hike? The tour offers a flexible booking process – check availability online and reserve your spot without paying anything upfront.

You can even cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• Conveniently check tour availability with a few clicks

• Secure your spot on the tour by reserving your place

• Enjoy the peace of mind of free cancellation if plans change

With easy booking and cancellation policies, travelers can confidently plan their Sillar Route and Culebrillas adventure.

Inclusions and Exclusions

One highlight of the Sillar Route and Culebrillas hike is the inclusions covered in the tour price.

Travelers enjoy tourist transport, an expert tour guide, and admission fees to the Añashuayco quarry and Culebrillas creek. With these all-inclusive benefits, participants can enjoy the local culture and scenery without additional costs.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with vertigo, or recent surgery patients due to safety concerns.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card and wear comfortable clothing. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the experience.

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Participant Considerations

While the Sillar Route and Culebrillas hike offers numerous inclusions, it’s crucial to consider participant safety and suitability.

The tour isn’t recommended for:

• Pregnant women, due to the physical demands of the hike

• Individuals with vertigo, as the tour may involve exposure to heights

• Those who’ve undergone recent surgeries, as the activity could hinder recovery

Participants should come prepared with comfortable clothing and a valid ID or passport.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Considering these factors will help ensure a memorable and inclusive outing.

Gastronomy and Local Experiences

What’s more, the Sillar Route and Culebrillas hike offers a chance to take in the local gastronomy and traditional experiences.

Participants can savor the region’s renowned cuisine during the tour, savoring local dishes and flavors.

Savor the region’s renowned cuisine, indulging in local dishes and flavors during the tour.

Beyond the food, the experience allows visitors to connect with the area’s culture and heritage. Guests may observe the sillar extraction process, a centuries-old tradition, and explore the natural beauty of Culebrillas creek.

These authentic local interactions elevate the tour, providing a well-rounded experience that goes beyond just sightseeing.

Sillar Quarry and Extraction Process

The Añashuayco quarry serves as the primary source for the sillar, a white volcanic rock that has been an integral part of Arequipa’s architectural landscape for centuries.

During the tour, visitors can witness the intricate process of sillar extraction, gaining insights into the region’s rich heritage.

The quarry features:

• Towering cliffs of the distinctive white stone

• Skilled workers using traditional tools to extract the sillar blocks

• Machinery aiding in the efficient transportation of the heavy material

Exploring the quarry provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the painstaking effort behind Arequipa’s iconic buildings and monuments.

Culebrillas Creek and Petroglyphs

After exploring the Añashuayco quarry, the tour takes visitors on a scenic 20-minute walk through the Culebrillas creek.

Along the way, travelers can admire and photograph the ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock formations. These pre-Columbian rock carvings offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The walk through the serene creek provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city, allowing visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the diverse landscapes surrounding Arequipa.

This segment of the tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the historical and natural wonders of the Sillar Route.

Things To Know

Can I Request a Private Tour or Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, you can request a private tour or customize the itinerary. The tour operator may accommodate special requests, but additional fees may apply. Contact them directly to discuss your preferences and see if they can tailor the experience to your needs.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour isn’t very accessible for individuals with disabilities. It involves hiking and navigating uneven terrain, which could be challenging. Pregnant women and those with recent surgeries or vertigo are also not recommended to participate.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Recommended Age Range for Participants?

There are no explicit age restrictions, but the tour may not be suitable for very young children. It’s recommended for participants aged 8 and above who can handle the moderate hiking and activity level.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration or add activities. The 4-hour itinerary is fixed, though you can explore the area further on your own after the tour. Customized experiences aren’t available for this particular excursion.

Can I Expect to Encounter Any Wildlife or Unique Flora During the Hike?

Visitors may spot unique flora and wildlife during the hike through Culebrillas. The area’s diverse ecosystem offers opportunities to see birds, small mammals, and a variety of native plant species along the creek and surrounding terrain.

Sum Up

This captivating 4-hour tour from Arequipa offers an enriching exploration of the Sillar Route and Culebrillas area. At just $20 per person, this intimate experience allows you to discover the ancient sillar extraction process, admire fascinating petroglyphs, and savor local gastronomy while enjoying the region’s cultural heritage. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on a unique and rewarding adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: