Discover the captivating world of Arequipa’s sillar stone quarries and the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon on this immersive 10-day tour. For just $22 per person, you’ll witness the skilled craft of stonemason carving, hike to ancient petroglyphs, and uncover the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable region. With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that’ll leave you eager to explore further.

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Key Points

Guided tour exploring the ashlar stone quarries of Arequipa, showcasing stonemason carving techniques.
30-minute hike to the Culebrillas Canyon, featuring ancient petroglyphs and natural beauty.
Round-trip transfers from Arequipa city center and knowledgeable guides fluent in English and Spanish.
Priced at $22 per person for a 10-day adventure, with flexible departure times and free cancellation.
Opportunity to immerse in the cultural heritage and historical significance of Arequipa’s stonemasons.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Arequipa: Sillar route + Culebrillas canyon," offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

Priced at just $22 per person, the 10-day adventure departs twice daily at 8 am and 2 pm, allowing for maximum flexibility.

Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option.

The tour includes round-trip transfers from the Arequipa city center, an experienced English and Spanish-speaking guide, and the opportunity to discover ancient stonemason techniques and the Culebrillas Canyon’s captivating natural wonders.

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Itinerary and Activities

After being picked up at their hotel in Arequipa’s historic center, participants embark on a guided tour of the region’s renowned ashlar stone quarries. Here, they learn the ancient carving techniques of stonemasons, as the quarrymen demonstrate their craft using the lava-derived ashlar stones. Following the quarry visit, adventurers embark on a 30-minute hike to the captivating Culebrillas Canyon, a natural ravine flanked by towering rock walls reaching up to 20 meters high. Along the way, they discover mysterious petroglyphs etched into the canyon’s surfaces, unlocking clues about the area’s rich cultural heritage.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Guided tour of ashlar stone quarries | – |

| Demonstration of stonemason carving techniques | – |

| Hike to Culebrillas Canyon | 30 minutes |

| Exploration of canyon with ancient petroglyphs | – |

Transportation and Guide

For transportation, participants are shuttled to and from the tour sites via bus or minibus, depending on the size of the group.

A knowledgeable guide accompanies the tour in both English and Spanish, ensuring participants can fully understand and engage with the historical and cultural significance of the sites.

The guide provides insights into the quarrying techniques, the canyon’s geography, and the ancient petroglyphs discovered along the way, enriching the overall experience.

A knowledgeable guide provides insights into the quarrying techniques, canyon geography, and ancient petroglyphs, enriching the overall tour experience.

The round-trip transfer to the center of Arequipa is included, making it a convenient and seamless excursion for visitors.

Highlights

Quintessential highlights of the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon tour include the captivating quarry carving techniques, the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon, and the chance to uncover ancient petroglyphs with mysterious meanings.

Explore the living legacy of Arequipa’s stonemasons, whose intricate chiseling skills have endured since ancient times.

Explore the natural wonder of Culebrillas Canyon, where you’ll hike along a trail between towering rock walls up to 20 meters high.

Discover the enigmatic petroglyphs etched into the canyon’s surfaces, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

This tour promises an unforgettable blend of culture and natural splendor.

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Booking Information

To book the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon tour, customers can easily check availability for their preferred dates and number of participants. The meeting point is near Plaza de Armas, which is readily available on Google Maps.

| Tour Information | Details |

| :— | :— |

| Departure Time | 8:00 am and 2:00 pm |

| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours before |

| Payment Method | Reserve now & pay later |

Booking this unique tour is a breeze. Customers simply need to confirm their preferred schedule and group size, then they can secure their spot without paying upfront. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

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Ashlar Stone Quarries and Stonemason Carving

The tour begins with a visit to the legendary ashlar stone quarries, where the skilled stonemasons of Arequipa have been honing their craft for centuries.

Visitors are guided through the quarries, learning about the intricate process of carving these lava-formed stones.

Visitors are guided through the quarries, learning about the intricate process of carving these lava-formed stones.

They’ll witness the stonemasons’ masterful techniques, passed down through generations, as they meticulously shape the ashlar into intricate architectural elements.

The tour provides a rare glimpse into the rich history and artistry behind Arequipa’s iconic buildings, made possible by the stonemasons’ unwavering dedication to their craft.

Culebrillas Canyon Hiking

Next, the tour takes visitors on a 30-minute hike to the captivating Culebrillas Canyon. Descending between towering rock walls standing 15-20 meters high, explorers are immersed in the natural wonder of this hidden ravine. Along the rugged trail, ancient petroglyphs come into view, sparking curiosity about their mysterious meanings. The hike offers a chance to soak in the peaceful serenity of this untouched landscape.

| Hike Duration | Rock Wall Height | Petroglyphs |

| — | — | — |

| 30 minutes | 15-20 meters | Ancient, mysterious |

Ancient Petroglyphs

As visitors descend into the captivating Culebrillas Canyon, they’re met with the sight of ancient petroglyphs adorning the rugged rock walls.

These mysterious carvings, etched into the stone over centuries, depict a range of enigmatic symbols and figures. Experts believe these petroglyphs hold clues to the cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the region’s indigenous peoples.

Visitors can explore the hiking route, marveling at the intricate designs and pondering their significance.

These ancient artworks offer a glimpse into the rich history and traditions that have shaped the landscape of Culebrillas Canyon.

Things To Know

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour can vary, but they typically accommodate small to medium groups. The transportation used – bus or minibus – is determined based on the number of participants.

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

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment for the hike, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes and bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. The hike itself is a moderate 30-minute walk.

Can We Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Crafts During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase additional souvenirs and crafts during the tour. The stonemasons at the ashlar quarries offer a variety of handmade items like sculptures, jewelry, and decorative pieces that make great souvenirs.

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

Yes, travelers can inquire about extending the tour duration or adding more activities to their itinerary. The tour operator may offer custom packages to accommodate special requests, subject to availability and additional fees.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions, but they’ll likely accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other special needs if you let them know in advance. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any dietary accommodations.

Sum Up

The "Arequipa: Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon" tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty of Arequipa. From exploring ashlar stone quarries and witnessing stonemason demonstrations to hiking through the scenic Culebrillas Canyon and discovering ancient petroglyphs, this captivating 10-day adventure is a must-experience for anyone seeking to uncover the wonders of this remarkable region.