Embark on an unforgettable half-day adventure with the "From Arequipa: Sillar Route Tour." This cultural and thrilling experience takes you through the stunning quarries of Arequipa, known as the White City. Explore the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon, then dive into the Ica desert for a buggy ride and sandboarding. As the day winds down, witness an awe-inspiring sunset. With hotel pickup, transportation, and more included, this tour offers an immersive look into the region’s natural wonders. What else awaits on this unique excursion?

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Key Points

This 5-hour tour explores the Sillar Route, a cultural heritage site near Arequipa, featuring unique quarry formations and carvings.
The tour includes a thrilling buggy ride through the Ica desert and an opportunity to try sandboarding on the dunes.
Participants can witness the breathtaking sunset over the orange sand, combining cultural insights and adventure.
The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, and entrance fees for the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon.
Advance booking is recommended due to the limited group size, and there is an option to reserve a spot without upfront payment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sillar Route Tour is a 5-hour activity that takes visitors to explore the city of quarries near Arequipa, known as The White City.

Explore the city of quarries near Arequipa, known as The White City, on this 5-hour Sillar Route Tour.

Priced from $25 per person, the tour is available in English and Spanish for groups limited to 10 participants.

Free cancellation is offered if cancelled 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, and entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon.

Travel insurance is also provided.

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Itinerary Highlights

Visitors on the Sillar Route Tour explore the formations and carvings in the Sillar Route, which has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

They’ll discover the city of quarries near Arequipa, known as The White City.

The tour also includes a thrilling buggy ride through the Ica desert, where participants can try their hand at sandboarding on the dunes.

The highlight is witnessing the sunset in the desert, as the colors blend with the orange sand, creating a breathtaking scene.

This half-day tour offers a unique cultural and adventurous experience in Peru.

Inclusions

The Sillar Route Tour includes hotel pickup and transportation by bus or minibus.

The Sillar Route Tour includes hotel pickup and transportation by bus or minibus.

An English and Spanish speaking guide accompanies the group to provide insights into the cultural significance of the Sillar Route, which is designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

Entrance fees to the Sillar Route ($5 per person) and the Culebrillas Canyon ($5 per person) are also covered.

Plus, the tour provides travel insurance for participants.

Whether you’re exploring the quarries of Arequipa or sandboarding down the dunes, the Sillar Route Tour offers a comprehensive experience with all the necessary inclusions.

Booking Information

When checking availability, customers can select their preferred starting time.

The tour group size is limited to 10 participants, so early booking is recommended. Customers can reserve their spot without any upfront payment, paying later. However, they must book in advance, as the tour requires coordination with the operator.

There’s a free cancellation policy, with a full refund if canceled 24 hours prior to the tour.

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Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Sillar Route Tour is provided on Google Maps, allowing participants to easily locate the starting point.

Detailed directions and a clear address are given, ensuring everyone can find the meeting location with ease.

The guide will be present at the designated spot, ready to greet the group and begin the exciting tour.

Travelers can simply plug the meeting point into their navigation app and arrive on time, ready to embark on the Sillar Route adventure.

This convenient information ensures a smooth start to the half-day tour.

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Exploring the Sillar Route

After being picked up from the designated meeting point, visitors embark on an immersive exploration of the Sillar Route.

Visitors embark on an immersive exploration of the Sillar Route after being picked up from the designated meeting point.

They discover the unique formations and carvings in the "white city" of Arequipa, which has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

The tour highlights include:

Marveling at the intricate designs carved into the volcanic rock known as sillar.
Learning about the historical significance of this ancient quarrying site.
Appreciating the architectural beauty of the buildings constructed using the local sillar stone.
Gaining insights into the cultural traditions and craftsmanship of the region.

Experiencing the Ica Desert

Following the tour of the Sillar Route, visitors embark on an exhilarating journey to the Ica Desert.

They climb aboard a buggy and traverse the vast, undulating sand dunes. Sandboarding down the steep slopes, they experience the thrill of gliding over the golden sand.

As the sun begins to set, the desert transforms, with the warm hues blending seamlessly with the orange dunes. Visitors pause to witness this mesmerizing display, capturing the moment with their cameras.

The Ica Desert excursion offers a captivating contrast to the Sillar Route’s stone formations, providing a dynamic and memorable experience.

Capturing the Sunset

As the sun dips below the horizon, visitors pause to witness the mesmerizing display of warm hues blending seamlessly with the orange dunes.

The desert landscape transforms, casting a golden glow that paints the surrounding scenery.

The desert landscape transforms, casting a golden glow that paints the surrounding scenery in an ethereal, captivating display.

Visitors can:

Capture the vibrant reds, oranges, and pinks that dance across the sky.
Marvel at the way the sun’s rays stretch and refract through the arid air.
Observe the gradual fade from day to night, as the desert is bathed in a soft, ethereal light.
Savor the tranquility of this fleeting moment, as the desert seems to hold its breath.

Things To Know

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement for participants. The group size is limited to 10 people, so the tour may not be suitable for very young children. Travelers should check with the tour operator if they have any concerns about the age of participants.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the Sillar Route Tour. The tour doesn’t provide any meals or snacks, so bringing your own provisions is recommended to enhance your experience during the 5-hour activity.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Participants can inquire about upgrading to a full-day tour that includes additional activities and sites for an extra cost per person.

Does the Tour Accommodate Special Dietary Requirements?

Yes, the tour accommodates special dietary requirements. Travelers can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options when booking. The tour provider will make the necessary arrangements to cater to any dietary needs.

Are Professional Photography Services Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer professional photography services, but participants are welcome to take their own photos during the experience. The guide can provide recommendations on the best spots for capturing great shots along the Sillar Route.

Sum Up

The "From Arequipa: Sillar Route Tour" offers an unforgettable adventure, blending cultural exploration and adrenaline-fueled activities. Discover the stunning quarries of Arequipa, soar over the Ica desert in a thrilling buggy ride, and witness a breathtaking sunset – all while enjoying inclusive transportation and a hassle-free experience. This half-day tour is a must for those seeking an exciting and immersive look into the rich heritage of The White City.

You can check availability for your dates here: