Half-Day Tour in Arequipa: Sillar Route

Arequipa’s captivating Sillar Route offers an unforgettable half-day adventure. Travelers can experience the region’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage on this 4-hour tour. Highlights include the Añashuayco quarry, panoramic views of majestic volcanoes, and witnessing skilled stonemasons at work. Priced at just $26 per person, the tour provides hotel pickup, transportation, and a professional bilingual guide. Whether you’re captivated by ancient petroglyphs or marvel at the city’s renowned architecture, this tour promises an enriching glimpse into Arequipa’s remarkable history and culture.

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Key Points

A 4-hour half-day tour that includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, and admission fees to explore the Sillar route in Arequipa.
Highlights of the tour include visiting a stonemason’s quarry, Farallones Canyon, Mega Carving, and personal apachetas.
The tour offers panoramic photo opportunities at a volcano viewpoint and a visit to the Añashuayco quarry to observe stonemasons and Mega Carving.
Explore the cultural significance of the ashlar stone used in Arequipa’s colonial architecture and learn about the craftsmanship behind it.
The tour is available in English and Spanish, with free cancellation, and recommends comfortable shoes, a camera, and lightweight clothing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This half-day tour in Arequipa takes visitors along the Sillar Route, showcasing the city’s unique volcanic stone architecture.

Priced from $26 per person, the 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, and admission fees.

Highlights include visiting a stonecutter’s quarry, seeing the Farallones Canyon and Mega Carving, and creating personal "apachetas" – rock cairns.

The tour also offers panoramic views of the region’s volcanoes.

With English and Spanish language options and free cancellation, this tour provides an in-depth cultural experience for travelers to Arequipa.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with hotel pickup and transport by van for an hour-long journey.

First, guests stop for panoramic photos at a volcano viewpoint, capturing the striking silhouettes of El Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu.

Next, the group explores the Añashuayco quarry, where they observe skilled stonemasons at work and see the impressive Mega Carving of the Compañía church.

Finally, the tour takes a short walk in the Culebrillas ravine, where visitors can view ancient petroglyphs from the Wari culture and learn about the significance of Apachetas before returning to Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas.

Exploring Ashlar Quarries

Añashuayco quarry serves as the primary hub for Arequipa’s iconic ashlar stone, a type of finely hewn volcanic rock used extensively in the city’s colonial architecture. Visitors can observe stonemasons skillfully carving the stone into intricate designs, including the impressive Mega Carving of Compañía church. The tour also takes guests through the scenic Farallones Canyon, where they can appreciate the natural beauty of the region. After exploring the quarry, the tour moves to the Culebrillas ravine, where petroglyphs from the ancient Wari culture can be seen.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Quarry | Añashuayco |

| Stone Type | Ashlar |

| Uses | Colonial architecture |

| Activities | Stonemason observation, Mega Carving viewing, Farallones Canyon exploration |

Capturing Panoramic Photographs

Along the Sillar route, visitors are treated to sweeping vistas of Arequipa’s iconic volcanoes, El Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu.

The tour includes a photo stop at a designated viewpoint, where guests can capture panoramic shots of these majestic peaks.

The guide encourages participants to:

Frame the volcanoes against the bright blue sky for dramatic contrast.
Zoom in on the unique geological formations and textures of the volcanic rock.
Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most captivating perspectives.

These panoramic photographs serve as lasting souvenirs of the Sillar route experience.

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Experiencing Local Culture and History

As visitors explore the Añashuayco quarry, they’ll have the chance to witness stonemasons at work, shaping the distinctive Sillar stone that has defined Arequipa’s architectural landscape for centuries. Beyond the quarry, the tour offers a glimpse into local culture and history. Guests will walk through the Culebrillas ravine, viewing ancient petroglyphs from the Wari civilization. They’ll also learn about Apachetas, sacred stone cairns built by Andean people. By the end, visitors can even construct their own Apacheta, taking home a piece of this rich cultural heritage.

| Local Culture | Historical Significance |

| — | — |

| Witness stonemasons crafting Sillar stone | View Wari petroglyphs in Culebrillas ravine |

| Learn about Apachetas, sacred stone cairns | Understand the architectural legacy of Sillar stone |

| Construct your own Apacheta souvenir | Explore Arequipa’s deep-rooted Andean traditions |

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes several important elements to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

The tour includes:

Hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a convenient and comfortable start and end to the day.
Tourist transport via van, allowing for a stress-free journey along the Sillar route.
A professional tour guide fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and a deeper understanding of the local culture and history.

Plus, all entrance tickets are included, eliminating the need for guests to worry about additional expenses.

The inclusions work together to create a well-rounded and hassle-free tour experience.

What to Bring

Guests should bring a few essential items to fully enjoy the Sillar Route tour in Arequipa. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the tour involves walking on uneven terrain at the quarry and ravine.

A camera is highly recommended to capture the stunning panoramic views and the Wari petroglyphs. Lightweight, breathable clothing is advised, as the weather can be warm.

It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand to purchase any souvenirs or snacks. With these items, guests can fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of the Sillar Route.

Customer Reviews

Based on the 3 customer reviews, the Sillar Route tour in Arequipa has received an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars.

One reviewer noted it as a "must see in Arequipa," while another wished for "more variety of small figures."

The tour’s highlights include:

Exploring the ashlar quarries, capturing panoramic photographs, and experiencing the local culture and history along the Sillar Route.

Exploring the ashlar quarries.
Capturing panoramic photographs along the Sillar route.
Experiencing the local culture and history.

Despite a few minor suggestions, the Sillar Route tour seems to provide a well-rounded introduction to Arequipa’s unique architectural heritage and cultural traditions.

Things To Know

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour operator offers a private tour option. Travelers can book a private Sillar Route tour for their group, allowing for a more personalized experience. Prices for the private tour may vary from the standard group tour rate.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the Sillar Route itinerary to your preferences. The tour operator offers some flexibility, so you can adjust the activities, duration, and focus areas of the tour to suit your interests.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Tour?

The best time to take the tour is in the morning. Many customers prefer the cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The tour operator recommends booking the tour between 8-10 AM for the optimal experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

There are no discounts or package deals mentioned for this tour. The price is listed as $26.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Reserving now and paying later is an option.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour does not provide any refreshments, so bringing your own snacks and beverages is recommended to stay fueled and hydrated during the 4-hour excursion.

Sum Up

The Half-Day Tour in Arequipa along the Sillar Route offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the city’s renowned architectural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient quarries, witness skilled stonemasons at work, and capture breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes. With an affordable price and a range of inclusions, this tour provides an engaging and memorable way to discover the rich history and traditions of Arequipa.