Arequipa: Sillar Route and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas

Arequipa’s Sillar Route and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas tour offers a captivating window into the region’s rich cultural legacy. Visitors can enjoy the extraction and crafting of the iconic sillar stone, essential to Arequipa’s architectural identity. The journey continues to the Culebrillas Canyon, where ancient petroglyphs provide a glimpse into the beliefs and lives of the area’s indigenous peoples. This experience seamlessly connects Arequipa’s past and present, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the region’s vibrant heritage.

Key Points

• The Sillar Route in Cerro Colorado covers a span of 2,000 meters, showcasing the extraction and shaping techniques of the ashlar stone used in Arequipa’s architecture.
• The Culebrillas Canyon features ancient petroglyphs that date back over 2,000 years, providing insights into the lives and beliefs of the indigenous people.
• Artisans use traditional tools for stone carving, which is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, allowing visitors to observe the vibrant cultural history of Arequipa.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or visually impaired individuals due to the challenges posed by hiking and uneven surfaces.
• Comfortable shoes and insect repellent are recommended, and the use of weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs is prohibited during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

What’s the Arequipa: Sillar Route and Petroglyphs tour all about? This 4-hour tour takes you through Arequipa’s iconic ashlar stone quarries and the captivating Culebrillas Canyon.

Priced from $26 per person, the tour is limited to 2 participants and available in English and Spanish. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can reserve now and pay later.

Highlights include discovering Arequipa’s history through the Sillar Route, experiencing ancient petroglyphs, and connecting with the artisans’ recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage techniques.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees, but excludes meals.

Exploring the Sillar Route

The tour begins at the Añashuayco quarries in Cerro Colorado, where the ancient ashlar stone that shaped Arequipa’s iconic architecture was extracted. Travelers will explore the quarries, learning about the artisans’ techniques and the material’s origin. The route then leads to the Cutters and Virgin of Culebrillas quarries, where the intricate process of extracting and shaping the sillar is revealed.

| Feature | Description |

|———|————-|

| Quarries | Añashuayco, Cutters, Virgin of Culebrillas |

| Stone | Ashlar, used for Arequipa’s architecture |

| Techniques | Extracting and shaping the sillar stone |

| Distance | Spans 2,000 meters |

After the quarry tour, the path descends into the Culebrillas Canyon, where visitors can marvel at the ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock walls.

Discovering the Petroglyphs of Culebrillas

Descending into the Culebrillas Canyon, visitors can’t help but be captivated by the ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock walls.

These enigmatic symbols, some dating back over 2,000 years, offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the indigenous people who once roamed these lands. Guides share insights into the meanings and significance of the petroglyphs, which depict intricate geometric designs, human and animal figures, and celestial motifs.

As visitors explore the canyon, they’re transported back in time, connecting with the rich cultural heritage that has shaped the region. This unique experience brings the past to life in a truly immersive way.

Artisanal Techniques and Cultural Heritage

As visitors follow the Sillar Route, they’re introduced to the intricate artisanal techniques that have been passed down through generations.

The skilled quarrymen use traditional tools to meticulously carve the ashlar stones, each block a testament to their expertise. This ancient craft, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage, connects the present to Arequipa’s storied past.

Visitors can observe the artisans at work, gaining a deeper appreciation for the effort and artistry that goes into every stone. By honoring these time-honored techniques, the tour celebrates the enduring legacy of Arequipa’s vibrant culture.

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Transportation and Accessibility

Participants begin their journey with a convenient hotel pickup, ensuring a seamless start to their Sillar Route adventure.

The transportation provided during the tour allows guests to focus on the experience, without the hassle of navigating the city.

The tour group size is limited to 2 participants, offering a more personalized and intimate exploration of the quarries and petroglyphs.

While the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or the visually impaired, the organizers aim to accommodate all interested travelers to the best of their abilities.

The tour may not be suitable for some, but the organizers strive to accommodate all interested travelers as best they can.

Clear communication via WhatsApp is encouraged to address any accessibility concerns.

What to Expect During the Tour

The tour begins with a visit to the Añashuayco quarries in Cerro Colorado, where travelers will witness the intricate process of ashlar stone extraction.

Guides will explain the artisans’ techniques and the origins of the materials used to construct Arequipa’s iconic white buildings.

Next, the group will hike to the Culebrillas Canyon to view ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock.

These captivating rock carvings offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Throughout the experience, guests will connect with the past and gain a deeper appreciation for Arequipa’s architectural legacy, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Important Considerations

Certain factors must be considered when booking this tour. The terrain and walking involved may pose challenges for some participants.

This tour isn’t suitable for:

• Pregnant women, as the hiking and uneven surfaces could be risky.

• Wheelchair users, as the quarries and canyon trails aren’t accessible.

• Visually impaired individuals, as the tour relies heavily on visual exploration of the petroglyphs and quarry sites.

Proper attire and preparation are essential. Bringing a valid ID, comfortable shoes, and insect repellent is recommended.

Prohibited items include weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs. Communicating your WhatsApp information can also enhance the booking process.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

How can one book this Arequipa: Sillar Route and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas tour? The booking process is flexible – customers can reserve now and pay later.

The tour is limited to 2 participants, available in English and Spanish. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows for booking flexibility.

The tour is limited to 2 participants, available in English and Spanish. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for booking flexibility.

Customers should provide a WhatsApp number with the correct country code during the booking process for better service.

Certain groups, like pregnant women and wheelchair users, can’t participate. The booking and cancellation policy provides convenience and accessibility for this unique Arequipa experience.

Things To Know

Are There Any Physical Requirements for This Tour?

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or visually impaired people. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothing and be prepared for a moderate amount of walking through uneven terrain.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on this tour. However, meals are not included in the tour price, so any food or beverages brought must be self-provided. The tour focuses on the sightseeing experience rather than providing meals.

Is There an Opportunity to Purchase Souvenirs?

Yes, there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs along the tour. Participants can find local artisan crafts, ceramics, and other traditional items at various stops throughout the experience. However, meals and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Can I Extend or Modify the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended or modified, as it’s a fixed 4-hour itinerary. However, travelers can opt for private tours that offer more flexibility in customizing the experience to their preferences.

Are There Any Photography Restrictions During the Tour?

There are no photography restrictions during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures of the ancient petroglyphs and the beautiful scenery along the Sillar Route, capturing the cultural heritage and natural surroundings.

Sum Up

The Sillar Route and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas tour offers a captivating journey through Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the region’s artisanal traditions, witness the extraction and crafting of the iconic sillar stone, and explore ancient petroglyphs that reveal the beliefs and lives of indigenous peoples. This unique experience seamlessly connects the past and present, showcasing Arequipa’s enduring legacy.

You can check availability for your dates here: