Arequipa: Route of Sillar and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas

Arequipa’s unique architectural heritage comes alive in the ‘Route of Sillar and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas’ tour. Visitors can explore the Añashuayco Quarries, where local artisans have long harvested the region’s distinctive white sillar stone – a key material used in constructing Arequipa’s iconic buildings. Beyond the quarries, the tour also unveils ancient Wari petroglyphs, offering a window into the area’s rich cultural past. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about Peru’s history, this excursion promises an immersive and unforgettable experience.

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Key Points

This tour offers a 4-hour exploration of Arequipa’s Añashuayco Quarries and ancient Wari petroglyphs, providing insights into the city’s unique sillar stone architecture.
Priced at $26 per person with free cancellation, the tour includes hotel pickup, professional bilingual guide, and admission to the Culebrillas canyon.
Visitors can learn about the artisan techniques of sillar stone extraction, which has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Peru.
The tour showcases the historical significance and cultural value of Arequipa’s local architecture, which heavily relies on the distinctive sillar stone.
Customer feedback highlights the tour’s immersive cultural experience, excellent value, and a knowledgeable and accommodating guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour is titled "Arequipa: Route of Sillar and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas" and is priced from $26.00 per person.

Explore the "Arequipa: Route of Sillar and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas" tour, priced from $26.00 per person.

This 4-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

Travelers will be picked up from their Arequipa hotel and explore the Añashuayco Quarries, Cutters, and Virgin of Culebrillas quarry, learning about the unique sillar stone extraction techniques.

They’ll also observe ancient Wari petroglyphs before returning to Arequipa’s city center.

This tour is considered a cultural heritage experience, showcasing the artisanal methods used in local architecture.

Looking for more options in Arequipa? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

After being picked up at their hotel in Arequipa, travelers embark on a journey to explore the Añashuayco Quarries, Cutters, and Virgin of Culebrillas quarry.

They’ll witness the immense canyon with its towering cliffs and learn about the intricate techniques used to extract the Sillar stone, a local volcanic rock vital for Arequipa’s architecture.

Next, they’ll observe ancient petroglyphs created by the Wari culture over a millennium ago.

The tour concludes with a return to the center of Arequipa, offering a unique cultural experience showcasing the region’s rich heritage and artisanal traditions.

Cultural Significance

The Sillar route is considered a unique proposal, showcasing the artisan techniques of ashlar extraction. Declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation, the Sillar stone is crucial for local architecture in Arequipa.

The immense canyon with its cliffs and quarries highlights a centuries-old tradition of extracting and shaping this distinctive white stone. Visitors can observe the skilled manual labor required to produce the Sillar, a process passed down through generations.

This cultural route offers an opportunity to appreciate the historical significance and artistry behind Arequipa’s iconic architecture, made possible by the dedicated work of local quarrymen.

Inclusions and Requirements

This tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and admission to the Culebrillas canyon.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID card, wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring insect repellent. Cash is recommended as some vendors may not accept cards.

The tour covers unique cultural and historical sites, so visitors should be prepared to explore on foot and learn about the local artisan techniques of extracting the Sillar stone.

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Customer Feedback

How does the customer feedback for this tour appear?

Based on the single 5/5 review, it seems the Arequipa: Route of Sillar and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas tour is a hit with travelers.

The reviewer highlights several positive aspects:

A "very kind and accommodating guide"
The "Sillar site is magnificent!"
The tour is "perfect to start the visits around Arequipa"

This enthusiastic feedback suggests the tour provides an immersive cultural experience, knowledgeable guides, and a great introduction to the Arequipa region.

With a perfect rating, it’s clear this tour offers an excellent value proposition for visitors to the area.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Exploring the Añashuayco Quarries

Añashuayco Quarries offer visitors a captivating glimpse into Arequipa’s storied past.

These cavernous quarries were the primary source of the region’s iconic white sillar stone, used extensively in local architecture.

Visitors can wander through the quarries, observing the intricate techniques once employed by skilled artisans to extract and shape the stone.

Towering cliffs and deep crevices showcase the scale and complexity of the quarrying process.

Exploring the quarries provides a tangible connection to Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage, as the sillar stone has been integral to the city’s unique identity for centuries.

Discovering the Petroglyphs of Culebrillas

One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to discover the ancient petroglyphs of Culebrillas.

These prehistoric rock carvings, created over a thousand years ago by the Wari culture, offer a captivating glimpse into the past.

Visitors can observe the intricate designs and symbols etched into the canyon walls, which may have held sacred or ceremonial significance for the indigenous people.

The experience evokes:

A sense of wonder at the enduring legacy of these ancient artworks, appreciation for the skill and ingenuity of the Wari people, and curiosity about the untold stories preserved in the petroglyphs.

A sense of wonder at the enduring legacy of these ancient artworks
Appreciation for the skill and ingenuity of the Wari people
Curiosity about the untold stories preserved in the petroglyphs

The Importance of Sillar in Arequipa’s Architecture

Sillar, the distinctive white volcanic stone, is deeply woven into the architectural identity of Arequipa. This unique stone, extracted from nearby quarries, has been used for centuries in the construction of Arequipa’s iconic buildings.

The Route of Sillar tour allows visitors to explore the Añashuayco Quarries and witness the artisanal techniques used to extract and craft this precious material.

Sillar’s durability, malleability, and reflective qualities have made it an integral part of Arequipa’s architectural heritage, contributing to the city’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experiencing the sillar quarries is a must for anyone seeking to understand Arequipa’s rich cultural legacy.

Things To Know

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. Group sizes may vary, so customers should check with the tour operator for the most up-to-date information on group sizes when booking the tour.

Can I Book the Tour on the Day of the Activity?

Yes, you can book the tour on the day of the activity. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to reserve your spot and pay later.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can be extended, but this must be arranged in advance with the tour operator. Extended tours may come at an additional cost and may require more than the standard 4-hour duration.

Do the Quarries Offer Restroom Facilities?

The quarries offer restroom facilities for tour participants. Visitors can use the restrooms during the tour to ensure a comfortable experience exploring the historic sites and learning about the unique sillar stone extraction techniques.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Petroglyphs Site?

Unfortunately, there are no opportunities to purchase souvenirs at the petroglyphs site. The tour focuses on the cultural and historical significance of the petroglyphs and quarries, without any shopping options available. Visitors should plan accordingly.

Sum Up

The "Arequipa: Route of Sillar and Petroglyphs of Culebrillas" tour offers an enriching cultural experience that delves into Arequipa’s rich heritage. Visitors can explore the Añashuayco Quarries, learn about traditional Sillar stone extraction, and discover ancient Wari petroglyphs, providing a well-rounded introduction to the region’s historical artistry. With high customer satisfaction and immersive insights, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking to uncover the unique charm of Arequipa.