Arequipa: Tour Along the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon

Arequipa, a vibrant city in southern Peru, beckons travelers to explore its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. One captivating option is the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon tour, which promises an immersive journey into the region’s unique history and geography. From traditional stone-carving techniques to the breathtaking vistas of the canyon, this comprehensive 10-hour excursion offers a chance to uncover Arequipa’s secrets. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this tour presents a compelling opportunity to discover the captivating essence of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• A comprehensive 10-hour tour exploring the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon in Arequipa, with hotel pickup, entrance fees, and bilingual guides included.
• Opportunity to learn traditional stone-carving techniques at ashlar stone quarries and witness ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls.
• Scenic hiking route through the Culebrillas Canyon, featuring towering rock walls up to 20 meters high.
• Departure times offered at 8 AM and 2 PM, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Immersive experience connecting with Arequipa’s cultural heritage and natural wonders, priced from $26 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This comprehensive 10-hour tour along the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon in Arequipa offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Priced from $26 per person, the tour includes English and Spanish-speaking guides, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees.

Departing at 8 AM and 2 PM, the tour highlights include learning traditional stone-carving techniques, a guided hike through the scenic Culebrillas Canyon, and the chance to view ancient petroglyphs.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an immersive and flexible experience for travelers.

Highlights of the Arequipa Tour

The tour along the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon offers several captivating highlights for visitors.

At the ashlar stone quarries, they’ll learn the ancient techniques of stonemasonry that have shaped Arequipa’s iconic architecture.

Trekking through the natural ravine of Culebrillas Canyon, they’ll discover striking rock formations and have the chance to view ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls.

The scenic hiking route between towering rock walls 15-20 meters high provides breathtaking photo opportunities.

The towering rock walls, 15-20 meters high, offer breathtaking photo opportunities along the scenic hiking route.

This immersive experience allows travelers to connect with Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Itinerary for the Arequipa Tour

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Arequipa’s historic center, transporting visitors to the nearby ashlar stone quarries. Here, they’ll learn about the stonemason’s craft, a trade active since ancient times.

Next, the group will walk to the Culebrillas canyon, a natural ravine formed by water over centuries. Hiking through the scenic canyon, participants can explore the area’s ancient petroglyphs and take photos between the 15-20 meter high rock walls.

Finally, the tour returns to Arequipa’s city center, ending near the Plaza de Armas.

Learning Stone Carving Techniques

One of the highlights of the Arequipa tour is the opportunity to learn about the traditional stone carving techniques at the ashlar quarries. Visitors can witness firsthand the skilled artisans at work, shaping and carving the volcanic rock into intricate architectural elements. The mastery of this craft dates back to ancient times and continues to be an integral part of Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage.

| Technique | Description |

|———–|————-|

| Splitting | Carefully splitting the stone along natural fracture lines |

| Chiseling | Using a chisel to shape the stone into desired forms |

| Polishing | Smoothing the surface to achieve a refined, finished look |

| Engraving | Etching detailed patterns and designs into the stone |

| Sculpting | Carving three-dimensional figures and statues from the rock |

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Culebrillas Canyon

Where does the Culebrillas Canyon lead visitors as they explore its natural wonders?

The canyon provides a scenic hiking route between towering rock walls reaching 15-20 meters high. Along the way, travelers can:

Culebrillas Canyon offers a scenic hiking route amid towering rock walls up to 20 meters high.

1. Admire ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Immerse themselves in the serene environment, surrounded by the canyon’s dramatic geological formations.

3. Capture stunning photos of the picturesque landscape, from the narrow ravine to the sweeping vistas.

4. Learn about the canyon’s formation, carved over time by the power of water.

Discovering Ancient Petroglyphs

As visitors meander through Culebrillas Canyon, they’ll come across ancient petroglyphs etched into the towering rock walls.

These intricate rock carvings depict a range of subjects, from geometric patterns to symbolic animal figures. The petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, with some dating back hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

Wandering along the scenic hiking trails, travelers can pause to marvel at these captivating relics of the past, wondering about the stories they hold. The petroglyphs add an air of mystery and wonder to the Culebrillas Canyon experience.

Inclusions and Booking Information

The tour includes a hotel pickup and return transfer, with transportation by bus or minibus depending on group size.

A bilingual guide accompanies the journey, providing insights in both Spanish and English.

Entrance fees to Culebrillas canyon are covered, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the experience.

Booking is simple – customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and check availability for specific dates and group sizes.

The tour offers:

1. Hotel pickup and return transfer

2. Transportation by bus or minibus

3. Bilingual guide

4. Entrance fee to Culebrillas canyon

Getting to the Meeting Point

Participants meet at the tour’s designated meeting point, which is conveniently located near Plaza de Armas in Arequipa’s historic center. The tour company provides clear directions and a Google Maps link to ensure an easy arrival.

| Meeting Point | Directions |

| — | — |

| Plaza de Armas | From the plaza, head south on Calle Mercaderes for 2 blocks. The meeting point will be on your right, just before the intersection with Calle Álvarez Thomas. |

| Landmark | The meeting point is next to a small café with outdoor seating. |

Tour guides are on-site to greet participants and ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure along the Sillar route and Culebrillas canyon.

Things To Know

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 doesn’t include any meals, so you’re free to pack your own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the excursion.

Is the Hiking Trail Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The hiking trail may not be fully accessible for those with disabilities. It involves navigating uneven terrain, narrow paths, and steep inclines within the canyon. Wheelchair users or those with limited mobility may have difficulty completing the full itinerary.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Covered in the Tour Price?

The tour price covers hotel pickup, transportation, a guide, and the entrance fee to Culebrillas canyon. There are no additional costs mentioned in the tour details provided. Travelers should expect the total cost to match the quoted price range.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, you can extend the tour duration for an additional fee. The tour operator offers flexible options to customize the experience based on your preferences and needs. Contact them for more details on extending the tour.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size varies depending on transportation, but it can accommodate larger groups. The exact maximum group size is not specified in the tour details provided.

Sum Up

Discover the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of Arequipa on this comprehensive tour. Explore the Sillar Route, learn traditional stone-carving techniques, hike through the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon, and uncover ancient petroglyphs. With hotel pickup and drop-off, bilingual guides, and entrance fees included, this immersive 10-hour adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Arequipa’s unique history and landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here: