From Arequipa: Tour of the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon

Tucked away in the heart of Peru’s Arequipa region, the "Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon" tour promises a captivating exploration of the area’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient stone quarries, where skillful stonemasons employed innovative techniques to craft the iconic white sillar stone. But the true gem lies in the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon, where towering walls reveal the enigmatic petroglyphs of the Wari civilization. This immersive journey not only opens a window to the past but also invites travelers to…

Key Points

• A 4-hour tour from Arequipa exploring the ancient sillar stone quarries and the natural wonder of Culebrillas Canyon.
• Discover the skilled craftsmanship of ancient stonemasons through various quarrying techniques, including hand-carving, sawing, and dynamite use.
• Witness the rhythmic sounds of historical stone carving and learn about the evolution of Arequipa’s architecture.
• Explore Culebrillas Canyon, a natural landscape with towering rocky walls and ancient Wari culture petroglyphs.
• Gain insights into the rich cultural heritage of the region, with multilingual guides available and free cancellation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon tour offers a unique adventure into Arequipa’s storied past.

Set out on a unique adventure into Arequipa’s storied past with the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon tour.

Spanning 4 hours, this tour whisks you away to the ancient sillar stone quarries, where you’ll learn about the intricate hand-carving techniques of skilled stonemasons.

Then, embark on a captivating hike through the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon, marveling at its towering rock walls and uncovering ancient petroglyphs.

Priced at just $26 per person, this immersive experience is a must for anyone seeking to uncover the rich cultural heritage of Peru.

With free cancellation and multilingual guides, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.

Sillar Stone Quarries

Nestled along the Uchumayo Road, the sillar stone quarries stand as a testament to Arequipa’s storied past. Visitors can marvel at the skilled craftsmanship of ancient stonemasons, who painstakingly carved the volcanic stone into the city’s iconic white buildings.

| Technique | Time Period | Preservation |

| — | — | — |

| Hand-Carved | Pre-Colonial | Excellent |

| Chiseled | Colonial Era | Weathered |

| Mechanized | Modern Times | Inconsistent |

Guides explain the intricate chiseling methods, sharing insights into the backbreaking labor and ingenious problem-solving that went into each sculpted block. Onlookers can almost hear the rhythmic tapping of hammers against stone, echoing through the ages.

Stonemason Techniques

Three distinct stonemason techniques have defined the evolution of Arequipa’s iconic sillar buildings over time.

Skilled artisans leveraged:

1. Hand-carving: Meticulously shaping each block with chisels and hammers, creating intricate designs.

2. Sawing: Using long, two-person saws to precisely cut the volcanic stone into uniform blocks.

3. Drilling: Drilling holes to split the rock along natural fissures, allowing for quicker extraction.

4. Dynamite: In more recent times, explosives enable faster quarrying, though compromising the artisanal quality.

These techniques, honed over generations, have produced Arequipa’s elegant, ivory-hued architecture, a testament to the city’s stonemasons’ ingenuity and dedication.

Culebrillas Canyon

A natural wonder carved by the forces of water and time, Culebrillas Canyon captivates visitors with its towering, rocky walls reaching heights of 15-20 meters.

Descending into the canyon, explorers are treated to a unique perspective, with the sun’s rays filtering through the craggy formations.

Ancient petroglyphs, over a millennium old, are etched into the canyon’s weathered surfaces, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural history.

Whether snapping photos or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, travelers are left in awe of this magnificent natural landscape, a testament to the enduring power of nature.

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Wari Culture Petroglyphs

As visitors descend into the captivating Culebrillas Canyon, they’re met with an unexpected treasure – ancient petroglyphs etched into the weathered rock walls.

These mysterious carvings offer a glimpse into the Wari culture, a pre-Inca civilization that flourished over a thousand years ago. The petroglyphs depict:

The petroglyphs depict the Wari culture’s geometric shapes, local wildlife, symbolic motifs, and intricate abstract designs from over a thousand years ago.

1. Geometric shapes and patterns.

2. Representations of local wildlife, like camelids and birds.

3. Enigmatic symbols and motifs that hint at the Wari’s spiritual beliefs and practices.

4. Intricate, abstract designs that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of these ancient inhabitants.

Exploring these petroglyphs is a humbling experience, connecting modern-day adventurers to the rich cultural heritage of the Culebrillas region.

Natural Beauty

Beyond the ancient petroglyphs, the Culebrillas Canyon captivates visitors with its striking natural beauty.

Towering rocky walls rise 15-20 meters high, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape. The hike down into the canyon offers plenty of opportunities to snap stunning photos, capturing the play of light and shadow on the rugged terrain.

The canyon’s remote setting lends an air of tranquility, allowing travelers to enjoy the serene natural surroundings.

Whether admiring the jagged cliffs or gazing up at the endless blue sky, the Culebrillas Canyon leaves a lasting impression on all who venture there.

Tour Inclusions

Included in the tour price, travelers can expect reliable transportation by bus or minibus, depending on the group size.

Reliable transportation by bus or minibus, depending on the group size, is included in the tour price.

The guided tour, offered in both Spanish and English, promises an immersive cultural experience.

Visitors will:

1. Explore the ancient craft of ashlar stone stonemasons, learning about their unique hand-carving techniques on volcanic stones.

2. Observe Wari culture petroglyphs, over a thousand years old, preserved in the stunning Culebrillas Canyon.

3. Experience the natural beauty of the towering canyon walls, reaching up to 20 meters in height.

4. Gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich history and geological wonders.

Booking Information

Travelers can reserve their spot on the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon tour with a convenient "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, allowing them to secure their place without making any payments upfront.

To check availability, they can confirm the starting times and participant numbers. The meeting point details are available on Google Maps, making it easy for travelers to find the designated pickup location in Arequipa.

This hassle-free booking process ensures a seamless experience for those eager to embark on this captivating exploration of Peru’s ancient stone quarries and the stunning Culebrillas Canyon.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and water on this tour. However, meals are not included, so you’ll need to pack your own lunch if you want to eat during the trip.

What Weather Conditions Are Suitable for the Tour?

The tour operates year-round, but the best weather conditions are sunny or partly cloudy skies. Visitors should dress in layers and wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the canyon hike can be challenging in rainy or windy weather.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

For this tour, comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing are recommended. The terrain can be rocky, so sturdy footwear is a must. Bringing a camera and some drinking water is also a good idea to make the most of the experience.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed throughout the tour, with the exception of the ancient petroglyphs in Culebrillas Canyon. Visitors are asked to be respectful and avoid touching or photographing these fragile cultural artifacts.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour may not be fully wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain and half-hour hike to the Culebrillas Canyon. However, the sillar quarries could potentially be navigable with assistance. It’s best to inquire about accessibility needs when booking the tour.

Sum Up

This immersive tour offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the ancient sillar stone quarries, marvel at the skilled stonemason techniques, and discover the captivating Wari petroglyphs in the stunning Culebrillas Canyon. It’s an affordable and engaging way to experience the natural beauty and history of this remarkable region. Don’t miss the chance to capture stunning photographs and connect with the region’s fascinating past.

You can check availability for your dates here: