Arequipa Route of the Sillar Tour | Petroglyphs and Pillars

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Arequipa, the Sillar Tour promises an unforgettable adventure. Dive into the region’s history as you venture through ancient quarries and discover captivating petroglyphs. From the impressive megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus to the enigmatic Wari rock carvings, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Arequipa’s stunning landscapes and the stories they hold. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and significance of this remarkable journey.

Key Points

• This tour offers an immersive experience exploring historic quarries and ancient petroglyphs in Arequipa, Peru, with a duration of 4 hours.
• The tour includes visiting the Añashuayco Quarry and Quebrada de Culebrillas, highlighting a megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus and Wari petroglyphs.
• The tour price ranges from Kč 727 to Kč 807 per person, with a flexible cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, an experienced guide, and entrance tickets, but does not provide snacks and drinks.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and essential items are recommended for the tour to enhance the overall experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Arequipa Sillar Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the historic quarries and ancient petroglyphs of the region.

An immersive journey exploring the historic quarries and ancient petroglyphs of the Arequipa region.

Priced at just Kč 727 to Kč 807 per person, the 4-hour tour takes visitors to the Añashuayco Quarry and Quebrada de Culebrillas, showcasing the iconic white volcanic rock used in Arequipa’s architecture.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides excellent value.

Highlights include a megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus and the discovery of Wari petroglyphs over a thousand years old.

Itinerary and Highlights

After being picked up from their hotels in Arequipa’s city center, the tour begins with a 1-hour bus ride to the Añashuayco Quarry.

Here, guests explore the historic sillar quarries and learn about the white volcanic rock used in the city’s stunning architecture. They’ll observe a megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus.

Next, the tour heads to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a 30-minute drive away. Visitors take a 20-minute walk in the canyon, admiring the 15-20 meter high walls and discovering ancient petroglyphs from the Wari culture.

Finally, the tour returns to Arequipa’s city center.

Tour Inclusions

The Arequipa Sillar Tour includes several key amenities to enhance the overall experience.

Travelers enjoy tourist mobility, with pickup from their hotels in the Arequipa city center. An experienced, certified guide accompanies the group, providing insights into the region’s rich history and architecture.

Entrance tickets to the top attractions, including the Añashuayco Quarry and Quebrada de Culebrillas, are included. While snacks and drinks aren’t provided, the tour offers a convenient and hassle-free way to explore Arequipa’s stunning sillar quarries and discover ancient petroglyphs.

With a flexible cancellation policy, travelers can book with confidence.

What to Bring

To make the most of the Arequipa Sillar Tour, visitors should bring a few essential items.

Visitors should bring a few essential items to make the most of the Arequipa Sillar Tour.

These include:

1. Comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves a 20-minute hike in the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.

2. Sunglasses and a sun hat to protect against the bright Peruvian sun.

3. Snacks and drinks to refuel during the tour, as they aren’t included in the package.

With these items in tow, travelers can fully enjoy the stunning landscapes, ancient petroglyphs, and the impressive sillar quarries that make this tour a must-do in Arequipa.

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Important Information

First, a live tour guide is available in both Spanish and English, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all visitors.

Guests can expect an express security check to skip the line, allowing them to maximize their time exploring the historic sillar quarries and discovering ancient petroglyphs.

The day before the tour, you will receive detailed information about the excursion organization via WhatsApp and email, keeping them well-prepared.

While the itinerary is subject to change, the tour promises a memorable adventure exploring Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders.

Exploring the Añashuayco Quarry

Visitors embark on their Arequipa Sillar Tour with a captivating journey to the Añashuayco Quarry, situated just an hour’s bus ride from the city center.

Upon arrival, they’ll discover:

Towering walls of distinctive white volcanic rock, known as sillar, quarried for centuries to construct Arequipa’s architectural wonders.

1. Towering walls of the distinctive white volcanic rock, known as sillar, that have been quarried for centuries to construct Arequipa’s architectural gems.

2. A massive carved sculpture depicting the Church of the Company of Jesus, a stunning example of the intricate craftsmanship that shaped the city’s iconic buildings.

3. Knowledgeable guides who share the fascinating history and significance of the Añashuayco Quarry, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Discovering the Quebrada De Culebrillas Petroglyphs

After exploring the Añashuayco Quarry, the Arequipa Sillar Tour continues its journey to the captivating Quebrada de Culebrillas. Located just 30 minutes from the first stop, this dramatic canyon features 15 to 20-meter high walls. The highlight here is the chance to discover ancient petroglyphs from the Wari culture, over a thousand years old. Visitors will embark on a 20-minute walk through the canyon, marveling at these stunning rock carvings that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Quebrada de Culebrillas |

| Duration | 30-minute bus ride, 20-minute canyon walk |

| Highlights | Wari petroglyphs, dramatic canyon walls |

| Significance | Insight into ancient Andean cultures |

| Experience | Immersive, educational, and awe-inspiring |

Appreciating the Architectural Significance of Sillar

As visitors explore the Añashuayco Quarry, they can’t help but marvel at the sheer scale and craftsmanship of the sillar, the distinctive white volcanic rock that has defined Arequipa’s architectural landscape for centuries.

This remarkable material has been integral to the city’s iconic buildings, from the towering cathedral to the charming colonial structures lining the historic streets.

The tour highlights the impressive megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus, showcasing the skilled stonemasons who harnessed the sillar’s unique properties to create architectural masterpieces.

The tour highlights the impressive megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus, showcasing the skilled stonemasons who harnessed the sillar’s unique properties to create architectural masterpieces.

Truly, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into Arequipa’s rich heritage and the enduring legacy of its iconic sillar.

Things To Know

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can request modifications to the itinerary or activities to suit their interests and needs. The tour provider offers flexibility to enhance the overall experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Limitations for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions or limitations for this tour. Guests of all ages can enjoy exploring the ancient petroglyphs and volcanic rock quarries. The tour is suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration if Desired?

The tour offers a flexible duration, and guests can extend the experience if desired. While the standard tour is 4 hours, visitors may opt to prolong their exploration of the fascinating petroglyphs and quarries at an additional cost.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Cameras and Equipment?

Participants are welcome to bring their own cameras and equipment to capture the stunning landscapes and ancient petroglyphs during the tour. This allows them to document their experience and create lasting memories of their adventure.

What Is the Policy for Pets or Service Animals on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets or service animals. For the comfort and safety of all participants, only guide dogs are permitted on the tour. Guests are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the excursion.

Sum Up

The Arequipa Route of the Sillar Tour offers a captivating journey through Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will marvel at the impressive megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus, explore the ancient Wari petroglyphs, and discover the significance of sillar in the region’s architecture. With comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure, immersing travelers in the stunning landscapes and remarkable history of Arequipa.

You can check availability for your dates here: