Arequipa: Sillar Route, Quarries + Culebrillas Trek

Arequipa’s Sillar Route offers a captivating adventure that transports visitors through the region’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes. This guided tour delves into the quarries that supplied the iconic white sillar stone, used in the city’s renowned architecture. Trekking through the picturesque Quebrada de Culebrillas, guests will marvel at the breathtaking vistas and gain insights into the area’s geological and cultural significance. With a knowledgeable guide by their side, participants can expect an immersive experience that showcases Arequipa’s unique charm and hidden gems.

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Good To Know

This tour combines trekking along the Sillar Route and Quebrada de Culebrillas, offering a comprehensive experience of Arequipa’s natural and architectural highlights.
The 4-hour tour includes pickup, transportation, professional guides, entry fees, and snacks, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Key activities include exploring Yanahuara square, visiting the Añashuayco Quarries, and trekking through the Quebrada de Culebrillas to see natural geological formations.
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 95 years old, and participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket and water bottle.
The tour offers a well-rounded experience of Arequipa’s history, culture, and natural landscapes, with expert guides providing insights throughout the journey.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers an exciting combination of exploring the Sillar Route and trekking through the Culebrillas ravine near Arequipa.

Priced at $69 per person, the 4-hour experience includes pickup, transportation, professional guides, entry fees, and snacks.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary covers scenic viewpoints, the Añashuayco Quarries, and the Culebrillas Trek, allowing participants to learn about the city’s unique white architecture and natural geological formations.

Participants learn about Arequipa’s white architecture and natural geological formations on this tour through scenic viewpoints and the Culebrillas Trek.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years old due to the moderate hiking involved.

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Itinerary and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from hotels around the historical center of Arequipa, where participants board a van for the 25-minute journey to scenic viewpoints. During the 1-hour guided tour, they’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes. Next, it’s a 20-minute drive to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, where a 40-minute guided tour awaits. After exploring the natural geological formations and heritage from the Tiahuanaco culture, the group returns to Arequipa in 45 minutes.

| Pickup Location | Transportation | Travel Time |

| — | — | — |

| Hotels around historical center | Van | 25 minutes |

| Viewpoints | – | 1 hour |

| Quebrada de Culebrillas | – | 20 minutes |

| Quebrada de Culebrillas | – | 40 minutes |

| Arequipa | – | 45 minutes |

Highlights and Activities

Key highlights on this tour include exploring the scenic Yanahuara square and taking in panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Next, you’ll visit the Añashuayco Quarries to learn about the unique Ashlar production process that has earned Arequipa the nickname "The White City."

Explore the Añashuayco Quarries and learn about the distinctive Ashlar production that gives Arequipa its "White City" moniker.

The tour culminates with a trek through the Quebrada de Culebrillas, where you’ll witness stunning natural geological formations and remnants of Tiahuanaco heritage.

Along the way, your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the region’s history and culture.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Arequipa’s natural and architectural highlights.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel, a professional tour guide who can provide commentary in multiple languages, and round-trip transportation.

Entrance tickets, taxes, snacks, beverages, and tips are also covered. However, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 95 years old.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket and water bottle. Alcohol, drugs, and baby carriages aren’t allowed.

The hike involves moderate activity, lasting 30-40 minutes. Be sure to check availability for your preferred date and number of participants.

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Preparation and Guidelines

To prepare for this tour, participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket and water bottle. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed, and baby carriages aren’t suitable.

For quick communication, it’s recommended to provide a WhatsApp number. The tour involves moderate hiking, lasting 30 to 40 minutes. Participants should check availability for the desired date and number of people.

While the tour is generally accessible, it may not be suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals over 95 years old. Following these guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Trek.

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Exploring the Quarries and Ashlar Production

After exploring the preparation and guidelines for the tour, participants move on to one of the highlights – the Añashuayco Quarries.

Here, they’ll learn about the ashlar production that earned Arequipa the title "The White City." The guide explains the quarrying process and the unique architectural features of the city’s buildings, made from the white volcanic rock known as sillar.

The quarrying process and unique architectural features of Arequipa’s buildings, crafted from the white volcanic rock known as sillar, are explored.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive scale of the quarries and the skill required to extract and shape this stone.

This stop offers a fascinating glimpse into Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and its enduring architectural legacy.

Trekking Through the Culebrillas Gorge

After exploring the impressive Añashuayco Quarries, the tour then takes visitors on a scenic trek through the Culebrillas Gorge.

Guides lead the way through natural geological formations and heritage sites from the Tiwanaku culture. The moderate hike lasts around 40 minutes, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valley.

Travelers get to experience the unique ecosystem and landscape firsthand. The trek is suitable for most fitness levels, though not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years old.

Proper footwear and a water bottle are advised for this immersive outdoor adventure.

Panoramic Views and Architectural Significance

| Viewpoint | Description | Duration |

|———–|————-|———-|

| Yanahuara Square | Panoramic views of volcanoes | 15 mins |

| Quarry Overlook | Observe ashlar production | 20 mins |

| Culebrillas Gorge | Natural geological formations | 25 mins |

The tour continues with a trek through the Culebrillas Gorge, where participants can witness the region’s unique geological heritage dating back to the Tiwanaku civilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The minimum number of participants required for the tour is not specified. However, the tour is subject to availability, so it’s best to check with the tour provider for the specific requirements and group size options.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for people over 95 years old. However, there are no other age restrictions, and the tour is open to participants of all ages, as long as they meet the basic physical requirements.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Needs?

The tour can be customized to individual needs, though it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 95. Participants should provide their WhatsApp number for quick communication and check availability for their date.

Is There an Option to Have a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private tour. Customers can request a personalized tour to accommodate their individual needs and preferences. Private tours allow for more flexibility and a more tailored experience compared to the standard group tour.

How Difficult Is the Culebrillas Trek Portion of the Tour?

The Culebrillas Trek portion of the tour involves moderate hiking for about 30-40 minutes. It’s suitable for most participants but may not be recommended for those with mobility issues or physical limitations.

The Sum Up

The "Sillar Route, Quarries + Culebrillas Trek" tour in Arequipa offers a captivating exploration of the region’s natural and architectural wonders. From the scenic van ride to the guided quarry visit and picturesque gorge trek, this 4-hour adventure provides an immersive experience at an affordable price. With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can explore the area’s rich history and unique geological formations, ensuring a memorable journey through Arequipa’s breathtaking landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: