Arequipa: Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Tour

Arequipa’s sillar stone is a defining feature of the city’s iconic architecture. The Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Tour offers a chance to uncover the origins and cultural significance of this remarkable material. Visitors can witness the artistry of local masons, explore ancient petroglyphs, and marvel at the region’s breathtaking landscapes. With comfortable transportation and expert guidance, this tour provides an enriching window into Arequipa’s rich heritage. Discover the stories written in stone and uncover the essence of this captivating Peruvian destination.

Contents show

Key Points

A 5-hour tour in Arequipa exploring the origins of sillar stone, a unique volcanic rock, and visiting the Añashuayco Quarry and Culebrillas Canyon.
Guided walk through Culebrillas Canyon to observe ancient petroglyphs carved into the stone and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Includes transportation, Spanish and English speaking guide, and admission fees, providing a comprehensive cultural and scenic experience.
Suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness, as the tour involves a 20-minute walk through the canyon.
Customers should manage their expectations regarding sightseeing time, as some reviews indicate limited time spent on certain attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Arequipa: Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Tour" offers visitors an immersive 5-hour experience, priced at £19.33 per person.

Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour showcases the origins of sillar stone, a unique volcanic rock, and allows travelers to observe local masons carving it.

Visitors will also admire the striking cliffs of the Añashuayco Quarry and Culebrillas Canyon, as well as enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes.

This tour promises an enriching exploration of Arequipa’s rich history and natural wonders.

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

Activity Highlights

This tour offers a captivating exploration of Arequipa’s unique cultural heritage.

Travelers will discover the origins of the region’s iconic sillar stone, observing local masons skillfully carving this distinctive material.

The breathtaking cliffs of Añashuayco Quarry and Culebrillas Canyon provide a scenic backdrop, while a guided walk through the canyon reveals ancient petroglyphs carved into the stone.

Panoramic viewpoints offer stunning vistas of the surrounding volcanoes, immersing visitors in the dramatic natural landscape.

With opportunities to learn about the history and extraction of this iconic building material, this tour promises an engaging and enriching experience.

Tour Itinerary

Visitors begin their Arequipa adventure with a pickup from the designated meeting point around 8:50 AM.

The tour takes them along the historic Sillar Route, an important road in Peru. Next, they reach a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes.

The historic Sillar Route leads visitors to a viewpoint showcasing the majestic volcanoes surrounding the region.

At the Añashuayco Quarry, they witness local masons skillfully carving the coveted sillar stone.

The highlight is a 20-minute walk through the magnificent Culebrillas Canyon, where they discover captivating petroglyphs carved into the rock formations.

The tour culminates with a return to Arequipa around 1:00 PM, after a day of immersing in the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions

As part of the tour package, the tour includes a Spanish and English speaking guide to provide commentary and insights throughout the journey.

The guide will lead visitors on an exploration of the Sillar Route, a significant historical road in Peru.

Transportation by bus or minivan is provided, ensuring a comfortable and efficient experience.

Admission fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon are also included, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tour’s highlights.

With these comprehensive inclusions, the tour offers a well-rounded and enriching experience for visitors to discover the wonders of Arequipa.

More Great Tours Nearby

Preparation and Recommendations

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, visitors are recommended to wear suitable clothing for walking, as the tour involves moderate physical activity.

Bringing a hat, camera, and water is also advised. Plus, the tour requires a moderate level of fitness, as visitors will be walking through the Culebrillas Canyon.

Some customer reviews have indicated limited sightseeing time due to travel, so managing expectations is important.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Exploring the Sillar Route

The Sillar Route winds through the heart of Arequipa, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s storied past.

This historic road was once the main thoroughfare for transporting the prized sillar stone, a distinctive white volcanic rock that has shaped Arequipa’s architecture for centuries.

Along the route, travelers can witness the time-honored craft of sillar carving, as skilled masons meticulously shape the stone using traditional tools and techniques.

The journey culminates at the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon, where ancient petroglyphs adorn the canyon walls, providing a window into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Discovering Añashuayco Quarry

One of the highlights of the Arequipa: Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Tour is the visit to the Añashuayco Quarry. Here, visitors can witness the skilled craft of local masons carving the distinctive sillar stone.

The quarry offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditions:

Visitors can observe the meticulous process of extracting and shaping the sillar, a type of volcanic rock that has been used in Arequipa’s architecture for centuries.
The sweeping views of the surrounding cliffs and volcanoes provide a breathtaking backdrop to the quarry’s activities.
Exploring the quarry offers a deeper understanding of the region’s reliance on this unique natural resource and the importance of preserving its cultural heritage.

Trekking Through Culebrillas Canyon

After exploring the captivating Añashuayco Quarry, the tour takes visitors on a journey through the mesmerizing Culebrillas Canyon.

Descending into the gorge, travelers are greeted by towering cliffs and the winding path below. As they trek through the canyon, they discover ancient petroglyphs carved into the stone, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.

The 20-minute walk allows ample time to soak in the breathtaking scenery, with panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes providing a stunning backdrop.

The 20-minute walk allows ample time to soak in the breathtaking scenery, with panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes providing a stunning backdrop.

This unique experience offers a chance to take in the natural and cultural wonders of the Sillar Route.

Things To Know

Is It Safe to Visit the Quarry and Canyon Areas?

The quarry and canyon areas are generally safe to visit, but travelers should exercise caution. Local guides provide oversight, and the tour includes moderate physical activity, so visitors with health concerns should check with the tour operator.

Will There Be Any Opportunities to Interact With Local Artisans?

Yes, the tour includes a stop at the Añashuayco Quarry where visitors can observe local masons carving the distinctive sillar stone. This provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from the skilled artisans responsible for this centuries-old craft.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Tour?

The tour allows visitors to freely photograph the stone carving process and scenic views throughout the day. However, visitors should check with the guide before taking photos of any individuals they encounter along the way.

Can Children Participate in This Tour, and Is It Family-Friendly?

Children are welcome on this tour, making it family-friendly. The tour includes scenic viewpoints and a canyon walk, though the itinerary may not hold the attention of very young kids. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the moderate hiking.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Customize the Itinerary?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend or customize the Arequipa tour itinerary. The 5-hour duration and set stops are fixed. However, travelers can inquire with the tour operator about any potential flexibility or add-ons to personalize their experience.

Sum Up

The Arequipa: Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon Tour offers a captivating exploration of the region’s cultural heritage and natural wonders. Enjoy the fascinating history of the iconic sillar stone, witness skilled masons at work, and discover ancient petroglyphs amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Culebrillas Canyon. This 5-hour tour is an unforgettable opportunity to connect with Arequipa’s rich past and its stunning geological formations.