Arequipa: Sillar Route Excursion | Half Day Excursion |

Arequipa’s Sillar Route Excursion offers a captivating half-day adventure that immerses travelers in the city’s rich cultural heritage. For just $20 per person, this guided tour promises an unforgettable journey through "The White City," unveiling the artistry of sillar stone carving, the breathtaking Culebrillas Ravine, and ancient petroglyphs that reveal the region’s pre-Columbian past. With flexible booking and comprehensive inclusions, this excursion promises an experience like no other. Discover why Arequipa’s Sillar Route is a must-see for any visitor to this enchanting Peruvian destination.

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Key Points

A 5-hour guided tour exploring Arequipa’s cultural heritage, including sillar stone carving, the Culebrillas Ravine, and ancient petroglyphs.
Priced from $20 per person with hotel pickup, transportation, and an expert guide in English and Spanish.
Highlights include viewpoints for volcanoes, unique rock art, and the geological wonder of the Culebrillas Ravine.
The Sillar Route is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation, showcasing the artistry of local masons.
Flexible booking options with full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

The Arequipa Sillar Route Excursion is a 5-hour guided tour that takes visitors on a journey through the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced from $20 per person, the tour is available in English and Spanish. Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The excursion includes hotel pickup, transportation, and an expert guide who’ll showcase the unique history and significance of Arequipa’s famous "White City."

Highlights include visits to a quarry, a canyon, and ancient petroglyphs, offering an immersive cultural experience.

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

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors begin the Arequipa Sillar Route Excursion with a pickup at 8:50 a.m. from their accommodation in Arequipa. The first stop is the Añashuayco Quarry, where guests observe local masons and learn about sillar stone carving. Next, they explore the Culebrillas Ravine, hiking for 20 minutes through towering 20-meter high walls. The final stop is the Petroglyphs in the canyon, where ancient figures carved in stone can be seen.

| Highlights | Duration | Significance |

|————|———-|————–|

| Viewpoint for volcanoes | – | Enjoy stunning vistas |

| Añashuayco Quarry | – | See sillar stone carving |

| Culebrillas Ravine | 20 minutes | Hike through dramatic canyon |

| Petroglyphs | – | Discover ancient rock art |

Cultural Significance

The Sillar Route is part of Peru’s rich history and cultural heritage. Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation, this ancient trade route reveals the significance of the region’s iconic white stone.

Visitors can:

Discover the artistry of local masons who’ve honed the craft of sillar stone carving for generations.
Explore the Culebrillas Ravine, a geological wonder with towering 20-meter high walls.
Marvel at the ancient petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls, offering a glimpse into the area’s pre-Columbian past.
Understand why Arequipa is known as "The White City" due to the prevalence of this unique volcanic stone.

Pickup and Drop-off

Your tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa around 8:50 a.m.

You’ll board a comfortable bus or minibus, accompanied by an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

During the drive, you’ll enjoy views of the city’s stunning surroundings, including the majestic volcanoes that loom in the distance.

The drive offers breathtaking vistas of Arequipa’s majestic volcanoes that loom in the distance.

The excursion wraps up around 1:30 p.m., allowing you ample time to explore Arequipa further or return to your hotel.

With seamless transportation and knowledgeable guides, you can focus on enjoying the rich cultural heritage of the Sillar Route.

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What You’ll See

As the tour departs the city, passengers gaze upon the majestic volcanoes that surround Arequipa, setting the stage for the cultural exploration ahead.

The first stop is the Añashuayco Quarry, where visitors observe local masons skillfully carving the distinctive white sillar stone.

Next, the tour ventures to the Culebrillas Ravine, where a 20-minute walk along the 20-meter high walls offers a unique perspective.

The final stop showcases the ancient petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls, revealing the region’s rich history.

This Sillar Route excursion provides an immersive experience into Arequipa’s cherished cultural heritage.

Viewpoint for stunning volcano vistas
Añashuayco Quarry to witness sillar stone carving
Culebrillas Ravine for a captivating 20-minute walk
Petroglyphs in the canyon, ancient stone carvings

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Inclusions and Costs

The Arequipa Sillar Route Excursion includes a comprehensive package of services to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation by bus or minivan, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide. Entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon are also covered, costing $5 per person for each site.

In total, the excursion is priced from $20 per person, offering great value for the immersive cultural exploration.

Flexible booking options allow you to secure your spot without immediate payment, making it easy to plan your Arequipa adventure.

Additional Information

What’s great about the Arequipa Sillar Route Excursion is the flexible booking options it offers.

You can easily check availability for different starting times to find the one that suits your schedule best. The meeting point is also conveniently located on Google Maps, making it simple to find the starting location.

Plus, you have the option to secure your spot without immediate payment, allowing you to reserve your tour with ease.

Finally, the tour is covered by travel insurance, providing you with peace of mind during your adventure.

Booking and Availability

One of the great things about the Arequipa Sillar Route Excursion is its flexible booking options.

Travelers can check availability and secure their spot without immediate payment using the "Reserve now & pay later" option. This makes planning easy and eliminates the need to pay upfront.

Travelers can secure their spot without immediate payment using the "Reserve now & pay later" option, making planning easy and hassle-free.

The excursion is offered at various starting times throughout the day, so visitors can choose a time that best fits their schedule.

The meeting point is also conveniently available on Google Maps, ensuring a hassle-free start to the cultural adventure.

With these flexible booking choices, the Sillar Route experience is accessible and tailored to each traveler’s needs.

Things To Know

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Sillar Route?

The 8:50 a.m. pickup time is the best time to visit the Sillar Route. This allows ample opportunity to explore the quarry, ravine, and petroglyphs before the afternoon heat and crowds arrive.

Can I Take Photos During the Excursion?

Yes, visitors can take photos throughout the Sillar Route excursion. The guided tour allows ample opportunities to capture the stunning volcanic landscapes, traditional stone carving, and ancient petroglyphs that showcase Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. Some stops involve walking on uneven terrain and navigating steps. Visitors should check with the tour operator about any accessibility accommodations before booking.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The excursion doesn’t provide meals, so bringing snacks and beverages is allowed to enjoy during the stops along the Sillar Route.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer an option to extend its duration. It’s a 5-hour half-day excursion with a set itinerary. However, you could explore Arequipa further on your own after the tour or book a full-day activity to see more.

Sum Up

The Sillar Route Excursion in Arequipa offers a captivating exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can discover the artistry of sillar stone carving, hike through the breathtaking Culebrillas Ravine, and uncover ancient petroglyphs. With flexible booking, comprehensive inclusions, and an expert guide, this half-day tour promises an unforgettable journey through "The White City," providing a unique opportunity to experience Arequipa’s stunning natural and historical wonders.