Arequipa | Tour of the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon

Uncover the hidden gems of Arequipa’s history on this captivating tour. Explore the fascinating sillar stone quarries and hike through the awe-inspiring Culebrillas Canyon, where ancient petroglyphs adorn the towering rock walls. With knowledgeable guides by your side, you’ll embark on a 4-hour adventure that promises to ignite your curiosity and leave you eager to explore more of this remarkable region.

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Key Points

This 4-hour tour in Arequipa allows visitors to explore the sillar stone quarries and the Culebrillas Canyon, including guided tours and transportation.
The tour includes a visit to the sillar stone quarries to learn about stonemasonry and a hike to the Culebrillas Canyon to see ancient petroglyphs.
Pickup from hotels in Arequipa’s historical center or Plaza de Armas is provided, and the tour concludes near the Plaza Mayor.
The tour price of $20.00 per person includes all entrance fees, which total approximately $2.60 per person.
The tour may not be suitable for individuals with physical limitations or those with back problems, as it involves hiking on uneven terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Arequipa | Tour of the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon," is priced from $20.00 per person. It’s a 4-hour tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment. Pickup is available from hotels in Arequipa’s historical center or Plaza de Armas. The tour includes a guided visit to sillar stone quarries to learn about ashlar stone carving. Hikers will explore Culebrillas Canyon, admiring its 15-20 meter high rocky walls and ancient petroglyphs. The tour ends near Plaza Mayor de Arequipa.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Arequipa’s historical center or Plaza de Armas.

Your tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Arequipa’s historical center or Plaza de Armas.

You’ll travel to the sillar stone quarries for a guided tour on the ancient craft of stonemasonry. Learn about the unique ashlar stone, carved by hand from volcanic lava.

Next, hike to the stunning Culebrillas Canyon, featuring 15-20 meter high rocky walls. Discover ancient petroglyphs, symbols engraved in the rock.

The tour ends near Arequipa’s Plaza Mayor, the city’s main square.

Transportation and Guide

Transportation for the tour is provided via bus or minibus. The knowledgeable, English and Spanish-speaking guide is included in the tour price.

Key features:

Pickup at any hotel in Arequipa; wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time
Guide leads the tour, providing insights into the sillar stone quarries and Culebrillas Canyon
Convenient transportation ensures a seamless experience from start to finish

The tour’s transportation and guide services make it an accessible and informative way to explore the historical Sillar Route and the stunning Culebrillas Canyon.

Entrance Fees

Along With the convenient transportation and knowledgeable guide, the tour also includes entrance fees to the key sites. Visitors will need to pay 5 S/ (approximately $1.30) per person to enter the Culebrillas Canyon and another 5 S/ (approximately $1.30) per person to access the ashlar stone quarries. These fees are covered in the overall tour price, making it a hassle-free experience. Here’s a breakdown of the entrance fees:

| Site | Fee per Person |

| — | — |

| Culebrillas Canyon | 5 S/ ($1.30) |

| Ashlar Stone Quarries | 5 S/ ($1.30) |

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Accessibility and Restrictions

Although the tour offers a comprehensive experience, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain physical limitations.

The tour involves hiking to the Culebrillas Canyon, which features 15-20 meter high rocky walls. This activity may not be suitable for:

The tour involves hiking to the Culebrillas Canyon, which may not be suitable for individuals with back problems, wheelchair users, or those who struggle with uneven terrain.

Individuals with back problems
Wheelchair users
Participants who struggle with uneven terrain or extended walking

It’s important to consider these restrictions when booking the tour to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Visitors should check availability and ensure they meet the physical requirements before reserving their spot.

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Exploring the Sillar Stone Quarries

After being picked up from their hotel, participants are taken to the sillar stone quarries, where they embark on a guided tour exploring the rich history and craftsmanship behind this unique volcanic rock. They learn about the ashlar stone, carved by hand from volcanic lava, and the skilled process of stonemasonry.

| Sillar Stone Quarries | Description |

| — | — |

| Volcanic Origin | Sillar is a type of white volcanic stone, formed from hardened ash and lava. |

| Hand-Carved Blocks | Skilled stonemasons meticulously carve the sillar blocks by hand using traditional tools. |

| Architectural Use | This durable, lightweight stone has been used to construct many of Arequipa’s historic buildings. |

| Quarry Tour | Visitors explore the active quarries, witnessing the artistry and labor behind sillar production. |

| Cultural Significance | The sillar quarries are an integral part of Arequipa’s heritage and identity.

Hiking Through Culebrillas Canyon

From the sillar stone quarries, the tour continues on to the stunning Culebrillas Canyon.

Carved by the forces of nature, this dramatic canyon features:

Towering rocky walls up to 20 meters high
Ancient petroglyphs etched into the rock surfaces
A serene and tranquil atmosphere for exploring

Hikers will traverse the canyon floor, marveling at the sheer geological formations and taking in the history etched into the stone.

Hikers will traverse the canyon floor, marveling at the sheer geological formations and taking in the history etched into the stone.

The tour ends near the Plaza Mayor de Arequipa, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Discovering Ancient Petroglyphs

What secrets do the ancient petroglyphs of Culebrillas Canyon hold? Carved into the rocky walls, these mysterious symbols offer a glimpse into the past. From geometric shapes to animal figures, the petroglyphs tell a story of the people who once inhabited this region. Exploring the canyon, visitors can uncover the history etched in stone.

| Symbol | Meaning |

| — | — |

| Circle | Representation of the sun |

| Spiral | Symbolic of life, death, and rebirth |

| Handprint | Connection between the human and divine |

| Llama | Important animal in Andean culture |

| Condor | Sacred bird associated with the Andes |

The petroglyphs of Culebrillas Canyon are a fascinating reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Arequipa.

Things To Know

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour includes comfortable hiking shoes, light layers, and sun protection such as a hat and sunscreen. Participants should dress for moderate physical activity and varying weather conditions during the outdoor excursion.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or drink options. Participants should bring their own snacks and water to stay hydrated during the hike and tour activities.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers flexible arrangements to accommodate specific needs and requests from private parties. Group size and preferences can be accommodated upon request.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it may not be appropriate for very young children or those with mobility issues due to the hiking involved.

What Are the Safety Precautions Taken During the Hiking Portion?

The tour operator provides hiking poles and safety harnesses for the hike to Culebrillas Canyon. Guides lead the group and ensure participants’ safety along the rocky trail. Proper hiking boots are required to navigate the uneven terrain.

Sum Up

The "Arequipa | Tour of the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon" offers an exciting 4-hour adventure to explore the fascinating sillar stone quarries and hike through Culebrillas Canyon, complete with ancient petroglyphs. Priced at just $20 per person, this tour includes hotel pickup and knowledgeable guides, making it a seamless experience for adventurous travelers, though it may not be suitable for those with physical limitations.