From Arequipa Sillar Route + Quarries and Culebrillas (Shingles)

Arequipa’s Sillar Route promises an immersive experience for adventurous travelers. This unique tour takes visitors on a journey through the region’s iconic quarries and the stunning Culebrillas Canyon. From learning the traditional art of sillar stone production to witnessing ancient Wari petroglyphs, the itinerary offers a rich cultural encounter. With comfortable transportation and expert guidance, visitors can explore Arequipa’s captivating heritage and uncover the stories hidden within the quarries and canyons.

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Key Points

The Arequipa Sillar Route tour explores traditional quarries where the distinctive white sillar stone is shaped and produced.
Visitors can observe the Wari petroglyphs and apachetas (stone cairns) in the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.
The tour includes a hands-on experience where participants can personally cut a block of sillar stone.
Participants gain insights into Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and the traditional craftsmanship behind sillar stone production.
The tour is led by a live guide who provides commentary in both Spanish and English, and transportation is included from downtown Arequipa hotels.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Arequipa Sillar Route tour offers visitors an immersive experience, with prices starting from just Kč 299 per person.

The 4-hour tour allows you to explore the city’s iconic quarries and canyons at your own pace. You can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy – just cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Best of all, you can reserve your spot now and pay nothing today, making it easy to plan your adventure.

With a range of highlights and activities, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Arequipa.

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

Itinerary and Schedule

The Arequipa Sillar Route tour begins with a pickup from hotels in downtown Arequipa between 8:45am and 9:15am.

The tour then departs at 9:15am to explore the Sillar Route. First, visitors spend 45 minutes at the Añashuayco Quarry, learning about ashlar production.

Next, they visit the Quebrada de Culebrillas for 25 minutes. Afterward, the tour makes a photo stop at the viewpoint of Yanahura.

Throughout the 4-hour experience, guests engage with quarrymen, cut a stone block, and observe Wari petroglyphs and Apachetas, traditional stone formations symbolizing gratitude.

Highlights and Activities

Visitors on the Arequipa Sillar Route tour can look forward to a range of engaging activities and highlights.

They’ll explore traditional quarries, where skilled workers cut and shape the renowned sillar stone. Guests can even try their hand at carving a stone block.

The tour also takes travelers through the Culebrillas Canyon, where they’ll see ancient Wari petroglyphs and traditional stone formations called apachetas, symbolizing gratitude.

The tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring craft of sillar stone production.

Engage with quarrymen and learn about ashlar production
Experience cutting a stone block yourself
Observe Wari petroglyphs and traditional apachetas in Culebrillas Canyon

Transportation and Guides

How is transportation handled for the Arequipa Sillar Route tour?

The tour includes tourist transportation from downtown Arequipa hotels to the starting location. Guests are picked up between 8:45-9:15 AM.

During the tour, the group will travel by van or bus to the various quarry and viewpoint stops along the Sillar Route. A live tour guide accompanies the group, providing commentary in both Spanish and English.

The guide shares insights about the history, culture, and traditional practices related to the ashlar stone quarries and Culebrillas Canyon. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

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Entrance Fees and Important Information

Entrance tickets must be purchased separately for the Añashuayco Quarry and Quebrada de Culebrillas, each costing 5 soles per person.

It’s essential to ensure you understand the service purchased and tour timings.

This Sillar Route tour offers:

Exploration of traditional viewpoints, quarries, and Culebrillas Canyon.
Engagement with quarrymen and hands-on experience cutting stone blocks.
Observation of Wari petroglyphs and Apachetas, symbolic stone formations.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Exploring the Añashuayco Quarry

As the tour begins, visitors are immediately captivated by the grandeur of the Añashuayco Quarry. This immense open-pit mine has been the source of the iconic white sillar stone used in Arequipa’s architecture for centuries.

Tourists explore the quarry, marveling at the skilled quarrymen who extract and shape the stone using traditional methods. They learn about the arduous process of cutting and transporting the heavy blocks, gaining a newfound appreciation for the labor that has built Arequipa’s historic buildings.

The visit offers a window into the enduring traditions of ashlar production that continue to shape the city’s unique identity.

Navigating the Quebrada De Culebrillas

After exploring the grand Añashuayco Quarry, the tour continues along the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a scenic canyon carved by the Culebrillas Creek.

Visitors can look forward to:

Admiring the stunning rock formations and ancient Wari petroglyphs along the creek’s edge.
Observing the traditional stone piles called "apachetas" – symbolic monuments of gratitude.
Immersing themselves in the serene ambiance and learning about the Culebrillas Creek’s significance in the region’s quarrying history.

The Quebrada de Culebrillas offers a captivating glimpse into Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring artistry of the region’s stonemasons.

Capturing the Yanahura Viewpoint

The Yanahura viewpoint offers visitors a stunning panoramic perspective of Arequipa’s iconic landscape.

Perched atop a hill, it provides a bird’s-eye view of the city’s colonial architecture, the towering volcanoes, and the surrounding valleys.

Guests can spend time taking in the breathtaking vistas, snapping photos, and contemplating the natural beauty.

The guide will point out key landmarks and share insights about the region’s history and geology.

The guide will provide insights into the region’s history and geology, pointing out key landmarks along the way.

This scenic stop allows travelers to fully enjoy the Sillar Route experience, leaving them with lasting memories of Arequipa’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage.

Things To Know

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

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour information doesn’t mention any restrictions on bringing personal snacks or beverages. Just be sure to pack any waste to dispose of properly.

What Should I Wear and Bring for the Tour?

To have a comfortable experience, wear sturdy shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Dress in layers as the weather can be cool. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery along the Sillar Route.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for the Tour?

There don’t seem to be any discounts or packages listed for this tour. The pricing is fixed at Kč 299 per person. However, you can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can the Tour Be Customized or Adapted for My Preferences?

The tour can be customized to the customer’s preferences. They can adjust the itinerary, duration, and activities to suit their interests. The tour company is flexible and happy to accommodate special requests within reason.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities or Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for people with disabilities or mobility issues. Some parts involve uneven terrain and walking through natural settings. It’s best to check with the tour operator about specific accessibility accommodations before booking.

Sum Up

The Arequipa Sillar Route tour offers an enriching 4-hour experience that immerses visitors in the region’s unique quarrying heritage and stunning natural landscapes. From learning about traditional sillar stone production at the Añashuayco Quarry to exploring the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into Arequipa’s rich cultural history. With comfortable transportation and expert guidance, travelers can truly appreciate the beauty and artistry of this remarkable destination.