From Arequipa: Tour Along the Sillar Route

Witness the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Arequipa's Sillar Route, where skilled masons carve ashlar stone and ancient petroglyphs tell stories of the past.

Set out on a captivating journey through Arequipa’s stunning landscapes on the Sillar Route tour. Witness skilled masons carving ashlar stone at the Añashuayco Quarry, then marvel at the magnificent volcanoes from a scenic viewpoint. Explore the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, where ancient petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. With round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide, this immersive experience promises to unveil the enchanting wonders that lie beyond the city.

Key Points

  • The Sillar Route tour in Arequipa lasts approximately 5 hours and is priced from £19.33 per person.
  • The tour includes round-trip transportation, a guide, and entrance fees with pickup around 8:50 am from accommodations in Arequipa.
  • Highlights include visiting Añashuayco Quarry, exploring Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, and discovering ancient petroglyphs.
  • The tour is led by a Spanish and English-speaking guide and allows for a seamless and hassle-free experience.
  • The tour can be booked with no upfront payment and has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour along the Sillar Route starts in Arequipa and lasts approximately 5 hours. Priced from £19.33 per person, it includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, and entrance fees.

The tour begins with a pickup around 8:50 am and takes visitors to the Añashuayco Quarry to observe local masons carving ashlar stone. Then, enjoy scenic views of the surrounding volcanoes before exploring the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, where you’ll discover intriguing petroglyphs carved into the stone walls.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot now and pay later.

Itinerary Highlights

Pickup from guests’ accommodations in Arequipa begins the tour around 8:50 am.

The tour begins with pickup from guests’ accommodations in Arequipa around 8:50 am.

The first stop is the Añashuayco Quarry where visitors observe local masons carving ashlar stone and learn about the process.

Next, a scenic viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the surrounding volcanoes.

Guests then explore the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a canyon with walls up to 20 meters high, taking a 20-minute walk.

The final highlight is discovering ancient petroglyphs – figures carved in stone with unknown meanings – within the canyon.

The tour includes a Spanish and English-speaking guide and round-trip transportation from the hotel.

Transportation and Guide

The tour includes a Spanish and English-speaking guide who accompanies visitors throughout the excursion. The guide provides informative commentary about the history, culture, and significance of the sites visited.

Round-trip transportation from the hotel in Arequipa is included, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. Entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas canyon are also covered, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tour without additional costs.

With the guide’s expertise and the convenient transportation, participants can focus on exploring the stunning scenery and cultural highlights along the Sillar Route.

Booking Information

To book this tour, visitors can check availability for starting times and select the desired number of participants and date.

Visitors can check availability, select a date, and the number of participants to book the Sillar Route tour.

The tour along the Sillar Route can be reserved now with no upfront payment, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The booking process includes:

  • Checking availability and selecting a date

  • Choosing the number of participants

  • Reserving the spot without paying today

Once the reservation is confirmed, travelers can look forward to the 5-hour sightseeing experience exploring the Sillar Route from Arequipa.

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Meeting Point

The meeting point for this tour is conveniently located and easily accessible.

The tour starts from your accommodation in Arequipa around 8:50 am. The pickup location can be easily found using Google Maps, which provides clear directions to the meeting point. This ensures a seamless start to your tour experience.

Once you’ve been picked up, you’ll embark on a 5-hour journey along the Sillar Route, exploring the Añashuayco Quarry, taking in scenic viewpoints, and discovering the captivating petroglyphs in the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.

With round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide, you can relax and fully learn about the tour.

Exploring the Añashuayco Quarry

After being picked up from your accommodation, the tour first takes you to the Añashuayco Quarry.

Here, you’ll observe local masons skillfully carving ashlar stone, an intricate process that has been practiced for centuries. The guide explains the various techniques used, offering insights into the rich heritage of this ancient craft.

Explore the quarry and witness the transformation of raw stone into detailed architectural elements. The visit provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s storied past and the enduring traditions that have shaped Arequipa’s iconic sillar buildings.

  • Observe local masons at work

  • Learn about the carving process

  • Gain insights into Arequipa’s storied past

Admiring the Scenic Viewpoint

Next, the tour takes visitors to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding volcanoes. From this vantage point, guests can admire the impressive snow-capped peaks that dominate the landscape. The view offers a panoramic perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

| Scenic Viewpoint Features |

| :— | :— | :— | :— | :— |

| Volcanoes | Mountains | Valleys | Canyons | Panorama |

This scenic stop provides an opportunity to take in the grandeur of the Arequipa region and capture breathtaking photographs to commemorate the experience.

Discovering the Quebrada De Culebrillas

What comes next on the tour is the exploration of the Quebrada de Culebrillas.

The group will walk through this dramatic canyon, with walls up to 20 meters high.

Along the way, they’ll:

  • Admire the towering canyon walls

  • Search for ancient petroglyphs carved into the stone

  • Marvel at the scenic beauty of the natural landscape

This 20-minute walk through the Quebrada de Culebrillas offers a chance to experience the region’s rugged geology and uncover glimpses of its ancient past.

The tour continues to provide an immersive experience into the Sillar Route’s unique highlights.

Things To Know

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

The tour does not mention if participants can bring their own food and drinks. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their policy on outside food and beverages prior to the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. While it includes a 20-minute walk through a canyon, there are uneven surfaces and steps that could be challenging for some. Guests should consider their physical abilities before booking.

What Type of Clothing and Footwear Is Recommended for the Tour?

Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves some light hiking. Dress in layers, as the weather can be cool, especially at the canyon viewpoint. Bring sun protection and a water bottle for the 5-hour excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, though young children may find the 20-minute canyon walk challenging. The tour operator simply advises guests to wear comfortable, sturdy footwear.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Make Special Requests?

Customers can’t customize the itinerary, but they can make special requests. The tour operator will try to accommodate any reasonable requests, though they can’t guarantee changes to the standard tour program. Advance notice is required for special arrangements.

Sum Up

The Sillar Route tour offers a captivating journey through Arequipa’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Visitors will witness skilled masons carving ashlar stone, marvel at the magnificent volcanoes, and discover ancient petroglyphs in the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon. With round-trip transportation and an English-speaking guide, this tour provides a hassle-free exploration of Peru’s natural wonders and historical significance.

You can check availability for your dates here: