From Arequipa: Tour of the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon

Arequipa’s breathtaking landscapes beckon adventurers to explore its volcanic wonders. The Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon offer a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Visitors can discover ancient stone quarries where skilled stonemasons craft the iconic ashlar stone, then venture into the dramatic Culebrillas Canyon to uncover ancient petroglyphs. This guided tour promises an unforgettable experience that blends history, geology, and the great outdoors. What secrets will this remarkable destination reveal?

Key Points

• 4-hour guided tour from Arequipa focusing on ancient volcanic stone quarries and Culebrillas Canyon.
• Includes hotel pickup/drop-off, guided activities, and entrance fees for up to 10 participants.
• Visit ashlar stone quarries to observe stonemasons and hike through Culebrillas Canyon with ancient petroglyphs.
• Transportation provided by bus or minivan based on group size, with commentary in English and Spanish.
• Flexible booking with free cancellation and pay-later options, supporting local preservation and sustainable tourism.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon tour offers visitors a unique glimpse into Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.

Explore Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes on the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon tour.

Over the course of 4 hours, travelers will explore ancient volcanic stone quarries, observe skilled stonemasons at work, and hike through the breathtaking Culebrillas Canyon.

The tour is limited to 10 participants and available in both English and Spanish.

Pickup and drop-off at your Arequipa hotel are included, along with guided activities and entrance fees.

With free cancellation and pay-later options, this tour provides an immersive and flexible experience for discovering Arequipa’s geological and historical treasures.

Itinerary and Activities

After hotel pickup, the tour begins with a journey to the historic Uchumayo district, where visitors will explore the renowned ashlar stone quarries.

There, they’ll witness the skilled work of stonemasons who’ve carried on this ancient practice for generations. The hand-carved volcanic lava stones, unique to the region, are the highlight of the visit.

Next, the group will hike to the Culebrillas Canyon, a natural ravine with towering 15-20 meter walls.

Along the way, they’ll observe ancient petroglyphs left by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago.

The tour concludes with a return to Arequipa’s city center.

• Guided tour of stonemasons’ work

• Hike to Culebrillas Canyon

• Observation of ancient petroglyphs

• Return to Arequipa downtown

Transportation and Inclusions

Transportation for the tour is provided by either bus or minibus, depending on the size of the group. Both options include hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Arequipa. All activities throughout the day are led by a professional guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

| Inclusions | Details |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Bus or minibus, based on group size |

| Hotel Pickup | From your Arequipa accommodation |

| Guided Activity | English and Spanish commentary |

| Entrance Fees | Ashlar stone quarries and canyon |

| Return Transfer | Drop-off in Arequipa city center |

Entrance Fees

Two separate entrance fees are required for the tour.

The first fee of S/. 10.00 per person is to access the Quarries of Añashuayco, where visitors can observe the stonemasons’ work and the unique ashlar stone.

The second fee of S/. 5.00 per person is to enter the Culebrillas Quarries, where hikers can see the natural ravine and ancient petroglyphs.

These entrance fees:

• Provide funding for the preservation and maintenance of the historical sites

• Support the local economy and communities

• Ensure a quality, guided experience for participants

• Allow sustainable tourism practices to continue.

More Great Tours Nearby

Booking Information

To book the tour, visitors can check availability for their preferred starting times.

Participants can select the desired date and number of people.

The meeting point is available on Google Maps, making it easy to find the starting location.

Full payment isn’t required upfront, as the tour offers a "reserve now & pay later" option.

This allows travelers to secure their spot without an immediate financial commitment.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the booking process provides flexibility for those planning their Arequipa adventures.

Exploring the Ashlar Stone Quarries

The tour begins with a visit to the Uchumayo region, home to the renowned ashlar stone quarries.

Visitors explore the active quarries where stonemasons have been hand-carving the unique volcanic lava for centuries. The ashlar stone, found only in this area, is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the local artisans.

Guests witness the meticulous process, learning about:

• The volcanic origin of the stone

• The intricate hand-carving techniques

• The architectural significance of the material

• The enduring legacy of the Wari culture’s petroglyphs

This immersive experience provides a glimpse into Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and the timeless craft of ashlar stone masonry.

Hiking the Culebrillas Canyon

After exploring the ashlar stone quarries, the tour continues with a hike into the stunning Culebrillas Canyon.

The narrow ravine features towering 15-20 meter high walls, carved by the natural forces over centuries. As the group descends into the canyon, they’re treated to the sight of ancient petroglyphs from the Wari culture, dating back over a thousand years.

The hike provides a unique perspective on the region’s geology and indigenous history. With its dramatic landscapes and glimpse into the past, the Culebrillas Canyon is a highlight of the Sillar Route tour.

Discovering Ancient Petroglyphs

As the group descends into the Culebrillas Canyon, they’re immediately struck by the sight of ancient petroglyphs adorning the towering walls.

These enigmatic carvings, created by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago, offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The petroglyphs depict a variety of images, including:

• Geometric patterns and symbols

• Representations of animals and natural elements

• Scenes of everyday life and rituals

• Impressions of the Wari’s spiritual beliefs and connection to the land

These ancient artworks serve as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Wari people, inviting visitors to ponder the stories etched into the canyon’s walls.

Things To Know

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes hiking to the Culebrillas Canyon, which has uneven terrain and steep walls that would be challenging for wheelchair users to navigate. The tour is better suited for those who can walk and hike on rugged trails.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The itinerary doesn’t include any meals, so bringing snacks and water is recommended to stay fueled during the 4-hour excursion.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon tour. Children must be accompanied by an adult during the hike and activities.

How Fit Do I Need to Be for the Hike?

The tour involves a moderate hike down to Culebrillas Canyon, with 15-20 meter high walls. Participants should be reasonably fit and able to navigate uneven terrain. The hike is not overly strenuous, but some basic hiking experience is recommended.

Are There Any Special Clothing or Equipment Requirements?

The tour doesn’t require any specialized clothing or equipment. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, and sun protection are recommended. Bring water and snacks as needed. No technical gear is necessary for the moderate hike through the Culebrillas Canyon.

Sum Up

The Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon tour offers a unique glimpse into Arequipa’s rich history and geological wonders. Visitors can explore ancient stone quarries, marvel at the towering canyon walls, and discover ancient petroglyphs, all while immersed in the area’s breathtaking natural beauty. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to experience the cultural and scenic highlights of Arequipa.

You can check availability for your dates here: