Half Day the Sillar Route | Arequipa

The Half Day Sillar Route tour in Arequipa offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s rich cultural heritage. At just $26.00 per person, this 5-hour guided experience promises a captivating journey through the Añashuayco Quarry, where visitors can witness local masons at work, and the breathtaking Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon. With live commentary, stunning vistas, and the chance to discover ancient petroglyphs, this tour caters to both culture and nature enthusiasts. The intricate details of this enriching experience await further exploration.

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Key Points

This half-day tour explores the Sillar Route, showcasing the unique geology and quarrying culture of Arequipa, including the Añashuayco Quarry and Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.
The tour lasts 5 hours, including roundtrip transportation, and is offered with live guides in English and Spanish.
Highlights include observing local masons at work, taking in scenic viewpoints of surrounding volcanoes, and discovering petroglyphs in the Quebrada de Culebrillas.
The tour price starts at $26.00 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is suitable for those interested in cultural experiences and natural landscapes, with opportunities for memorable photos throughout the journey.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Half Day the Sillar Route tour in Arequipa offers an immersive experience, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the city’s unique ashlar quarries and scenic landscapes.

Priced from $26.00 per person, the 5-hour tour includes roundtrip transportation and a live guide available in English and Spanish.

Guests can expect a full itinerary, visiting the Añashuayco Quarry, taking in views of surrounding volcanoes, and exploring the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon with its 20-meter high walls and mysterious petroglyphs.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a convenient and flexible way to discover Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage.

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

Itinerary and Highlights

Kicking off the Half Day the Sillar Route tour, visitors can expect a pickup from their accommodation in Arequipa around 8:50 am.

The first stop is the Añashuayco Quarry, where they’ll observe local masons crafting ashlar stone and learn the carving process.

Next, they’ll enjoy views of the surrounding volcanoes from a scenic viewpoint.

Exploring the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a 20-meter high water canyon, includes a 20-minute walk and the discovery of mysterious petroglyphs.

The tour then returns to Arequipa by 1:00 p.m.

Throughout, a live English and Spanish-speaking guide provides a comprehensive, guided experience.

Guided Experience

A live tour guide is available throughout the Half Day the Sillar Route experience, providing commentary in both English and Spanish.

They’ll share insights into the local masons’ work, the carving process, and the history and significance of the quarries and petroglyphs.

Participants will be transported by bus or minibus, with all transportation included in the tour price.

This guided experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the unique culture and geology of the Sillar Route, with ample opportunities to capture memorable photos along the way.

Tour Features

Beyond the guided experience, the Half Day the Sillar Route offers several unique tour features.

Visitors can explore the local quarry culture, observing skilled masons as they carve the distinctive ashlar stone. Breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes await at scenic viewpoints.

In the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a water canyon with towering walls, guests can discover enigmatic petroglyphs. Throughout the tour, there are ample opportunities to capture memorable souvenir photos.

With the entrance to the Sillar Route included, this half-day experience provides an immersive exploration of Arequipa’s rich geological and cultural heritage.

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Booking Information

To check availability and start times for the tour, visitors can simply select their preferred date and number of participants on the booking page.

The tour runs on a schedule, so it’s easy to find a convenient time. Once booked, guests can pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it hassle-free.

With free cancellation and pay-later options, travelers can easily fit this tour into their Arequipa itinerary.

Whether seeking an insightful cultural experience or stunning natural vistas, the Half Day the Sillar Route tour is an excellent choice.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

About the Sillar Route

The Sillar Route showcases Arequipa’s rich architectural heritage, centered around the distinctive ashlar stone quarries that have shaped the city’s iconic white buildings.

Arequipa’s architectural heritage is showcased through the distinctive ashlar stone quarries that have shaped the city’s iconic white buildings.

Visitors can explore:

The Añashuayco Quarry, where local masons demonstrate the intricate stone carving process
Stunning vistas of surrounding volcanoes from scenic viewpoints
The Quebrada de Culebrillas, a dramatic water canyon with 20-meter high walls and ancient petroglyphs
The opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of this unique building material
The chance to capture souvenir photos of the distinctive Sillar stone architecture.

Exploring the Quarries

Visitors embark on a captivating journey through the Añashuayco Quarry, where they witness local masons skillfully shaping the distinctive ashlar stone that defines Arequipa’s architectural landscape. The guide explains the intricate carving process, providing insights into the region’s rich heritage. Participants marvel at the towering volcanoes that serve as a stunning backdrop, creating a truly immersive experience.

| Quarry Highlights | | |

|—–|—–|—–|

| Local Masons at Work | Ashlar Stone Carving | Scenic Volcano Views |

| Witness master craftsmen | Learn the techniques | Stunning natural backdrops |

| Understand the quarry’s role | Experience the process | Appreciate the setting |

| Appreciate the skilled labor | Gain historical context | Capture breathtaking photos |

| Discover the quarry’s significance | Understand the local heritage | Immerse in the unique landscape |

Discovering Petroglyphs

Venturing deeper into the Quebrada de Culebrillas, the group embarks on a 20-minute walk along the water canyon.

Reaching the canyon walls, they discover a series of ancient petroglyphs:

Enigmatic symbols etched into the rock face
Depictions of animals, human figures, and geometric patterns
Remnants of a bygone era, their meanings long lost to time
A glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region
A thought-provoking reminder of the enduring human need to record and communicate

These mysterious carvings captivate the group, inviting them to ponder the stories they might tell, if only the walls could speak.

Things To Know

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities at the starting point and during the excursion. Participants can use these facilities as needed throughout the 5-hour experience. Adequate time is allotted for breaks and necessary stops.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour allows participants to enjoy snacks and refreshments during the exploration of the ashlar quarries and scenic viewpoints along the Sillar Route.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Physical Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for people with physical disabilities. While the itinerary includes some walking, the terrain and activities may pose challenges. Travelers with mobility issues should check with the tour operator to discuss any special accommodations.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

Customers can’t extend the tour duration, but they can customize the itinerary. The tour provider offers flexible arrangements to accommodate special requests, allowing visitors to tailor the experience to their preferences within the provided timeframe.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is suitable for most fitness levels and does not require any special equipment.

Sum Up

The Half Day Sillar Route tour in Arequipa offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. From witnessing the intricate artistry of local masons to exploring the captivating Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, this guided experience promises an unforgettable journey for travelers seeking to discover the wonders of Arequipa. With its affordable price and diverse array of highlights, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

You can check availability for your dates here: