Sillar Route: Quarries of Añashuaycos: Half Day

The Sillar Route half-day tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the iconic quarries of Añashuaycos. Delving into the region’s rich heritage, participants enjoy the traditional art of ashlar stone carving while marveling at the breathtaking Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon. With scenic vistas and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this five-hour adventure promises an engaging and memorable experience for all who embark on the journey. But what secrets might the quarries and canyon hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Key Points

• A half-day tour exploring the iconic sillar stone quarries in Arequipa, including the history and process of ashlar stone carving.
• Highlights include petroglyphs in the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon and the quarrying techniques used at the Añashuayco Quarry.
• The tour is offered in English and Spanish and is priced at £15.45 per person.
• The tour includes hotel pick-up, transportation, and a professional bilingual guide, with entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon covered.
• The tour requires physical ability to navigate uneven terrain and extended walking, and participants should bring essential items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and sports shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The "Sillar Route: Quarries of Añashuaycos" is a half-day activity that allows visitors to explore the quarries where the iconic sillar stone was extracted.

This 5-hour tour immerses participants in the history and process of ashlar stone carving. Highlights include discovering petroglyphs in the canyon and learning about the quarrying technique.

The excursion is offered in both English and Spanish, with a pick-up service from nearby hotels. Priced at £15.45 per person, the tour includes transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon.

Itinerary

The tour starts with a hotel pick-up service at 8:50 a.m. near or within Arequipa’s historic center.

The first stop is a viewpoint to admire the surrounding volcanoes.

Visitors can take in the stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes from the first stop’s scenic viewpoint.

Next, the group visits the Añashuayco Quarry to learn about the ashlar stone carving process.

They then explore the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, a 20-meter high gorge, and discover petroglyphs within.

The tour ends with an estimated arrival back in Arequipa at 1:00 p.m.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes hotel pick-up service, tourist transportation, and a professional bilingual guide.

Entrance fees to the Sillar Route ($5.00 per person) and Culebrillas Canyon ($5.00 per person) are also covered.

However, meals and travel insurance aren’t included. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Participants should bring their passport, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, sports shoes, and cash.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.

Reservations can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Important Information

Not suitable for wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or people with pre-existing medical conditions, this tour requires participants to be physically able to navigate uneven terrain and walk for extended periods.

Bring essential items like a passport, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, and sports shoes. Cash is also recommended as meals aren’t included.

Remember, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited. To ensure a seamless experience, provide your correct contact information, including a country code, and have WhatsApp available for communication.

Last-minute reservations require email confirmation with the supplier to check availability.

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Booking and Cancellation

Customers can reserve their spot and pay nothing today, thanks to the "Reserve now & pay later" option. This gives travelers the flexibility to book their tour in advance without any upfront cost.

If plans change, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund.

For last-minute reservations, customers should check availability with the supplier by email before booking.

It’s important to provide the correct contact information, including a WhatsApp number, to ensure clear communication with the tour provider.

Customer Feedback

Based on the available customer feedback, the Sillar Route: Quarries of Añashuaycos tour has received a disappointing overall rating of 1 out of 5 based on a single review. The lone reviewer, Mateo from Peru, cited the tour guide’s failure to arrive for pickup as the primary issue. The customer feedback provides the following detailed breakdown:

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall | 1/5 |

| Guide Performance | 1/5 |

| Value for Money | N/A |

| Logistics | 1/5 |

Without positive reviews to offset the lone negative experience, the Sillar Route tour faces an uphill battle to build trust and attract new customers.

Discovering Petroglyphs in the Canyon

As visitors explore the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, they’ll discover a hidden gem – ancient petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls.

These intricate rock carvings, created centuries ago, depict mysterious symbols and images that offer a window into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Tracing the outlines with their fingers, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the skilled artistry and the stories these petroglyphs hold.

Wandering along the 20-meter-high canyon, the petroglyphs captivate and inspire, inviting visitors to uncover the past and connect with the land’s enduring traditions.

Exploring the Quarrying and Carving Process

At the Añashuayco Quarry, visitors witness the intricate process of ashlar stone carving firsthand.

Skilled artisans expertly wield their tools, chipping away at the dense volcanic rock. The rhythmic sound of metal against stone echoes through the quarry as the workers shape the sillar blocks.

Onlookers learn about the traditional techniques and the history behind this local craft. They observe the quarrymen select the finest stones, splitting and smoothing them to perfection.

This immersive experience provides a unique insight into the region’s rich heritage and the storied legacy of Arequipa’s renowned sillar architecture.

Things To Know

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The minimum group size for this tour is not specified. However, the activity overview indicates it’s a shared group tour, so there’s likely no minimum number of participants required. The tour can accommodate individuals or small groups.

Can Participants Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are encouraged to take photos during the tour, as it allows them to capture the stunning scenery and cultural elements they’ll encounter. The guide can provide recommendations on the best spots for photos throughout the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Activity?

There are no specific age restrictions for this activity. However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions. Participants should be able to walk for about 20 minutes in the canyon.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration can likely be extended, but this would need to be arranged directly with the supplier. Additional fees may apply, and the extended itinerary would need to be confirmed prior to booking. Customers should inquire about customization options when reserving the tour.

How Accessible Is the Terrain for Those With Limited Mobility?

The terrain on this tour may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. The itinerary includes walking through a canyon with a 20-meter height, which could be challenging for some. The supplier advises this tour isn’t recommended for wheelchair users or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Sum Up

The Sillar Route half-day tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Añashuayco’s iconic quarries. From scenic vistas to hands-on experiences, the tour provides a comprehensive understanding of the traditional ashlar stone carving process. With a knowledgeable guide, comfortable amenities, and a reasonable price point, this tour caters to both English and Spanish speakers, making it an accessible and rewarding experience for all.

You can check availability for your dates here: