Sillar Route : Quarries of Añashuaycos : Half Day

Nestled in the stunning Peruvian landscape, the Sillar Route: Quarries of Añashuaycos offers an immersive half-day adventure. Travelers can marvel at the breathtaking vistas of nearby volcanoes before exploring the captivating Añashuayco Quarry and discovering the ancient petroglyphs within Culebrillas Gorge. Led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, this unique tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history of sillar stone extraction and carving. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable cultural experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

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Key Points

A half-day guided tour exploring the sillar stone quarries and petroglyphs in the Añashuaycos region near Arequipa, Peru.
Includes observation of the sillar stone extraction and carving process, as well as a 20-minute trail walk in Quebrada de Culebrillas.
Priced at $20 per person, with hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide provided.
Highlights of the tour include volcano views and the opportunity to view petroglyphs in Culebrillas Gorge.
Not suitable for certain groups, such as wheelchair users or children under 33 lbs, but suitable for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Sillar Route: Quarries of Añashuaycos is a half-day activity that explores the quarries and petroglyphs in the Añashuaycos region.

Lasting 5 hours, the tour offers the chance to learn about the extraction and carving of sillar stone, a local volcanic rock. Visitors can observe the quarrying process and see petroglyphs in the Culebrillas Gorge.

Priced from $20 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide.

With highlights such as volcano views and a 20-minute trail walk, the Sillar Route provides an immersive cultural experience for travelers to Arequipa.

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

Itinerary

The Sillar Route tour begins with a hotel pick-up at 8:50 a.m. for those staying near or within Arequipa’s historic center.

Travelers will then journey to the Sillar Route, stopping at a viewpoint to admire the nearby volcanoes.

The main highlights include:

Visiting the Añashuayco Quarry to observe the extraction and carving of the distinctive sillar stone.
Arriving at the Quebrada de Culebrillas for a 20-minute trail walk.
Concluding the tour by admiring the petroglyphs in the canyon before returning to Arequipa around 1:00 p.m.

Inclusions

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

Entrance fees to the Sillar Route (S/. 5.00) and Culebrillas Canyon (S/. 5.00) are covered.

However, meals and travel insurance aren’t included. Guests should bring their own sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, and cash.

Alcohol, drugs, and littering aren’t allowed.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, children under 33 lbs (15 kg), or people over 95 years old.

Important Information

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Travelers can also opt for the reserve now & pay later option.

However, this tour isn’t suitable for:

Wheelchair users
Visually impaired individuals
Children under 33 lbs (15 kg) or people over 95 years

Recommended items to bring include sunglasses, camera, sunscreen, and cash.

Alcohol, drugs, and littering are strictly prohibited.

This half-day Sillar Route excursion provides an immersive experience exploring the quarries, petroglyphs, and Culebrillas Gorge.

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Customer Reviews

Travelers have offered generally positive feedback about the Sillar Route tour, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on 1 review.

The lone review, from a verified GetYourGuide traveler in Denmark, praised the experience. Couples, friends, solo travelers, and families can all filter the reviews by traveler type.

The reviewer found the quarry visit and petroglyphs highlights of the half-day excursion.

While the tour may not be suitable for some, like wheelchair users or children under 15 kg, the customer feedback suggests an enjoyable and educational outing for those able to participate.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Exploring Petroglyphs

One of the highlights of the Sillar Route tour is the opportunity to explore the captivating petroglyphs hidden within the Culebrillas Canyon.

After a 20-minute hike, visitors are treated to a remarkable sight – ancient rock carvings that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The petroglyphs depict a variety of symbols, including:

Geometric patterns
Animal figures
Anthropomorphic designs

These enigmatic carvings, believed to be centuries old, provide a fascinating window into the artistic expression and beliefs of the indigenous communities that once inhabited this rugged landscape.

Discovering Sillar Stone Carving

As visitors arrive at the Añashuayco Quarry, they’ll witness the time-honored tradition of sillar stone carving. Skilled artisans carefully chisel and shape the volcanic rock, transforming it into intricate architectural elements. The process involves several steps:

| Step | Description |

| — | — |

| Selection | Choosing the right block of sillar from the quarry |

| Shaping | Roughing out the desired form using hand tools |

| Detailing | Meticulously carving intricate patterns and designs |

| Finishing | Polishing the surface to a smooth, uniform texture |

These artisans draw upon generations of knowledge, passing their techniques down through the ages. Visitors can observe this captivating craft and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Trekking Culebrillas Gorge

After observing the art of sillar stone carving, visitors move on to explore the captivating Culebrillas Gorge.

The 20-minute trail walk leads them through this natural wonder:

The 20-minute trail walk leads them through this natural wonder, unveiling stunning rock formations and lush vegetation.

Carved by the forces of water over centuries, the gorge unveils stunning rock formations and lush vegetation.
Hikers can spot indigenous flora and fauna, including vibrant wildflowers and the occasional bird soaring overhead.
The finale of the trek is the chance to admire the captivating petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The activity information states that it’s not suitable for children under 15 kg, so it’s likely not appropriate to bring pets along either. Check with the tour provider if you have any other questions.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The activity does not mention any discounts for seniors or students. The inclusions list only the standard entrance fees. Customers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any available discounts for these groups.

How Difficult Is the Hiking Trail in Culebrillas Gorge?

The hike through Culebrillas Gorge is a moderate 20-minute trail walk. It doesn’t require any technical hiking skills, but visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain and some elevation changes along the way.

Can I Purchase Additional Items During the Tour?

No, additional items cannot be purchased during the tour. The inclusions cover hotel pickup, transportation, guide, and entrance fees. Meals and travel insurance are not included, so you’ll need to bring your own snacks and ensure you have adequate coverage.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The activity overview does not mention an option to extend the tour duration. Customers must book the standard 5-hour half-day tour. Any requests to extend the itinerary would need to be discussed directly with the tour operator.

Sum Up

The Sillar Route: Quarries of Añashuaycos offers a captivating half-day adventure that delves into the rich history of sillar stone extraction and carving. Participants can admire breathtaking volcano views, explore the Añashuayco Quarry, and discover the captivating petroglyphs in Culebrillas Gorge with the guidance of a knowledgeable bilingual guide. This immersive experience is perfect for anyone seeking to appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of this unique region.