Tour to the Sillar Route From Arequipa | Half Day

Nestled in the stunning Andes, Arequipa’s Sillar Route offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. From the ancient artisan quarry to the breath-taking Quebrada de Culebrillas, this half-day tour promises an immersive experience that’s both educational and visually striking. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll uncover the secrets of this remarkable region – but the real question is, what will you discover along the way?

Contents show

Key Points

Half-day excursion from Arequipa to explore quarries, canyons, and petroglyphs, priced from $20 per person and lasting around 5 hours.
Highlights include visiting an artisan quarry, hiking through the scenic Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, and observing ancient rock carvings.
Convenient hotel pickup, flexible booking, and full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
Tour includes bilingual guide, entrance fees, and travel insurance for added security.
Recommended to bring passport, sunscreen, personal medications, and insect repellent for the canyon visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sillar Route Tour from Arequipa offers a half-day excursion that allows visitors to explore the unique quarries, canyons, and petroglyphs that have shaped the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced from $20 per person, the tour lasts around 5 hours with a multilingual guide. Highlights include visiting an artisan quarry, hiking through a scenic canyon, and discovering ancient rock carvings.

With convenient hotel pickup, flexible booking, and a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an immersive experience for those keen to uncover Arequipa’s geological and archaeological wonders.

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

Itinerary

The tour kicks off with pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa at 8:50 a.m.

First, you’ll visit a viewpoint to gaze upon the surrounding volcanoes.

Then, you’ll head to the Añashuayco Quarry to observe artisans carving the iconic sillar stone.

Next, you’ll drive 30 minutes to the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, where you’ll embark on a 20-minute walk through the towering walls.

Finally, you’ll explore the petroglyphs hidden in the canyons before returning to Arequipa around 1:00 p.m.

Throughout the journey, your bilingual guide will provide insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions

This tour includes hotel pick-up, transport by bus or minibus, and a bilingual guide to lead the way.

They’ll provide entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon – about $5 per person.

Travelers can feel secure with the included travel insurance. However, there may be additional costs not covered.

Travelers can feel secure with the included travel insurance, but there may be additional costs not covered.

Guests should remember to bring their passport or ID, sunscreen, personal medication, and a pen.

This ensures they’re prepared to fully enjoy the sights and activities on the Sillar Route tour from Arequipa.

What to Bring

Guests should be sure to bring along their passport or ID card, as they’ll need to present it upon arrival.

Sunscreen is a must for this outdoor adventure, so be sure to pack a biodegradable variety. Any personal medications you may need should also be on hand.

Don’t forget a pen – you might want to jot down notes or contact information during the tour.

While insect repellent isn’t explicitly listed, considering the canyon visit, it’s a good idea to bring some along.

With these essentials covered, you’ll be all set to fully learn about the Sillar Route experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

While the Sillar Route tour from Arequipa has received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 3 out of 5 based on two customer evaluations, travelers tend to speak positively about the various spots visited during the experience.

Reviewers appreciated the opportunity to observe artisans carving the unique Sillar stone and explore the scenic Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.

However, some customers critiqued the tour guide’s volume and felt they needed more time to thoroughly explore the canyons.

Plus, a suggestion was made to bring mosquito repellent for the canyon visit, which could enhance the overall experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Arequipa

Exploring the Añashuayco Quarry

As the tour departs Arequipa, the first stop takes visitors to the Añashuayco Quarry, where they can observe skilled artisans meticulously carving the unique Sillar stone.

Sillar, a white volcanic rock, has been used for centuries to construct Arequipa’s iconic buildings and monuments. At the quarry, visitors witness the intricate process of extracting and shaping this material, marveling at the artisans’ precision and expertise.

The guide explains the cultural significance of Sillar, providing insights into its use in the region’s architectural heritage. This immersive experience allows travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich history and traditional craftsmanship.

Trekking Through the Quebrada De Culebrillas

After exploring the quarry and observing the skilled artisans, the tour continues its journey to the captivating Quebrada de Culebrillas.

The group hops back into the minibus, winding through the scenic countryside for 30 minutes. Once arrived, they embark on a 20-minute trek through the canyon walls, which tower up to 20 meters high.

The journey offers:

Breathtaking vistas of the rugged, ochre-colored canyon.
An up-close look at the ancient, carved petroglyphs etched into the rock formations.
A peaceful escape into nature, away from the bustle of Arequipa.

The trek concludes, and the group returns to the city, filled with newfound appreciation for this geological wonder.

Discovering the Petroglyphs

The tour group now turns its attention to the stunning petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls.

These ancient rock carvings depict various symbols and figures, giving a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the region’s indigenous inhabitants. The guide enthusiastically explains the significance of the petroglyphs, pointing out intricate designs that range from geometric patterns to depictions of animals and human forms.

The ancient petroglyphs reveal the symbols and figures that captured the lives and beliefs of the region’s indigenous inhabitants.

Visitors are captivated, snapping photos and tracing their fingers along the weathered grooves.

This final stop on the Sillar Route tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Arequipa area.

Things To Know

How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?

The tour’s accessibility for travelers with disabilities is unclear. While some details like hotel pickup and transportation are provided, the itinerary doesn’t specify if the sites and activities are wheelchair-friendly. Further information would be needed to determine the tour’s suitability for those with mobility challenges.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional activities, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their interests. The provider offers flexibility, so customers can work with them to personalize the itinerary and enhance their overall experience.

Are There Any Dietary Requirements or Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any dietary requirements or restrictions. As it’s a self-guided experience, participants can bring their own snacks and meals that cater to their dietary needs. The focus is on the sightseeing and cultural aspects of the tour.

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour to Operate?

There’s no minimum group size for this tour – it runs regardless of how many people sign up. The tour operator is happy to accommodate solo travelers and small groups alike for this Sillar Route exploration.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include a Full-Day Experience?

The tour can indeed be extended to a full-day experience, allowing visitors to explore the region more thoroughly. This would provide opportunities to delve deeper into the local culture and natural wonders beyond the half-day itinerary.

Sum Up

The Sillar Route tour offers a captivating glimpse into Arequipa’s natural and cultural heritage. From the quarry where the iconic white stone is crafted to the picturesque canyon and ancient rock carvings, this half-day adventure showcases the region’s remarkable beauty and enduring traditions. With knowledgeable guides and convenient transportation, it’s an enriching way to experience the authentic charm of Arequipa.