Tour Ruta del Sillar en Arequipa
Learn about the origin of the stone that shaped the White City during this half-day excursion along the Sillar Route, a cultural experience that reveals the history, traditions, and craftsmanship that have defined Arequipa for centuries.
Sillar, a white volcanic stone extracted from ancient quarries, has been the primary material used to build the mansions, monasteries, churches, and monuments that now form Arequipa's Historic Center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the tour, you will visit the Añashuayco Quarries, where skilled stonemasons still work using traditional techniques passed down through generations. You will also explore the Culebrillas Valley, a fascinating natural landscape where ancient rock formations and petroglyphs reveal part of the region's pre-Hispanic history.
Throughout the experience, you will learn about the extraction and carving process of sillar stone, admire monumental sculptures carved directly into the volcanic rock, and discover how this material became Arequipa's most iconic architectural symbol.
This excursion combines history, culture, geology, art, and natural scenery in a unique experience that offers a deeper understanding of the identity of the White City.
Important Information
- Tour Type: Cultural, historical, and scenic.
- Ideal For: Couples, families, groups of friends, cultural travelers, photographers, and history enthusiasts.
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
- Start / End Point: Arequipa / Arequipa.
- Departure Times: Morning or afternoon departures depending on availability.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Meals Included: No meals included.
- Season: Available year-round.
- Service Type: Small group tours or private service.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the famous Añashuayco Sillar Quarries.
- Observe traditional stonemasonry techniques.
- Learn about the extraction and carving of volcanic sillar stone.
- Admire monumental sculptures carved directly into the rock.
- Explore the stunning Culebrillas Valley.
- View ancient petroglyphs and natural rock formations.
- Discover the origin of Arequipa's White City architecture.
- Enjoy spectacular volcanic landscapes.
- Unique cultural experience in Arequipa.
What Makes This Tour Special
What makes the Sillar Route unique is that it allows you to experience Arequipa from a completely different perspective.
While many tours focus on the historic monuments in the city center, this experience takes you to the very origin of those monuments and the artisan traditions that made their construction possible.
The towering quarry walls carved by centuries of mining activity, the monumental sculptures created directly within the quarry, and the breathtaking Culebrillas Valley create a remarkable combination of culture, art, and nature.
You'll also have the opportunity to observe local stonemasons at work and understand why sillar stone has become one of Arequipa's most important symbols.
Best Time to Visit
The Sillar Route can be visited throughout the year.
The dry season, from April to November, usually offers clear skies and excellent conditions for sightseeing and photography.
During the rainy season, from December to March, the tour continues operating normally and offers different scenery thanks to the contrast between the vegetation and volcanic landscapes.
Who Is This Tour For?
This experience is ideal for travelers interested in history, architecture, geology, and local culture.
It is also an excellent option for visitors looking to explore a different side of Arequipa and discover lesser-known places that remain closely connected to the city's identity.
Thanks to its short walks and moderate difficulty, the tour is suitable for families, couples, and travelers of all ages.
Included
- Pickup from hotels located in Arequipa's historic center.
- Tourist transportation throughout the excursion.
- Professional English- or Spanish-speaking guide.
- Visit to the Añashuayco Quarries.
- Visit to Culebrillas Valley.
- Guided walk.
- Ongoing assistance throughout the tour.
Not Included
- Entrance fees to attractions.
- Meals.
- Beverages.
- Tips.
- Services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
9:00 AM | Hotel Pickup in Arequipa
We begin the experience with pickup from your hotel located in Arequipa's historic center. From there, we head to the outskirts of the city to discover the origin of the stone that shaped the famous White City.
9:45 AM | Añashuayco Quarries
Our first stop is the Añashuayco Quarries, the main source of sillar stone used for centuries in the construction of Arequipa's historic mansions, churches, monasteries, and monuments.
Here, you will learn about the traditional extraction and carving process while observing the work of master stonemasons who continue to preserve this ancestral craft.
10:00 AM | Monumental Sillar Sculptures
During the visit, we explore different sections of the quarry where enormous sculptures and relief carvings have been created directly on the quarry walls.
These impressive works depict historical scenes, cultural symbols, and elements that form part of Arequipa's identity.
10:30 AM | Traditional Stone-Carving Techniques
We continue learning about the techniques used to cut, shape, and work volcanic stone.
Local stonemasons share their knowledge about the tools they use and explain the importance of this activity in the architectural and economic development of Arequipa.
11:00 AM | Culebrillas Valley
Next, we travel to Culebrillas Valley, an impressive canyon formed by geological processes and natural erosion over thousands of years.
Here, we take a short walk to explore its fascinating rock formations and observe ancient petroglyphs attributed to pre-Hispanic cultures that once inhabited the region.
12:30 PM | Free Time for Photography
Before returning to the city, we have time to enjoy the scenery and take photographs of the natural formations and spectacular volcanic landscapes surrounding the area.
1:00 PM | Return to Arequipa
After completing the visit, we begin our journey back to the city.
1:30 PM or 5:30 PM | Arrival in Arequipa
The excursion ends in Arequipa's historic center or at your hotel, depending on the service selected.
Please note: Schedules are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and the pace of the group.
What to Bring
- Passport or ID.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Lightweight and comfortable clothing.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Water.
- Camera or smartphone.
- Cash for entrance fees and personal expenses.
Price
Shared Service
From USD 28 per person
Private Service
From USD 65 per person
Prices may vary depending on the season, availability, and number of participants.
The excursion lasts approximately 5 hours.
Sillar is a white volcanic stone formed by ancient eruptions. It has been used for centuries in the construction of Arequipa's most important monuments and historic buildings.
No. The tour includes short and accessible walks suitable for most travelers.
They are the main sillar stone quarries in Arequipa and continue operating today using traditional extraction techniques.
The valley features natural rock formations, a narrow volcanic canyon, and ancient pre-Hispanic petroglyphs.
Yes. The activity is suitable for travelers of different ages and fitness levels.
Yes. It is an excellent activity for learning about the history and culture of the region shortly after arrival.
