4-hour excursion: Sillar Route with hiking in Culebrillas

Discovering Arequipa’s Sillar: An Insider’s View of the Quarry and Canyon Experience

A 4.5-hour journey through the Sillar Route with hiking in Culebrillas offers a fascinating glimpse into the fundamental building material of Arequipa’s historic center. For just $13 per person, you’ll explore lively quarries, see ancient petroglyphs, and enjoy stunning views of volcanoes and terraces. Your guide, like Juan or Maria (if reviews are indicative), will take you through a mix of active extraction sites and tranquil canyon walks, revealing both the craft and culture behind the white volcanic stone known as Sillar.

What makes this experience special? First, we loved the hands-on glimpse into sillar carving—standing among the gigantic cliffs and watching a stonemason at work is quite a sight. Second, the Culebrillas Canyon walk offers a peaceful, scenic break with impressive petroglyphs and mystical stone formations that stir up a sense of connection to the land.

On the flip side, a key consideration is that some might find the tour slightly touristy or short on deep historical context, especially if they’re after a more in-depth archaeological or culture. Still, it’s a practical choice for those wanting a quick, affordable taste of Arequipa’s geology and landscape.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of light hiking, local craftsmanship, and scenic views, especially if you’re short on time but eager to see a different side of Arequipa beyond its colonial streets.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $13, this tour offers good value for a mix of outdoor activity and cultural insight.
• Active Experience: Includes a walk through Culebrillas Canyon with petroglyphs—perfect for nature lovers.
• Historical Insights: Learn about the origin and use of Sillar, the volcanic stone that defines Arequipa’s architecture.
• Authentic Connection: Visit working quarries and see modern stonemasons at work.
• Scenic Vistas: Get panoramic views of volcanoes, terraces, and the Chilina Valley.
• Brief but Engaging: The tour is concise but offers enough variety to satisfy curious travelers.

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An In-Depth Look at the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Adventure

When we think about Arequipa, the white city, most travelers picture its stunning colonial architecture built with the local sillar stone. This tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what that material really is, and how it shapes the landscape and the city’s skyline.

The Itinerary Breakdown

We start early, around 9:15 am, heading out from the city to the Sillar Route. The first stop is a quick strategic viewpoint overlooking the Chilina Valley and volcanoes—think of it as a warm-up for your eyes and camera. Depending on the season, you might get a different view, but the scenery of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys is always a treat.

Next, we arrive at the Añashuayco Quarry, which is still active. Here, you’ll see the imposing cliffs—igneous walls carved over time by quarrymen. The guide explains the history of sillar, emphasizing its importance in constructing Arequipa’s iconic colonnaded facades and churches. What sets this quarry apart is the chance to see a Mega carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus, an impressive piece of craftsmanship. If you’re lucky, a stonemason might be on site, and you can even try cutting a small stone yourself—an unusual, hands-on experience that’s both fun and educational.

From there, we head about 30 minutes to Culebrillas in the Quebrada de Culebrillas. The walk inside this narrow canyon takes about 20 minutes, winding through walls that reach 15 to 20 meters high. As you venture deeper, the natural beauty becomes more striking, and ancient petroglyphs—created by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago—are visible on the canyon walls. These carvings connect you to a past when this region was a vibrant cultural hub.

Before heading back, we visit Apachetas, small stacked stone formations. These are more than just cairns—they’re symbols of gratitude to nature and believed to bring good luck, adding a mystical touch to the experience.

The trip wraps up with a return to Arequipa around 1:30 pm, and you’re dropped off near the Plaza de Armas, giving you time to explore the city afterward.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

The transportation provided is comfortable and reliable, making the drive between sites smooth. The guide’s insights make the experience richer, especially when they share details about the quarrying process, the cultural significance of petroglyphs, and local traditions like the Apachetas.

The entrance fee to the quarries and canyon—about 10 soles—is not included, so bring some cash. Since the tour is only 4.5 hours, it’s a good choice for a half-day outing, fitting easily into a day of sightseeing. The small group size keeps things intimate, and the English and Spanish guides ensure everyone can follow along comfortably.

A common critique, echoed in reviews, is that the experience can feel a bit “touristy” or rushed. As one reviewer put it, “if you are half a day bored and don’t know what to do, this is okay,” implying it’s not the most profound cultural tour but a fun and straightforward outing.

Why This Tour Works Well

For travelers interested in local craftsmanship and outdoor scenery, this trip delivers a good mix of both. The opportunity to see active quarries and try stone-cutting adds a tactile dimension often missing from purely sightseeing tours. Meanwhile, the canyon walk and petroglyphs provide a scenic and historical context that’s engaging without requiring a significant time commitment or physical strain.

If you’re seeking an authentic, budget-friendly experience that combines geology, culture, and light hiking, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about local materials and seeing natural landscapes that aren’t always in guidebooks.

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Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Sillar Route and Culebrillas walk is a good pick for budget-conscious travelers wanting a hands-on cultural experience near Arequipa. It’s best for those who appreciate scenic outdoor walks, local craftsmanship, or are simply curious about the materials that define the city’s architecture.

However, if you’re after deep archaeological insights or a more immersive cultural program, you might find this tour’s brief stops and straightforward narration somewhat limited. Still, for light, engaging, and affordable outdoor exploration, it’s quite a rewarding choice.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour?
  The tour includes tourist transport and a professional guide. Entrance tickets cost about 10 soles and are not included.

• How long does the tour last?
  It lasts approximately 4.5 hours, starting around 9:15 am, with options at 2:00 pm.

• Do I need to bring cash?
  Yes, the entrance fee to the sites is not included and costs around 10 soles, so carry some cash.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  The walk involves a 20-minute canyon hike, which can be doable for children used to walking, but consider their comfort with uneven terrain.

• What languages are available?
  The tour is offered in Spanish and English, ensuring clear communication.

• Can I experience the carving process?
  Yes, you may see a stonemason working, and you might even try cutting a small stone yourself—an engaging hands-on activity.

• Is this tour physically demanding?
  The walking is moderate, mostly along flat terrain inside the canyon, but be prepared for some uneven surfaces.

• What’s the best time of year to go?
  The tour operates year-round; however, check availability for seasonal views, especially if the weather affects visibility of volcanoes.

• Are the petroglyphs easily visible?
  Yes, the petroglyphs are on canyon walls, and your guide will point out the most significant carvings.

• Is this experience worth the price?
  With a price of just $13, it offers good value—especially considering the scenic views, cultural insights, and active involvement.

In essence, this tour is a practical, affordable way to explore an often-overlooked part of Arequipa’s landscape—its volcanic stone and ancient carvings. While not the deepest cultural dive, it balances outdoor fun with authentic local craftsmanship and stunning scenery, making it perfect for curious travelers looking for a quick, meaningful escape from the city’s colonial charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby