4 hours Tour: Route of Sillar with Trek in Culebrillas

Imagine walking through a landscape shaped by volcanoes, where ancient quarries and petroglyphs tell stories of a bygone era, all within a manageable four-hour window. This Route of Sillar tour offers a glimpse into the city’s iconic building material—sillar—while combining a scenic trek through Culebrillas canyon with cultural insights and hands-on experiences. For just $11, you get a well-paced exploration that balances natural beauty, history, and local craftsmanship, making it a favorite among travelers eager to see beyond the usual sights of Arequipa.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to walk inside a canyon formed by water, with walls soaring up to 20 meters high—an impressive perspective on how natural forces shape the terrain. The visit to Añashuayco Quarry is equally captivating, not just for the mega-carved details of the church façade but also for the chance to see local stonemasons at work and even try your hand at cutting a stone yourself. These authentic touches make the tour more than just sightseeing—it’s a chance to connect with the local craft and history.

One possible consideration is the timing and length—at around 4.5 hours, it’s a good half-day commitment, but some might find the driving between sites a bit rushed if they prefer more time at each stop. Also, note that the entrance fee to the sites (18 soles) is not included, so budget for that additional expense.

This tour suits history buffs, nature lovers, and curious travelers looking for an active, insightful half-day. It’s especially appealing if you want to see the working side of Arequipa’s famous stone industry while enjoying some light trekking and scenic viewpoints.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Visit working quarries and see stonemasons in action, not just tourist spots.
• Scenic natural beauty: Trek through the Culebrillas canyon with impressive walls and petroglyphs.
• Historical insight: Learn about the origin and use of sillar—Arequipa’s signature volcanic stone.
• Budget-friendly: At $11, with included guide and transport, it offers excellent value.
• Flexible scheduling: Available in the morning and afternoon, accommodating different plans.
• Additional costs: Remember the entrance fee (18 soles) isn’t included, so factor that into your budget.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Trek

The Starting Point and Early Views

The tour begins at C. Álvarez Thomas 115, a convenient meeting point in Arequipa. From there, a van whisks you about 25 minutes out of town toward the first scenic stop. We loved the way this initial drive builds anticipation—rolling through the outskirts, you get a quick glimpse of the landscape’s volcanic roots. The first viewpoint offers sweeping views of the Chilina Valley and the volcanoes that dominate the horizon, setting a dramatic stage for what’s to come. The brief stop here isn’t just a photo op; it’s a chance to appreciate the broader volcanic landscape that shaped Arequipa’s architecture and natural environment.

Añashuayco Quarry: The Heart of Sillar

Next, you’ll arrive at the Añashuayco Quarry, a lively site still in operation. The cliffs and ignimbrite walls are truly striking, with some reaching several meters high, revealing layers of volcanic ash that created the sillar. Our guide explained how the quarrying process has remained largely unchanged for centuries, with stonemasons working early mornings carving out blocks for building.

What makes this stop memorable is the chance to see the Mega carving of the Church of the Company of Jesus—a masterpiece of stonework. The guide also introduced us to a local stonemason, who generously explained his craft and even let us try our hand at cutting a stone block. It’s an authentic and engaging experience that connects you directly with the craftsmanship behind Arequipa’s iconic white buildings.

The Culebrillas Canyon Trek

After exploring the quarry, the tour moves to the Culebrillas canyon, about a 30-minute drive away. Here, you’ll enjoy a 20-minute walk inside a narrow canyon, where walls rise 15 to 20 meters on either side. As you proceed, the canyon walls become even more dramatic, covered with petroglyphs made by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago—an unexpected bonus for history enthusiasts. The petroglyphs are a tangible link to a past civilization, and the setting feels almost mystical.

The walk is accessible and not strenuous, but the narrow, high-walled canyon creates a sense of scale and intimacy. We loved the way the water-carved walls give you a glimpse of natural forces at work—this is not just a scenic walk, but a step into the geological history of the area.

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A Cultural Touch: Apachetas and Local Symbols

Before heading back, the tour stops at Apachetas, small stone mounds built by locals as offerings to nature and good luck. These formations are a charming, almost spiritual sight, and they add a layer of cultural depth to the trip. Standing among them, you get a sense of respect and gratitude that local communities have for their environment—a genuine tradition worth observing.

Returning to Arequipa

The journey back takes about 50 minutes, giving you time to reflect on what you’ve seen. The tour concludes near the main square at Av La Marina, a perfect central location to continue exploring or grab a meal.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews echo how engaging and worthwhile this tour is. One traveler from Spain called it “a grata sorpresa,” praising their guide’s friendly approach and detailed explanations. They especially loved the visit to Culebrillas and the Sillar site, describing it as “a spectacle.”

A traveler from France appreciated the good value for money, describing the whole experience as “super,” though some noted the English guide was unavailable due to illness—highlighting that sometimes language options depend on guide availability.

Several reviews also mention the short duration and light walking, making it suitable for most fitness levels, but perhaps not ideal if you’re seeking a full-day adventure or more strenuous activity.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

If your travels in Arequipa include a desire to see the city’s famous stone architecture up close and understand the craftsmanship behind it, this tour is perfect. It offers authentic insights into local working traditions, coupled with beautiful natural scenery and significant archaeological sites.

It’s especially good if you’re looking for a half-day activity that’s educational, scenic, and affordable. While it isn’t exhaustive or deeply adventurous, it's a well-rounded experience that adds depth to your understanding of Arequipa’s volcanic landscape and cultural heritage.

For those who appreciate interactive experiences—like trying your hand at stone carving—and are curious about ancient petroglyphs, this tour hits the spot. The combination of history, geology, and local culture makes it a memorable and worthwhile addition to any itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours, including transportation, stops, and walking.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation and a professional guide. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 18 soles to the sites separately.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the walk inside Culebrillas canyon is about 20 minutes and not strenuous, making it accessible for most travelers. However, some walking and standing are involved.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water. Since you’ll be outdoors, a hat or sunglasses might be helpful.

Can I join in the afternoon instead of the morning?
Yes, the tour is available at 2:00 pm as well, allowing flexibility for your schedule.

Will I get to see local artisans working?
Absolutely. One of the highlights is observing stonemasons at the Añashuayco Quarry, and you may even get to try cutting stone yourself.

This 4-hour Route of Sillar tour offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, historical insight, and authentic craftsmanship. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a light, engaging, and value-packed adventure into Arequipa’s volcanic and cultural landscape. Whether you're keen to see ancient petroglyphs, watch stone masons at work, or simply enjoy spectacular canyon scenery, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience with plenty of memorable moments.

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