4-hour excursion: Ruta del Sillar with Hiking in Culebrillas

Exploring the Sillar of Arequipa: A 4-Hour Journey into Peru’s Volcanic Heritage

If you’re visiting Arequipa and curious about how the city’s iconic white buildings were built, a tour of the Ruta del Sillar offers a fascinating peek into the local craftsmanship and geology. For just $18 per person, this 4.5-hour excursion takes you through quarries, scenic viewpoints, and a narrow canyon, all centered around sillar, a volcanic stone that shaped the city’s architectural soul. Your guide will lead you through a landscape that’s both functional and mystical, revealing how ancient and modern stonemasons work with this unique material.

We love how this tour balances history and natural beauty—you get to see actual quarried stone, petroglyphs from the Wari culture, and stunning volcano views. The visit to the Añashuayco Quarries is particularly engaging because you can observe the mega-carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus and even try your hand at cutting stone, giving you a taste of local craftsmanship. The walk through Culebrillas Canyon is another highlight; it’s a peaceful, narrow gorge with impressive petroglyphs that date back over a thousand years.

One thing to keep in mind is that some travelers have found the guide’s English communication limited—Ronald, for example, noted that the guide “hardly spoke English,” which might affect your overall understanding if you’re not fluent in Spanish. Also, the tour’s organization can be a bit unpredictable, as the starting point sometimes changes depending on WhatsApp communication, leading to a slightly chaotic experience for some.

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration, geology, and local culture. If you’re after a relaxed sightseeing tour with a focus on natural landscapes and archaeological sites, you’ll find plenty to love here. However, if you prefer fully guided English explanations or a more polished organization, you might want to prepare for some minor hiccups.

Key Points

• Authentic insight into sillar, the volcanic stone that built Arequipa’s historic center
• Engaging visits to working quarries, with opportunities to see stone being cut and carved
• Walk through Culebrillas Canyon, appreciating petroglyphs and natural formations
• Scenic viewpoints of volcanoes and Chilina Valley provide excellent photo opportunities
• Some communication challenges with guides speaking limited English
• Flexible booking options and cancellation policy add convenience

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Ruta del Sillar Experience

For travelers eager to see how Arequipa’s signature white architecture is made, this tour offers a glimpse into local stonemasonry and the geological forces that shape the region. Starting at around 9:15 AM, the tour begins with a visit to a viewpoint overlooking the volcanoes and the Chilina Valley. Here, you get a panoramic snapshot of the landscape that has influenced the city’s development for centuries. Whether you’re a geologist, history buff, or simply love scenic vistas, this initial stop sets the scene beautifully.

The next major stop is the Añashuayco Quarry, about 45 minutes after the viewpoint. This working quarry is the heart of the tour—you’ll see cliffs of ignimbrite, a volcanic ash deposit, and learn how this material is extracted for construction. The highlight is observing the mega-carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus, a massive piece of stonemasonry that underscores the skill involved. Here, you might even interact with a local stonemason, gaining firsthand insight into the craft—a rare and valuable experience.

What makes this stop particularly interesting is the contrast between the raw canyon landscape and the precise craftsmanship displayed in the carvings. As Ronald’s review pointed out, some guides may not speak English fluently, which could dampen the experience if you’re hoping for detailed narration. Still, many visitors find the visual impact of the quarry and the carved stone captivating enough even with limited language.

The tour then proceeds to the Culebrillas Canyon, a small but striking natural formation carved by water over centuries. It’s a 20-minute walk into the canyon, where you’ll see walls 15 to 20 meters high and petroglyphs left by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago. This part combines natural beauty and archaeological intrigue, making it a favorite for those wanting a peaceful walk amid impressive geological formations. As one traveler put it, “The short walk through the gorge was the most enjoyable part,” highlighting its appeal.

Before wrapping up, the tour visits Apachetas, stone formations stacked in a ritualistic manner. These formations symbolize gratitude to nature and are considered good luck charms, adding a layer of cultural mysticism to your experience. The sense of history and respect encoded in these stone heaps offers a reflection on local traditions and beliefs.

Returning to Arequipa around 1:30 PM, the tour provides an excellent half-day activity that combines education, outdoor exploration, and scenic views. The transportation is included, and the guide is described as professional, although the reviews suggest that communication quality varies.

Practical Details and Value

At $18, this tour offers good value, especially considering the includes transportation and a guide—two key ingredients for making sightseeing effortless. The entrance fee to the sites is not included and costs around 10 soles, so budget extra for that. The flexible booking and cancellation policy are practical perks, especially if your plans are still up in the air.

While it’s an accessible and engaging experience, the limited English-speaking guide might be a consideration if you’re not comfortable with Spanish or rely heavily on guided narration. The small group size and walks in natural settings make it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities but may be less suitable for travelers seeking a highly structured or fully bilingual experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion best suits travelers interested in local geology, architecture, and culture, particularly those who enjoy walks in scenic natural environments. It’s a good fit for those looking for a more authentic, hands-on experience—seeing how historical stonework is created and understanding its significance.

If your main goal is learning about Arequipa’s history, and you’re comfortable with some language barriers, you’ll find this trip enriching. But if you prefer tours with flawless English guides or a more organized flow, you might find the experience a little uneven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s generally suitable for anyone comfortable walking short distances and exploring outdoor sites. The canyon walk is about 20 minutes, so comfortable footwear is advisable.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance tickets?
Yes, the entrance fee to the sites is approximately 10 soles, which is not included in the tour price.

Will the guide speak English?
The guide is available in both Spanish and English, but reviews indicate that English may be limited. If fluent English is essential, consider this when booking.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, water, and possibly a camera. The sites are outdoors, and weather conditions can vary.

How long is the walk through Culebrillas Canyon?
The walk lasts about 20 minutes and involves walking inside a narrow canyon with high walls and petroglyphs.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling options might be available, but check with the provider for specifics.

In essence, this tour provides a genuine, reasonably priced look at Arequipa’s volcanic stone culture and scenic landscapes. It’s especially appealing for those curious about local craftsmanship, history, and nature—offering a satisfying half-day escape into the region’s authentic character. While communication and organization might pose minor hurdles, the experience’s authenticity and scenic variety make it a worthwhile addition to your Arequipa itinerary.

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