Imagine walking through breathtaking landscapes where white volcanic sillar rock formations dominate the scenery, contrasting sharply with the vibrant blue sky. For just $12, this one-hour tour offers a mixture of natural beauty, historical exploration, and cultural insight, all guided by friendly bilingual guides. We start at the local travel agency, hop into a comfortable vehicle, and wind our way through some of Arequipa’s most impressive sights.

Two things we love about this experience are the views from Yanahuara, where you get a sweeping panorama of the volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, and the chance to walk through the ** Añashuayco Quarry**, which is still actively extracting stone. Seeing the enigmatic petroglyphs in Culebrillas adds an element of mystery, and the Apachetas offering provides a deep sense of local tradition. One potential consideration? The tour involves some walking — about 25 minutes of trekking — so it’s best suited for those comfortable with light physical activity.

This tour is ideal for travelers interested in combining geology, history, and local culture in a short time frame. It suits those who appreciate authentic experiences, scenic views, and a bit of gentle exercise, making it perfect for curious travelers looking for a genuine taste of Arequipa’s unique landscape.

Key Points

Affordable price with rich content and beautiful scenery.
Includes visits to Añashuayco Quarry and Culebrillas, offering insight into local stone extraction.
Great panoramic views from Yanahuara overlook the volcanoes.
Involves light trekking suitable for most fitness levels.
Cultural insights through observation of apachetas and petroglyphs.
Bilingual guides ensure clear explanations in English and Spanish.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Sillar Route: A Complete Guide

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Understanding the Landscape and Its Significance

The Sillar Route is a journey through the iconic white volcanic stone that defines Arequipa’s architecture and landscape. The white sillar, a volcanic ash rock, has been used for centuries to build the city’s beautiful colonial-era buildings, giving Arequipa its nickname, “The White City.” This tour takes you beyond the city center into the surrounding landscape, revealing how geology and local tradition intertwine.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at Arequipa Tours Perú, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a comfortable vehicle. The entire trip involves a mix of driving and walking, with the first stop being a 20-minute ride to the Mirador de Yanahuara. This scenic overlook offers an impressive view of the volcanoes—a highlight for photography lovers and anyone wanting a memorable panorama.

The Yanahuara Scenic Overlook

From the vantage point at Yanahuara, you’ll appreciate views of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, the three volcanoes that watch over Arequipa. The viewpoint’s charming stone balconies and traditional architecture create a perfect spot for photos and soaking in the landscape. Many visitors find this a peaceful and awe-inspiring start to the tour.

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Añashuayco Quarry: The White Canyon

Next, you’ll visit the Añashuayco Quarry, still in full exploitation of its stone, which has turned the area into a vast canyon with towering white walls approximately 30 meters high. The sight of such enormous stone cliffs showcases the scale of quarrying activity and offers excellent photo opportunities. The 30-minute walk through this quarry provides an up-close look at the raw material that shaped much of Arequipa’s iconic buildings.

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Culebrillas Quarry and Petroglyphs

The highlight for many is the Quebrada de Culebrillas, an ashlar quarry not currently in use but rich in history and mystery. Here, you’ll enjoy a 20-minute walk to see petroglyphs engraved on the walls—ancient symbols that hint at the area’s long history. The guide explains their significance, adding depth to the experience.

Some reviews mention the enigma of these petroglyphs, with one traveler remarking, “The carvings felt like a glimpse into a lost world, making the walk more meaningful.” It’s a chance to connect with prehistoric art while enjoying the rugged landscape.

Cultural Significance: Apachetas and Local Traditions

On the way back, you’ll observe the apachetas, small conical stone structures along the Inca Trail. These are offerings left by travelers and locals, believed to carry spiritual significance. Many find this a mystical moment; it’s a reminder of the enduring indigenous traditions that still influence the landscape.

Practical Details: What to Expect and Tips

The tour lasts about 1 hour, with a total of about 3 hours including transportation and stops. You’ll want to bring a camera, water, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a daypack. The light walking involved makes it accessible to most, but it’s best for those comfortable with some light trekking.

Entry fees to the quarries are not included, costing S/5.00 each, which adds a small extra but is worth it for the insights and photos.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a short, affordable, and authentic way to see some of Arequipa’s geological and cultural highlights. It appeals especially to those interested in volcanoes, ancient petroglyphs, and traditional offerings. It’s not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those seeking a more intense hike, but for most, the combination of scenic views and cultural insights will be just right.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At just $12, this tour packs a lot into a short time: panoramic views, visits to active and inactive quarries, and cultural sights. The bilingual guides help make complex history and geology accessible, and the variety of stops keeps the experience engaging. It’s a budget-friendly way to deepen your understanding of Arequipa’s volcanic landscape and local traditions.

Final Thoughts

The Arequipa Sillar Route with Hiking in Culebrillas offers a genuine look into the city’s volcanic past and indigenous culture within a manageable timeframe. It’s ideal for those who enjoy scenic vistas, light outdoor activity, and cultural stories. For travelers eager to see how geology has shaped the city and to experience local traditions firsthand, this tour provides a meaningful and visually stunning introduction.

While it’s not a long trek or a comprehensive geological tour, it perfectly complements a day of exploring Arequipa’s historic center or relaxing after more intensive excursions. The cost-efficiency and authenticity make it a worthwhile addition to your Peruvian itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the tour involves some walking and light trekking, children who are comfortable with walking should enjoy it. However, it might be less suitable for very young kids or those with mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera for the stunning views, water, biodegradable sunscreen to protect from the sun, comfortable clothing for walking, and a small daypack to carry your essentials.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour, but with transportation and stops, plan for about 3 hours in total.

Are the guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear explanations whether you’re a local or a visitor.

What is the cost of entry to the quarries?
Entry to Añashuayco and Culebrillas is S/5.00 each, paid directly at the site.

Is the tour physically demanding?
It involves about 25 minutes of walking, so it’s suitable for most travelers in reasonable health. The terrain is uneven, but not too challenging.

Can I see the volcanoes from all the stops?
Yes, especially from Yanahuara, the views of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu are spectacular and a highlight of the trip.

Is the tour private or group?
It’s generally a group tour with a small number of participants, making it a social and flexible experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering good flexibility for your plans.

In essence, this tour offers a compact, affordable, and authentic glimpse into Arequipa’s volcanic and cultural landscape, perfect for curious travelers eager to combine scenic beauty with local insights.