From Arequipa: Sillar Quarry and Culebrillas Canyon Tour

If you’re looking to step beyond the typical city sights and experience a slice of local craftsmanship paired with stunning natural scenery, this tour from Arequipa hits the mark. For just $22, you get to learn about the city’s iconic sillar stone—a volcanic material used in many of its buildings—and enjoy a scenic walk through the Culebrillas Canyon. The tour lasts about four hours, which makes it perfect for a half-day adventure packed with culture and nature.

Two things we love about this experience are the hands-on insight into traditional stone carving—which ties you directly to the craftsmanship that shaped Arequipa’s unique architecture—and the opportunity to photograph the striking rock walls of Culebrillas Canyon. The guides are noted for their knowledge and engaging style, making these stops come alive.

A potential consideration is that entrance to Culebrillas Canyon isn’t included in the price. You might want to budget a little extra for this. Also, the tour’s timing at 8:00 AM or 2:00 PM means you’ll want to plan your morning or afternoon accordingly, especially if you prefer avoiding early starts or afternoon heat.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences, scenic hikes, and learning about local building traditions. If you’re interested in geology, archaeology, or simply want a meaningful way to connect with Arequipa’s landscape and culture, this trip is a great choice.

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Key Points

Unique craftsmanship: Learn how local stonemasons carve sillar by hand, a tradition that dates back centuries.
Stunning natural scenery: Walk through the Culebrillas Canyon, with towering rock walls and ancient petroglyphs.
Authentic local insight: Guides are knowledgeable and help you understand the significance of the quarry and canyon.
Flexible scheduling: Choose between morning and afternoon departures to suit your plans.
Affordable price: At $22, this tour offers great value for a mix of cultural and outdoor experiences.
Additional costs: Entrance to Culebrillas Canyon is not included, so budget accordingly.

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In-Depth Tour Breakdown

Starting in Arequipa’s Historic Center

The tour begins with a pickup in the historic center, a convenient way to start without fuss. From there, the journey to the Sillar Quarries is a short ride, giving you the chance to settle into the day and get excited about what’s ahead.

Visiting the Sillar Quarries

The highlight here is the guided tour of the stone carving process. The guide explains that the volcanic sillar, derived from lava from nearby volcanoes, is so fragile that it can only be shaped by hand. This technique has persisted for centuries, giving Arequipa its distinctive white architecture, often called the “White City.”

We loved the way the guide shared stories about the stonemasons’ work, making it clear that this is a living tradition. Seeing these craftsmen at work, and understanding how they transform lava into building blocks, adds a tangible layer of connection to the city’s iconic structures.

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Walking to Culebrillas Canyon

After the quarry, the group walks approximately half an hour to reach the Culebrillas Canyon. This part of the tour emphasizes the natural beauty of the area—a narrow ravine with walls reaching 15 to 20 meters high. The walk itself is manageable and offers chances to appreciate the rugged terrain.

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Exploring Culebrillas Canyon

Once inside, you’ll wander along a trail flanked by towering rock walls, which makes for fantastic photo opportunities. The canyon is also an archaeological site, featuring petroglyphs carved into the rocks—mysterious symbols whose meanings are lost to time. We loved the sense of stepping into a natural sculpture gallery, with the added intrigue of ancient rock art.

While the entrance fee isn’t included, it’s worth the small investment to see these ancient carvings up close. Expect to spend about 15–20 minutes walking through the canyon, soaking in the scenery and snapping photos.

Tour Ending and Return

After the canyon, we return to Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas, making the entire trip a well-rounded experience. The tour ends conveniently close to the city center, which is perfect for those planning to continue exploring.

Transportation and Guide Quality

Transportation is provided via bus or minibus depending on group size, ensuring comfortable travel between sites. The guides, who speak Spanish and English, are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm—a key factor in transforming a simple sightseeing trip into an engaging educational experience. As one review highlights, “The best was Lidia, our guide,” emphasizing the importance of a passionate guide who can bring the history and geology to life.

Analyzing Value and Practical Aspects

At $22, this tour offers excellent value. It combines cultural insight, via the quarry’s craftsmanship, with natural beauty, through the canyon hike. It’s a manageable timeframe for most travelers, lasting about four hours, and the included pickup and drop-off make logistics straightforward.

The main extra cost is the entrance fee to Culebrillas Canyon, but considering the natural and archaeological sights, it’s a small price to pay for the added depth of experience.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers, those interested in local craftsmanship and geology, or anyone wanting an outdoor adventure close to Arequipa. If you enjoy learning about traditional trades or capturing scenic landscapes on camera, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also great for travelers seeking a light outdoor activity that isn’t overly strenuous but still offers a meaningful glimpse into the area.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Arequipa offers a thoughtful balance of cultural learning and outdoor exploration. The chance to see artisans at work creating the iconic sillar stone, combined with a scenic walk through the imposing Culebrillas Canyon, makes for a memorable outing. The guides’ expertise enhances the experience, making complex topics like petroglyphs and volcanic rock accessible and engaging.

While it’s straightforward and not overly long, it packs a punch with authentic insights and stunning visuals. The price point makes it accessible, and it’s well suited for those who want to learn about local traditions while enjoying nature.

For those who appreciate hands-on history, scenic hikes, and the chance to photograph striking landscapes, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s a perfect way to connect more deeply with Arequipa’s volcanic roots and artistic spirit.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided in the city center of Arequipa.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about four hours, including transportation, visits, and walking.

What are the departure times?
You can choose between 8:00 AM or 2:00 PM, depending on your preference.

Do I need to pay for entrance to Culebrillas Canyon?
Yes, entrance to the canyon isn’t included in the tour price, so expect to pay a small fee locally.

Is the guide bilingual?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the tour accessible for international travelers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking are recommended, especially for the canyon hike.

Can I do this tour if I’m not an early riser?
Yes, with a 2:00 PM departure, it’s flexible for different schedules.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they’re comfortable walking and hiking.

Are there any physical requirements?
The walk to the canyon is about 30 minutes and involves walking through uneven terrain; it’s suitable for most healthy individuals.

Will I see ancient petroglyphs?
Yes, the canyon features rock symbols engraved long ago, and your guide will likely share their significance.

This tour offers a hands-on glimpse into Arequipa’s volcanic past and artistic traditions, all wrapped in a manageable, scenic outing. It’s a genuine way to appreciate the city’s unique character and natural beauty, perfect for curious, adventure-minded visitors.