Sillar Route

Welcome to the Sillar Route in Arequipa. For just $35 per person, this five-hour journey offers a close-up look at the volcanic stone that makes Arequipa’s white city so distinctive. Starting with hotel pickups, you’ll venture into the heart of the sillar industry—an experience combining culture, history, and craftsmanship. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour is designed for those curious about local architecture and eager to see how a single material shapes a city’s identity.

What we particularly love about this experience are two things: first, the chance to visit the Añashuayco Quarry, still in operation, where you can see masons at work amidst towering walls of ignimbrita—an awe-inspiring sight. Second, the opportunity to appreciate the mega-detail involved in extracting and shaping this volcanic stone. The tour’s price delivers good value, especially considering the included transport, guide, and bottled water. One possible consideration is that tickets for the quarries are not included, so you’ll want to budget extra for that.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy hands-on cultural experiences, those interested in local architecture, or anyone curious about Peru’s volcanic geology. If you love learning about how a city’s buildings come to life with a single material, this is a perfect fit. It’s also ideal for visitors who prefer a small group setting, with a maximum of ten travelers, allowing for personalized attention and more intimate exploration.

Key Points

• Authentic insight into Arequipa’s signature construction material, sillar
• In-depth visit to an active quarry with live stonework
• Guided walk through the history and process of quarrying volcanic stone
• Affordable price with included transport, guide, and bottled water
• Limited group size for a more personal experience
• Not included: tickets to quarries and meals, so plan accordingly

Exploring the Sillar Route: A Genuine Look at Arequipa’s Building Blocks

The Sillar Route is more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s a chance to understand how Arequipa’s iconic white buildings are born and shaped by volcanic forces. For $35, you get around five hours of guided exploration, starting with hotel pickups in the city center—convenient and seamless for visitors staying nearby. The tour runs approximately from 8:00 to 13:00, making it a manageable morning activity that can be paired with other sightseeing later in the day.

The Itinerary: From Quarry to Culture

The first stop on this journey is the Añashuayco Quarry, a site still actively used by masons. Here, we loved the immediacy and authenticity of watching craftsmen work amidst towering walls of ignimbrita, a volcanic tuff. The impressive canyon walls, several meters high, provide a dramatic backdrop to the extraction process. This is where you’ll truly see the raw material—not just a sample of stone, but a living, breathing part of Arequipa’s ongoing construction tradition.

Your guide will share stories about the history of sillar and explain how the stone is quarried, shaped, and transported. We found this aspect particularly fascinating because it’s a hands-on understanding of the city’s architecture, which is renowned for its Baroque style built entirely with sillar. The mega-detail of the stone’s formation and the craftsmanship involved enriches your appreciation of the buildings that surround you—palaces, churches, and colonial facades.

What to Expect at Each Stop

The quarry visit offers a visual feast—massive walls carved out of volcanic ash, contrast-rich hues of white and gray, and the sturdy tools of masons at work. Expect to see the extraction process firsthand, with some opportunities to ask questions and observe techniques used to shape the stone.

While the tour does not include tickets to enter the quarries, your guide will provide enough background to make it worthwhile. We recommend budgeting a little extra for entrance fees if you want to explore further.

The Environment and Atmosphere

The surroundings are remarkable—imposing canyon-like walls, the scent of volcanic earth, and the sound of chisels echoing in the distance. The environment is rugged and authentic, giving you a real sense of the labor and skill involved. It’s a perfect setting for anyone interested in geology, architecture, or local craftsmanship.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What really makes this tour special is the combination of cultural insight and tangible experience. Unlike a passive sightseeing bus tour, here you get up close to the process of quarrying, which provides a deeper understanding of how Arequipa’s distinctive architecture is built from natural volcanic material. The guide’s explanations and the chance to see artisans at work lend a personal touch that elevates the experience.

Travelers have shared glowing reviews, with Vilma_M describing it as “Inolvidable” (unforgettable). She notes the “great experience” and the “excellent” guide, emphasizing how much she enjoyed exploring the route. Such testimonials highlight the value of seeing the stone in its natural setting rather than just admiring the finished buildings.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Tickets: Remember, entrance tickets to the quarries are not included, so plan to purchase these separately.
• Physical Fitness: Moderate physical activity is involved, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking and standing.
• Weather: The environment can be exposed, so sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are advisable.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour offers a personalized, intimate atmosphere—ideal for questions and engaging discussions.
• Timing: Starting early ensures you avoid the heat and crowds, making for a more comfortable experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for architecture buffs, geology enthusiasts, or anyone curious about local craftsmanship. It suits travelers who appreciate authentic, behind-the-scenes looks at cultural traditions. Families with older children, or groups of friends, will enjoy the interactive and educational aspects. If you prefer ready-made sightseeing with less interaction, this might not be your best fit.

Final Thoughts

The Sillar Route offers a rare glimpse into the materials that make Arequipa so visually striking. It’s a value-packed, authentic experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and natural beauty—all within a compact five-hour window. For those wanting a deeper connection to the city’s architecture and a hands-on view of traditional quarrying, this tour is a wonderful choice.

Travelers who enjoy learning by doing and seeing the process in action will find this experience both enlightening and inspiring. With excellent reviews emphasizing the expertise of the guide and the authenticity of the environment, the Sillar Route is a standout activity for anyone eager to understand what makes Arequipa’s white city so unique.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides transport from and back to your hotel in Arequipa’s city center.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting around 8:00 am and finishing around 1:00 pm.

Are tickets to the quarries included? No, entrance tickets are not included, so you should plan to purchase them separately.

Is the tour suitable for everyone? The tour requires moderate physical fitness and involves some walking and standing, so it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with this level of activity.

What is the group size? The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring? Wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and carry water and a camera to capture the scenery.

Is there a guide included? Yes, an expert guide will accompany you, providing information and answering questions.

What is the scenery like? Expect dramatic canyon walls and volcanic landscapes, offering excellent photo opportunities.

Is the experience suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, children with moderate physical ability should enjoy the experience, especially if they are interested in geology or construction.

Can I combine this tour with other activities? Yes, since it’s a half-day activity, you can easily combine it with other sightseeing or cultural tours in Arequipa.

Whether you’re fascinated by volcanic rocks, colonial architecture, or just looking for a unique, authentic experience in Arequipa, the Sillar Route offers a compelling and educational journey into the city’s most iconic building material.