If you’re visiting Arequipa and want to get a true sense of what makes the White City so striking, the Sillar Route Day Tour offers a wonderfully tangible connection to its iconic building material—sillar stone. Priced at only $22 per person for about four hours, it’s a surprisingly affordable way to see behind the facades of Arequipa’s stunning colonial architecture and learn about its deep roots in local craftsmanship.
What really makes this experience shine is the chance to walk through quarries at the foot of Chachani Volcano and observe master artisans at work using ancestral tools. Plus, the chance to see petroglyphs from the Wari culture carved into the natural ravines adds a layer of historical depth that few tours can match.
One minor consideration is that you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee (S/5) and possibly buy souvenirs or pay the artisans directly if you want to purchase crafts—these are optional costs, but worth budgeting for.
This tour is ideal for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the local materials that give Arequipa its distinctive look. It’s a hands-on, authentic experience that suits travelers eager for meaningful, small-group exploration.
Key Points
- Authentic insight into sillar: Learn about the stone that shapes Arequipa’s skyline.
- Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Andreas bring passion and extra context.
- Visiting quarries: Observe the extraction and craftsmanship firsthand.
- Historical petroglyphs: See carvings from the Wari culture in natural ravines.
- Affordable value: At $22, the cost includes transportation, guides, and some extras.
- Beautiful landscapes: The quarry scenery and volcanic backdrop make for stunning visuals.
Getting to know Arequipa’s most distinctive building material is a smart move for anyone wanting to grasp the city’s character. Known as the White City because of the luminous sillar stone that adorns its churches, mansions, and colonial facades, Arequipa’s architecture is a visual feast. This tour offers a window into how that stone is sourced, shaped, and historically significant.
You can check availability for your dates here:The Itinerary: What You’re Visiting and Why It Matters
The tour begins with a hotel pickup in the morning, usually from centrally located hotels in Arequipa’s historic district. This convenience means you won’t have to worry about navigating to the quarries yourself, which is a big plus.
The first stop is the Añashuayco Quarries, situated at the base of Chachani Volcano—a dormant giant that dominates the landscape. Here, you’ll walk through areas of the master stonecutters, observing artisans transforming raw sillar into architectural marvels. This is where the magic happens—a chance to see handcrafted carvings of colonial facades and intricate details. The highlight is the Pink Sillar, which glows with a captivating hue in the sunlight due to its mineral composition. It’s a striking sight, especially if you visit during midday when the light enhances its natural pink tone.
Next, you’ll visit artisan workshops where you can see how ancestral tools are used to carve and shape the stone. Watching craftsmen work with chisel and hammer, using techniques passed down through generations, makes you appreciate both the skill and patience involved. If you’re interested, you might also have the chance to purchase handmade crafts—a nice way to bring home a piece of Arequipa’s craftsmanship.
The journey continues to the Culebrillas Quarry, famous for its natural ravine formed by erosion. Walking along narrow walls lined with petroglyphs depicting animals like birds, felines, and snakes, you step back into ancient times. These carvings, dating back to the Wari culture (7th-13th centuries AD), add a surprising historical depth to the tour, connecting the modern city to ancient civilizations.
The day wraps up with a return to Arequipa’s city center, leaving you with vivid memories of volcanic landscapes, historic art, and the stones that built a city.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Arequipa.
What We Loved and What to Consider
One of the biggest strengths of this tour, as confirmed by reviews, is the knowledgeable guides. Marzia shared that her guide, Andreas, was “really helpful and precise,” enriching the experience with passion and detailed information about not just the Ruta de Sillar but also the broader cultural context of Arequipa and Peru. That kind of storytelling makes the visit feel personal and engaging, rather than just a checklist of sights.
The scenic landscapes are also a major draw. The quarry surroundings, especially the pink hue during sunny hours, provide incredible photo opportunities, and the petroglyphs in the ravine add a layer of mystery and history that you won’t find on typical city tours. The combination of natural beauty and cultural artifacts makes this a well-rounded experience.
However, some travelers note that if you’re short on time and only want to see the quarries or the canyon, a taxi might suffice. The tour’s value lies in the context and guided insights, so if you’re keen on detailed explanations and a more immersive experience, this guided tour is a good pick.
The Practicalities: What’s Included and What’s Not
For $22, the tour provides transportation, a bilingual guide (Spanish and English), and basic safety supplies. Pickups are from your hotel, making this trip convenient and stress-free. The tour lasts about 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to see the main sights without feeling rushed.
Extras like the S/5 entrance fee are not included but are easy to pay on site. You might also want to budget some extra for craft purchases or tips for the artisans.
While food and drinks are not included**, there are plenty of options in Arequipa’s city center before or after the tour. Bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat is recommended, especially since much of the tour takes place outdoors in the sun.
This tour is ideal for those who crave an up-close look at local craftsmanship and want a deeper understanding of what makes Arequipa’s architecture so distinctive. It’s perfect for history lovers, art enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to connect with Peru’s ancient and colonial past.
It’s also suitable for all ages and fitness levels, as the walking is moderate—though comfortable shoes are recommended. Families with kids 2 years or younger will appreciate the flexibility, as children can sit on a parent’s lap at no extra charge.
Arequipa: The Sillar Route Day Tour
Final Words
The Sillar Route Day Tour offers an authentic, insightful, and visually stunning way to connect with Arequipa’s most iconic building material. With expert guides, gorgeous volcanic landscapes, and a touch of ancient art, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Peruvian itinerary.
While it’s a brief tour, the experience is rich with details that will stick with you. Whether you’re an architecture lover, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates seeing artisans at work, this tour provides real value and memorable sights.
If you’re looking for an affordable, meaningful way to engage with Arequipa’s cultural fabric beyond the city streets, this trip hits all the right notes—especially if you want to learn where the “White City” gets its luminous stones.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children 2 and younger can join for free if they sit on a parent’s lap. The tour is generally suitable for all ages since it involves moderate walking and outdoor exploration.
What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes a bilingual guide (Spanish and English), transportation, a basic first aid kit, and safety supplies. Entrance fees (S/5) and optional crafts purchases are not included.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 4 hours, with a pickup from your hotel and visits to two main quarries plus artisan workshops and petroglyph sites.
Do I need to pay extra for the entrance fees?
Yes, a small fee of S/5 per person is paid on-site, which covers access to the quarries.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is included in the booking, making it easy to visit the quarry sites without worrying about logistics.
Can I buy crafts during the tour?
Yes, there are opportunities to purchase handmade crafts from artisans, which is optional but a nice way to support local work.
What should I bring?
Bring your passport, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a hat, and cash for entrance fees or souvenirs.
Is this tour available in English and Spanish?
Yes, guides speak both languages, ensuring clear communication whether you’re a speaker of English or Spanish.
What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Most travelers agree that walking through the quarries, witnessing the artisans at work, and seeing Wari petroglyphs are the standout experiences.
Whether you’re after the historic, artistic, or natural elements of Arequipa, the Sillar Route Day Tour delivers a well-rounded, authentic taste of the city’s most famous stone—sillar—and the stories it tells.
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