Guided tour of the Sillar route in Arequipa

Exploring Arequipa’s Volcanic Heritage: The Guided Sillar Route Tour

If you’re visiting Arequipa, known as the “White City” due to its stunning buildings crafted from sillar volcanic stone, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s construction roots and natural beauty. For around $34.25 per person, you’ll spend about four hours delving into the quarries that have shaped Arequipa’s architecture and discovering the natural landscapes that surround it. Led by knowledgeable guides, this shared tour takes you from panoramic viewpoints to virgin canyons, revealing the stories embedded in the volcanic stone and the land itself.

What we love about this experience is how it combines historical insight with spectacular scenery. The visit to the Yanahuara viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the three volcanoes—Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu—perfect for photos and soaking in the local pride of “You are not born in vain at the foot of a volcano.” Later, walking through the Añashuayco Quarries, we appreciate the scale of volcanic rock walls and local carvings, which give a tangible sense of Arequipa’s colonial building traditions. The highlight for many is the trek through the Culebrillas ravine, a pristine, untouched canyon with ancient petroglyphs and breathtaking vistas.

A key consideration is that this is a shared tour with a maximum of 18 people, which helps keep the experience intimate but also means you should be prepared for a group setting. While the price offers great value considering the transportation, guide, and entrance fees are included, keep in mind the four-hour duration involves some walking and exposure to outdoor elements. It’s suitable for most travelers in reasonable health, but those with mobility challenges should note the walking distances and uneven terrain.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, nature lovers, or anyone eager to see how volcanic stone has shaped Arequipa’s skyline and culture. If you enjoy learning from friendly, fluent guides and want a well-rounded introduction to the city’s geological and architectural identity, this experience will suit you well.

Key Points

• Authentic insight into Arequipa’s volcanic construction materials and history
• Spectacular viewpoints and photogenic landscapes from Yanahuara and Culebrillas
• Expert guides fluent in English and Spanish, offering engaging stories
• Accessible price that covers transportation, entrance fees, and bottled water
• Active experience involving walking through canyons and exploring quarries
• Small group setting enhances interaction and personalized attention

In-Depth Review of the Sillar Route Tour

Discovering the Volcanic Heart of Arequipa

This guided tour is a thoughtful way to connect with Arequipa’s unique character, built from sillar volcanic stone, a material that shaped the city both physically and culturally. For a modest price, you gain access to several significant sites, each offering a different perspective on the city’s relationship with its volcanic surroundings.

The tour begins at the Plaza de Yanahuara, a must-see viewpoint that overlooks the city and the iconic volcanoes. From here, we loved the impressive panoramic views, which provided ample opportunities for photos. Our guide, Alexandra, was praised by previous travelers for her fluency in English and Spanish and her ability to convey the history and significance of the landscape. She shared local phrases like “You are not born in vain at the foot of a volcano,” which added a personal, cultural touch to the experience.

Exploring the Añashuayco Quarries

Next, we traveled to the Añashuayco Quarries—the heart of the tour. These ancient volcanic stone quarries have walls soaring over 30 meters high, and they are the source of the material used for many of Arequipa’s most famous buildings, including its historic center. Walking among the carved walls, we could see spectacular carvings made by local artisans, which added a layer of craftsmanship and history to the visit.

Travelers have described this stop as “spectacular” and “full of history”—a perfect spot for casual photographs and a chance to imagine the city’s colonial past. The guide’s narration made the history come alive, emphasizing how the volcanic stone was not only a practical building material but also a part of Arequipa’s identity.

Trekking the Virgin Canyon of Culebrillas

The most adventurous part of the tour is the Culebrillas ravine, a pristine, untouched canyon that remains unexploited by quarrying. The 20-minute walk through this small canyon offers incredible photo opportunities—from the rugged rock formations to the surprising engravings of the Wari people, some of the earliest inhabitants of the region.

Reviewers such as Suzanne G. noted that “walking through the canyons to see the petroglyphs was amazing,” and the climb up a hill was described as steep but rewarding. The sense of being in a virgin natural space adds a special touch to this part of the experience, reminding us of the land’s untouched beauty.

Practical Details and Value

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, making the rides comfortable and climate-conscious. Included in the price are all entrance tickets and bottled water, which adds convenience and value. The start time at 9:00 am fits well with most travelers’ schedules, and the drop-off back at the starting point makes logistics simple.

A few small considerations: since the tour involves some walking and uneven terrain, travelers with difficulty walking might want to assess their comfort level. The group size is limited to 18, creating an intimate environment where questions are encouraged and guides can tailor their stories.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

What sets this tour apart is the combination of natural beauty and historic significance. Not only will you see stunning views and learn about volcanic stone, but you’ll also gain insight into the local culture and the importance of these materials to Arequipa’s identity.

Reviews emphasized the knowledgeable guides and the excellent value—a sentiment that echoes the overall experience. Flemming N. remarked that this was a “great value,” and appreciated the mix of viewpoints, quarries, and hikes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a meaningful, visually impressive introduction to Arequipa’s volcanic and architectural history. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities, photography, and learning from engaging guides. If you’re curious about local craftsmanship or love scenic hikes through natural landscapes, you’ll find this tour rewarding.

On the other hand, if you prefer very relaxed, mostly seated experiences or have mobility constraints, this tour might require some extra planning. The walking involved, especially in the canyon, is not strenuous but does involve uneven ground and some climbs.

The Sum Up

For a value-packed, authentic, and visually stunning introduction to Arequipa’s volcanic heritage, this guided Sillar route tour hits the mark. It offers a compelling mix of panoramic views, historical insights, and natural beauty, all delivered by a knowledgeable guide who enhances the experience with stories and local knowledge.

The combination of a viewpoint overlooking the volcanoes, exploring the quarries where Arequipa’s iconic buildings are born, and wandering through a virgin canyon with petroglyphs makes this tour a well-rounded choice for those eager to connect with the land and history of the region. At its modest cost, it’s a worthwhile investment for travelers seeking an enriching and memorable day.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour will deepen your appreciation of Arequipa’s striking landscape and architectural uniqueness—just keep your camera ready!

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately four hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and walking.

Is transportation included?
Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is provided for the entire trip, making the journey comfortable.

What is the meeting point?
The tour begins at Museo del Pisco AQPC, Moral 229, Arequipa. It ends back at the same location.

Do I need to book in advance?
It’s recommended to book about 20 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak travel times.

Are tickets for the sites included?
Yes, all entrance fees for the viewpoints, quarries, and natural sites are included in the tour price.

Can I cancel if I change my plans?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved in the canyon.

Is the guide bilingual?
Yes, guides are fluent in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.

This detailed review should help you decide if the guided Sillar route tour aligns with your travel style. It combines spectacular scenery, historical insight, and local culture in a way that’s accessible and memorable—perfect for those wanting to see the natural and built environment of Arequipa through a local’s eyes.