Sillar Route : Quarries of Añashuaycos : Half Day

Exploring Arequipa’s Sillar Quarry and Culebrillas Gorge: A Half-Day Adventure

If you’re visiting Arequipa and want to understand the city’s iconic white volcanic stone, this half-day tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the artisanal world of sillar extraction and carving. For just $20, you’ll spend around five hours exploring Añashuaycos quarry, marveling at petroglyphs, and walking the scenic Culebrillas Gorge with a friendly bilingual guide.

What we love most is how this tour combines authentic craftsmanship with natural beauty. The chance to see the carving process of the sillar stone gives you a deeper appreciation of Arequipa’s architecture—most notably its stunning colonial buildings. And walking through the petroglyph-laden canyon allows you to connect with the ancient peoples who left these silent stories on stone. On the downside, this experience involves moderate walking and isn’t suitable for those with mobility challenges or very young children.

This tour is a great pick for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers eager to see local craftsmanship firsthand. If you’re curious about the stones that give Arequipa its distinctive look or enjoy natural landscapes combined with cultural insights, this experience should definitely be on your list.

Key Points

• Affordable and short: At only $20, it delivers a well-rounded half-day experience.
• Authentic insights: Learn about the carving process directly from guides and observe petroglyphs that tell stories from centuries ago.
• Stunning scenery: The Culebrillas Gorge features impressive walls up to 20 meters high, perfect for photography.
• Cultural connection: The petroglyphs in the canyon are an important look into ancient traditions.
• Family-friendly: Not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues but good for older children and adults.
• Flexibility: Includes hotel pick-up and bilingual guides, making logistics smooth.

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A Detailed Look at the Sillar Route Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The experience begins with hotel pickup around 8:50 a.m., usually within the historic center of Arequipa. From there, you’ll hop into a tourist vehicle heading toward the Sillar Route—a scenic drive that offers your first views of the surrounding volcanoes, including the Misti and Pichu Pichu. Many reviewers appreciate this initial stop at a viewpoint, where the panoramic views of Arequipa framed by volcanoes set a perfect tone for the morning.

The Añashuaycos Quarry

After about an hour’s drive, you arrive at the Añashuaycos Quarry, a working site where talented artisans extract and carve the sillar—a volcanic stone unique to the region. Here, your guide, likely named Daniel or Rosa, will explain the traditional methods of extraction—from the initial quarrying to the detailed carving process.

Many visitors describe being surprised by the scale of the operation and the skill involved. We loved the way guides detail how the sillar blocks are carefully shaped, often by hand, into the stones that give Arequipa its distinctive white architectural style. You get to observe workers at their craft and understand why this stone is so prized.

The Petroglyphs in Quebrada de Culebrillas

After about 30 minutes, your trip continues to Quebrada de Culebrillas, a water canyon with walls soaring up to 20 meters high. Walking along its trails (roughly 20 minutes), you’ll see ancient petroglyphs carved into the stone—some depicting animals, symbols, and human figures. These silent images offer a window into the spiritual and cultural life of the area’s earliest inhabitants.

An important note from travelers is how peaceful and evocative this setting feels. The canyon’s reddish hues and rugged walls create a dramatic backdrop that photographers will appreciate. As one visitor said, “Seeing the petroglyphs felt like peering into a secret world.”

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Final Stop: More Petroglyphs and Return

The last stop involves a more detailed view of the rock art, where guides often share insights into their meanings and origins. After this, you’ll head back to Arequipa, arriving around 1 p.m., just in time for lunch or a relaxed afternoon.

Practical Details and What to Keep in Mind

Price: At $20 per person, the tour provides excellent value for the experience—covering transportation, a bilingual guide, and entry fees (which are about S/.5 each for the quarry and canyon).

Inclusions and Extras: Your fee includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a professional guide. Keep in mind, entrance fees are paid separately and are modest. You’ll need to bring cash, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, children under 15 kg, or people over 95 years old. There’s some walking involved, particularly in the canyon, which involves uneven terrain.

Timing and Availability: The morning start makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing. Be sure to check availability in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.

What Makes This Tour Special?

This experience offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and hands-on craftsmanship. Seeing the stone carving process in action connects you with the artisans who shape Arequipa’s iconic architecture. Meanwhile, exploring petroglyphs and the Culebrillas Gorge provides a tangible link to the area’s ancient past, which is often overlooked in more conventional city tours.

The scenic drive and scenic views add a visual charm that enriches the entire experience. Plus, with bilingual guides, you get clear explanations whether you speak English or Spanish, making it accessible for international travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This half-day excursion is perfect for history and culture enthusiasts who love seeing authentic working sites and ancient art. It’s also suitable for nature lovers interested in stunning geological formations. If you’re looking for a relaxing yet informative experience that doesn’t require a full day, the Sillar Route is an excellent choice.

Travelers who enjoy learning by doing and interacting with locals will find this tour rewarding. However, those with mobility issues or traveling with very young children might want to consider the walking involved or look for alternative experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s not recommended for children under 15 kg or very young kids due to walking and uneven terrain, older children with an interest in history and nature will likely enjoy it.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including hotel pickup, transportation, and exploration stops.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and cash for entrance fees or souvenirs. Comfortable shoes are a must due to some walking on uneven surfaces.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the entrance fees for the quarry and canyon are paid separately—about S/.5 each. These are paid directly at each site.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the transport is provided in a tourist vehicle suited for small groups. It’s a convenient way to cover the distance between sites.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Is the tour available in English?
Yes, the guide is bilingual, offering explanations in both English and Spanish.

To sum it up, the Sillar Route half-day tour offers a compelling look into Arequipa’s architectural heritage, ancient petroglyphs, and natural landscapes. With affordable pricing, friendly guides, and a mix of cultural and scenic highlights, it’s a practical choice for travelers eager to understand the stones that shape the city and walk through stories carved in stone. If you’re short on time but want a meaningful, authentic experience, this trip is well worth considering—just be prepared for some walking and outdoor exposure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby