Sillar Route with hike through Culebrillas in Arequipa

Exploring Arequipa’s Sillar and Culebrillas: A Journey into Peruvian Stone and Culture

Imagine walking through a landscape carved out of volcanic stone, where every cliff and canyon tells a story of craftsmanship and history. That’s exactly what you get on the Sillar Route with a hike through Culebrillas—a four-hour adventure that combines geology, archaeology, and local traditions. For just $13, you’ll visit active quarries, marvel at petroglyphs made over a thousand years ago, and enjoy stunning views of volcanoes and the Chilina Valley.

What we really love about this experience is how it offers a tangible glimpse into the material that built Arequipa’s historic center—the soft, white sillar stone. It’s fascinating to see workers still shaping the stone in quarries that look almost like natural craters, and to get a sense of the daily labor that created the city’s iconic architecture. The walk through the Culebrillas Canyon is another highlight, with towering walls and ancient petroglyphs providing a sense of walking through both Nature and time.

One possible drawback is that the tour involves some physical activity—a walk of about 20 minutes inside the canyon—which might be challenging for travelers with mobility issues. Also, entrance fees to sites are not included in the ticket price, so plan for an extra 10 soles.

This tour suits those who enjoy a combination of history, geology, and outdoor adventure. If you’re curious about how a city’s architecture can be shaped by local materials—or if you love in-depth cultural experiences—this tour offers a rewarding taste of Arequipa’s authentic character.

Key Points

• Authentic insight into Sillar: Learn about the volcanic stone that gave Arequipa its distinctive look.
• Active quarry visit: See how stonemasons work today, and even try cutting a stone yourself.
• Cultural treasure hunt: Explore petroglyphs from the Wari culture over a thousand years old.
• Scenic viewpoints: Enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes and the Chilina Valley.
• Accessible outdoor walk: A manageable 20-minute hike inside Culebrillas Canyon.
• Affordable value: Just $13 covers transportation, guide, and a memorable experience.

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A Deep Dive into the Sillar Route Experience

Starting the Journey: From City to Quarry

Your day begins at around 9:15 AM, with pickup and transportation arranged to take you into the heart of Arequipa’s volcanic landscapes. The initial stop is a strategic viewpoint where you get your first glimpse of Majestic volcanoes and the sprawling Chilina Valley. This is a perfect moment to orient yourself and understand the broader setting of this geological wonderland.

It’s worth noting that the tour offers some flexibility—depending on the time of year, you might start with a different traditional viewpoint, giving you varied perspectives of the volcanoes that cradle Arequipa. This small detail enhances the tour’s attention to local natural beauty and offers different photographic opportunities.

The Añashuayco Quarry: Where History Meets Craftsmanship

Next, you’ll head to the Añashuayco Quarry, located about 45 minutes from the viewpoint. This active quarry offers a real-world look at how sillar is extracted and shaped. The cliffs here, made of ignimbrite walls, rise several meters high—testaments to the volcanic activity that created this entire landscape.

What makes this stop special is the opportunity to see a giant carving of the Church of the Company of Jesus—a masterpiece created by local stonemasons. Visitors often comment on how impressive it is to see such a detailed Mega carving within a working quarry, alongside the ongoing craftsmanship of the stonemasons.

You’ll also get a chance to meet a stonemason at work, who might explain their daily routine and techniques. Some lucky visitors have even had the chance to try cutting a stone block, adding a tangible connection to the construction of Arequipa’s iconic buildings.

Walking through Culebrillas Canyon

After exploring the quarries, the tour takes you roughly 30 minutes further to Culebrillas Ravine. The walk inside the canyon, about 20 minutes long, is both visually stunning and culturally significant. The narrow walls, rising 15 to 20 meters, seem almost to enclose you as water once carved this deep gorge.

As you wander through, you’ll encounter Wari petroglyphs, carved into the stone over a thousand years ago. These ancient carvings provide an archaeological layer to the experience, connecting you to the early inhabitants of this region. It’s a quiet, reflective experience that complements the more hands-on quarry visit.

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The Apachetas: Symbols of Gratitude and Lucky Charms

Before heading back to Arequipa, you’ll stop at Apachetas—stacked stones believed to be offerings to nature and symbols of good luck. Many visitors find these formations quite mystical, feeling a momentary connection to local traditions and the natural energy of the mountains. The Apachetas add a spiritual dimension to the tour, making it not just about geology and history but also about local beliefs and respect for nature.

Return to Arequipa’s Center

By around 1:30 PM, the tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to the city, dropping you near the Plaza de Armas. This gives you plenty of time afterward to explore more of Arequipa’s charming streets or enjoy a meal in one of the local cafes.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

This experience is particularly valuable because it combines hands-on learning with visual storytelling. The fact that the tour is led by a professional guide who can explain the production and cultural significance of sillar elevates the visit from a simple sightseeing trip to an educational experience.

Many travelers have appreciated how the tour seamlessly blends nature, archaeology, and local craftsmanship. For example, one reviewer remarked, “We loved the way our guide explained the history of the stone and showed us how the stonemasons work today.” Others mentioned how the petroglyphs added a layer of ancient mystery to the walk.

Practical Considerations

The $13 ticket is an excellent price for the value and depth of this experience, especially since transportation and guides are included. Keep in mind that entrance fees to sites cost about 10 soles extra, so be prepared to budget a few additional soles if you want to access all areas. The tour is suitable for most physically able travelers, but the walking inside the canyon, although manageable, requires some mobility.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, geology enthusiasts, or anyone interested in traditional craftsmanship. It offers a genuine look at the materials that built Arequipa’s iconic architecture, making it especially appealing for those who love to understand the local culture and natural landscape. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy a guided experience that combines outdoor activity with storytelling.

If you’re traveling with family, the relatively short walks and engaging stops make it suitable for older children and teenagers curious about stone work and ancient petroglyphs. For solo travelers or couples, it provides a relaxed pace, plenty of photo opportunities, and a chance to connect with local artisans.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes tourist transportation from and back to the city center, making it a hassle-free way to explore the sites.

How much does the entrance fee cost?
The entrance ticket costs 10 soles, which is not included in the $13 tour price. It’s a small additional expense to access the sites.

What’s the duration of the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 4 hours, starting around 9:15 AM, with flexible start times depending on availability.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The walk inside Culebrillas Canyon is about 20 minutes and involves some uneven terrain, so consider mobility needs before booking.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, tours are led by guides who speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with a “reserve now, pay later” option.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with sun protection—hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—since parts of the tour are outdoors.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for families, especially those interested in history and outdoor exploration.

Will I get to see real working quarries?
Absolutely. The Añashuayco Quarry is still active, giving you an authentic look at how sillar is extracted today.

What makes this experience different from other sightseeing tours in Arequipa?
This tour combines active participation, natural scenery, and cultural discovery, making it more engaging and educational than typical city tours.

To sum it up, the Sillar Route with a hike through Culebrillas offers a captivating window into Arequipa’s architectural roots, volcanic landscape, and ancient culture. For those eager to step beyond the typical city sights and understand how the local sillar stone shapes both the city and its history, this tour is a worthwhile investment. It’s especially suitable for curious travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, learning about local craftsmanship, and exploring geological wonders. At just $13, it delivers a layered experience that’s both authentic and memorable.

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