Sillar Route at the Añashuayco Quarries
The Sillar Route in Arequipa visits the quarries where sillar is extracted, the white volcanic stone that shaped the city, so you meet the stonecutters who keep a centuries-old tradition alive.
The origin of the White City
Summary
Sillar is the white volcanic stone used to build Arequipa’s churches, mansions and monuments; in fact, the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site largely because of it. The Sillar Route in Arequipa takes you to its quarries, in the Añashuayco ravine, where this stone is still extracted and carved by hand.
You see stonecutters at work with traditional tools and learn about the sillar cutting process. Also, you admire impressive reliefs carved into the quarry walls that depict Arequipa’s history and identity.
Then the tour continues through the Culebrillas ravine, a narrow canyon of volcanic origin with pre-Hispanic petroglyphs. It is a short excursion, so it is ideal to complement the City Tour; also, if you have more days, the Colca Canyon is the region’s great natural attraction.
Highlights
Itinerary
09:00 - 09:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in central Arequipa before the tour.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive to the Añashuayco quarries by tourist transportation.
09:30 - 10:00
Transfer to the quarries
Drive to the Cerro Colorado district while you enjoy views of Chachani.
We drive north of the city, with views of Chachani volcano, until we reach the Añashuayco ravine.
10:00 - 11:00
Sillar quarries
Traditional extraction and carved reliefs.
Then we tour the sillar quarries, where you watch stonecutters cutting blocks with traditional tools and, also, admire the large reliefs carved into the stone walls.
11:00 - 12:00
Culebrillas ravine
Volcanic canyon with petroglyphs.
Later, we walk through the Culebrillas ravine, a narrow sillar canyon with whimsical formations and petroglyphs from the pre-Hispanic period.
12:00 - 12:45
Return to your hotel
Transfer back to central Arequipa when the tour ends.
Finally, we return to Arequipa and drop you off at your hotel or in the city center.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Arequipa
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to the Sillar Route
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Meals
- Drinks and snacks
- Purchases of sillar handicrafts
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Comfortable clothes
Sneakers with good grip
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water
Cash for purchases
Sun and weather
The quarries are outdoors and have no shade. Therefore, since Arequipa’s sun is very intense, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are essential.
Best season
The tour operates all year. However, morning or afternoon departures avoid the most intense midday sun.
Recommendations
In the Culebrillas ravine the ground is uneven and narrow in some sections, so walk carefully and follow your guide’s instructions.
Gallery
FAQ
What is sillar?
It is a white volcanic rock formed by the accumulation of ash from ancient eruptions. Also, it is light and easy to carve, so it is the material used to build much of Arequipa.
Can I see the stonecutters at work?
Yes. Stonecutters work at the quarries, extracting and carving sillar by hand, and they usually show their work to visitors.
How demanding is the tour?
The Sillar Route in Arequipa is an easy tour with short walks. However, in Culebrillas there are sections of uneven ground.
Can I combine it with the City Tour?
Yes. Since it is a half-day tour, it is ideal to combine with the Arequipa City Tour in the afternoon.
Is there an afternoon departure?
Yes. Subject to availability, the Sillar Route in Arequipa can also be done in the afternoon.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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