Exclusive Private Tour of the Sillar Route in Arequipa, Peru

The “Sillar Route” in Arequipa is a unique experience that takes you through the geological and cultural history of this beautiful region in southern Peru. Known for its impressive colonial architecture, Arequipa has used sillar, a white volcanic stone, in the construction of many of its most iconic buildings. This tour will allow you to discover the process behind the use of this stone and admire stunning natural landscapes. sillar route tour arequipa

In this tour of the Sillar Route we will visit the volcanic stone quarries, transporting us to the origins and the way in which the historical center of the city of Arequipa was built.

We will visit the enigmatic Culebrillas ravine, an imposing virgin quarry in a narrow path formed by the erosion of water and wind over time. In addition to experiencing sensations of majesty and mystery in the Sillar Route, we can find petroglyphs.

Explore the beauty of the Sillar Route. Guided tours, breathtaking landscapes and unique culture. Book your adventure today!

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Immerse yourself in the magic of Arequipa with a private tour. Enjoy spectacular views and personalized service. Secure your spot today!

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What is Sillar?

Sillar is a volcanic rock formed from solidified ash and lava. Its name comes from the material used in the construction of blocks. This stone is notable for its bright white color and its relative ease of being worked, which has allowed architects to create intricate designs on building facades.

also quarries in current operation and we’ll observe live the ancestral process of extracting larger blocks and carving sillar that quarry workers perform with simple tools like the crowbar, sledgehammer and chisel.

During the tour of La ruta del Sillar, we will be surprised to see how hard-working masters carve the front of the church of the Compañía de Jesús on a cliff, demonstrating singular skill and dexterity.

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Tour Details

A typical Sillar Route tour lasts approximately half a day and covers several points of interest:

1. Añashuayco Quarries

This is one of the most outstanding places on the route. Here, visitors can observe quarry workers working the stone in traditional ways. The process of extracting and carving sillar is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Additionally, the quarries offer spectacular views of the rock formations and surrounding mountains.

2. Culebrillas

Culebrillas is a natural ravine sculpted by water and wind over millennia. This place is ideal for a light hike, where you can admire the sillar formations in their most natural state. Additionally, the ravine features petroglyphs that tell stories of the pre-Hispanic cultures that inhabited the region.

3. Carmen Alto Viewpoint

Although not a direct part of the quarry route, many tours include a stop at the Carmen Alto Viewpoint. From here you can appreciate a panoramic view of the three volcanoes surrounding Arequipa: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu, as well as the terraced agricultural fields, known locally as andenes.

Immerse yourself in the Sillar Route. Enjoy a guided tour with spectacular views and Arequipa’s history. Book now!

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What does the Exclusive Private Tour of the Sillar Route in Arequipa include?

Recommendations

Shared group service.
Do not hesitate to write to our WhatsApp in case you want private or family service.
The tour is conducted in two languages: English and Spanish.
Pick-ups from the hotel are made when you are in the city center.
If your hotel or Airibnb is not in the historic center, we will coordinate a meeting point.
Sturdy footwear, sneakers recommended
Warm clothing, including jacket, fleece, gloves, scarf and hat. Thermal clothing is also recommended depending on Arequipa’s climate.
Hat or cap to protect from the sun, rain and cold.
Sunscreen and/or moisturizer for face and body.
Water and snacks: energy bars, chocolates, fruit, granola or cookies.
Your own medical kit with any special medications you may need.
Cash in local currency, preferably low denomination bills and coins.
Binoculars (if desired).

Visiting the Sillar Route is an excellent way to better understand the relationship between the region’s geology and its cultural heritage. Additionally, the natural beauty of the area and the skill of local artisans make this tour an unforgettable experience.

Discover the impressive Sillar Route. Personalized tours, expert guides and unique landscapes. Book your spot!

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If you have any questions about this tour or any other tour such as prices, hotels, itinerary and everything you need to book this tour please contact us at

WhatsApp: +51 947392102 (Click Here).

Or send us an email to: contacto@condorxtreme.com and our travel experts will respond as quickly as possible, answering all your questions and / or queries of any particular tour.

Home The Sillar Route

9:00 a.m. Departure from Arequipa’s Main Square or hotel pick up if it is located in the city center.

Departure will be at 9:00 hrs. from the meeting point: Plaza de Armas of Arequipa or pick up from hotels located in the center of the city.

The Routes of Sillar

Managed by the network of sillar cutters, the sillar route is known for showing the sillar, a volcanic stone used for construction in Arequipa,

9:30 a.m. Quarries of Añashuayco

When you arrive at Añashuayco, you will be able to observe all those murals where the ashlar is carved by hand and the routine of the workers in the area.

You will also be able to see the Culebrilla Canyon, which is a naturally formed pink ashlar canyon. In addition to the “farallones” which are high ignimbrite walls. You can also see in this quarry, the church of the Society of Jesus made by the workers.

Quarries of Sillar and Quebrada de Añashuayco

After an hour of visiting the Añashuayco quarries, we will go to the Sillar quarries, which is a protected natural area and a tourist site that allows visitors to observe the origin of Arequipa’s volcanic stone: the sillar.