Four and a half hours through the traditional sillar quarries, about 30 minutes north of Arequipa: the Añashuayco quarries, the Culebrillas gorge with its petroglyphs and the stonecutters at work. Hotel pickup at 2:00 p.m. and arrival at the Plaza de Armas at 6:00 p.m.
You tour Arequipa’s traditional sillar quarries and learn about the age-old process of extracting and carving this volcanic stone, watching the stonecutters’ handiwork live along with their impressive carvings.
You walk to the Culebrillas gorge, with its petroglyphs, and at the end we drop you off at your hotel, downtown or at a nearby restaurant.
Highlights
- Añashuayco sillar quarries
- Walk to the Culebrillas gorge
- Age-old extraction of the volcanic stone
- The stonecutters’ handcrafted carvings
Itinerary
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Hotel pickup
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Departure for the Sillar Route
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Añashuayco quarries
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Walk to Culebrillas
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Arrival at Culebrillas
The untouched quarries and the gorge with its petroglyphs.
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Return downtown
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Plaza de Armas
Included
- English- and Spanish-speaking guides
- Hotel pickup
- Shared transportation
Not included
- Entrance fees
Gallery
What to bring
- Comfortable sneakers for short walks
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- January to March: rain jacket and warm clothes (rainy season)
- May to August: warm clothes (winter)
Important notes
- Altitude 2,300 m above sea level on average, in the Cerro Colorado district (Arequipa).
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Sillar Route?
In the Cerro Colorado district, about 30 minutes north of Arequipa, at an average of 2,300 m above sea level.
What do you see on the Sillar Route tour?
The Añashuayco quarries and the Culebrillas gorge, with its untouched quarries and petroglyphs. Along the way you watch stonecutters extract and carve sillar, a volcanic stone, right in front of you.
What time does the tour start?
Hotel pickup is at 2:00 p.m., and you reach the Plaza de Armas at 6:00 p.m. At the end, the drop-off can be at your hotel, downtown or at a nearby restaurant.
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are paid separately. The tour includes hotel pickup, shared transportation and English- and Spanish-speaking guides.
What should I bring on the Sillar Route?
Comfortable sneakers for short walks, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. From January to March, add a rain jacket and warm clothes, and from May to August, warm clothes.
