Sillar Route (Ruta del Sillar) Tours and Tickets

Explore the fascinating world of Arequipa’s iconic sillar stone as you traverse ancient quarries and the stunning Culebrillas Canyon. This journey reveals the artistry of petroglyphs and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic surrounding volcanoes. Uncover the secrets of this unique geological feature while soaking in the rich history and culture of the region. - Discover ancient quarries and the unique sillar stone of Arequipa - Marvel at the towering Culebrillas Canyon and its stunning landscapes - Encounter mysterious petroglyphs that tell stories of the past - Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes throughout the tour

The Sillar Route is an immense ashlar quarry (a stone of volcanic origin), which forms spectacular gorges, similar to those of Petra in Jordan. You can also see petroglyphs and appreciate the way the stones are extracted.

Explore the fascinating Ruta del Sillar, one of Arequipa’s most iconic trails, where history, geology and tradition meet. You will start the tour towards the quarries of Añashuayco and Culebrillas, located on the outskirts of the city. In Añashuayco you will meet the master stonemasons who, with ancient techniques, carve the ashlar — the volcanic white stone with which much of the Historic Center of Arequipa was built. Watch monumental sculptures, learn about their extraction process and take amazing photographs. Then visit Culebrillas Gorge, a narrow canyon of natural formations and pre-Hispanic petroglyphs. Enjoy an environment full of history, culture and unique landscapes under the guidance of local experts. Includes tourist transport, bilingual guide and entrance fees. An unforgettable experience to discover the origin and essence of the “White City” of Arequipa.

Explore the Sillar Route on this half-day tour from Arequipa. We begin with pickup from your hotel at 8:50 a.m. to visit a viewpoint overlooking the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. Then, you'll learn about the Añashuayco Quarry and the artisanal sillar process. We continue to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a natural canyon with petroglyphs and impressive formations. We return to the city around 1:00 p.m. Book with us and enjoy small groups, expert local guides, and punctual, personalized service.

The Sillar Route is an experience to know the origin and history of the "sillar" volcanic stone with which the most important buildings in Arequipa have been built. The tour includes the visit to the quarries to appreciate the elaboration, mega-detail of the material in the middle of a fascinating environment.

Discover the local traditions of Peru as you explore the countryside of Arequipa on this private half-day tour. With a dedicated guide, visit the local market to learn about Peruvian gastronomy, enjoy scenic views, see a rock quarry where statues are made, and sample typical dishes in the Carmen Alto neighborhood.

The Sillar Route is an immense ashlar quarry (a stone of volcanic origin), which forms spectacular gorges, similar to those of Petra in Jordan. You can also see petroglyphs and appreciate the way the stones are extracted.

Explore with us this fabulous tour where we will be able to appreciate the quarry from where the people of Arequipa extracted the most important material in the history of Arequipa and for which it is known as the "WHITE CITY". Enjoy unique views and spectacular walks in the middle of virgin quarries, witness an unparalleled adventure with us, remember that the tour we offer is shared.

This is a non-touristic place which makes it special for travelers who want to see what others do not. The stones are incredibly huge and the artisans have shaped them with Peruvian themes like the National emblem. During this tour, all travelers will have the opportunity to learn how to cut the rocks and of course, take awesome pictures.

Leave from Arequipa city at 8:30 am to visit the Añashuayco quarry and Culebrillas canyon, popularly known as the Sillar Route. From the Añashuayco quarry, the largest amount of white stone used in the construction of Arequipa is extracted. Sillar is the form that is given to the volcanic rock called ignimbrite. The light-colored ashlar is the reason why Arequipa is known as the white city. This stone is abundant in Arequipa and is a symbol of the city. This 4-hour tour is pretty exciting and in addition to learning about the ashlar, you will also see beautiful sculptures carved on the walls. The workers who work in the quarry will take the time to teach you how to cut stone and you will also have the opportunity to do it.

Discover the origin of Arequipa’s brilliant white architecture on an excursion to the Canteras de Sillar, or Sillar Quarries, where you’ll see local masons cutting stone from pale, volcanic cliffs. Challenging access roads mean the Canteras de Sillar would be difficult to reach on an independent trip, and visiting with a guide is a fascinating way to get the background on Arequipa’s long tradition of stone work.