Sillar Route and Culebrillas Petroglyphs
Badge of Excellence
Arequipa, Peru
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Offered in: English
What's Included
- Certified Guide
- group tour
- Entrance to Añashuayco S/5.00
- Admission to Culebrillas S/5.00
- Extra expenses.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
The pick-up is only in the Historic Center, if your accommodation is far away the meeting point will be at the door of the cathedral in the Plaza de Armas of Arequipa.
Itinerary
1
Yanahuara
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Canteras de Sillar
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
3
Quebrada de Culebrillas
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- It is not recommended for older adults (in the Culebrillas canyon there is a hike and it is a bit rugged)
- One day before, our staff will provide you with recommendations.
- Not recommended for travelers with dust allergy.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 92 reviews
Zonia_C, Apr 2026
This tour was excellent ideal for children and adults, we had a wonderful experience, we learn a lot of the culture and traditions and also the journey of the culebrillas was one of the kind, highly recommended.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had an excellent experience and that the tour was enjoyable for both children and adults. It’s great to know you were able to learn about the local culture and traditions, and that the journey through Culebrillas was such a unique highlight for you.
Your recommendation truly means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure very soon!
Claude_P, Jan 2026
Interesting but not exceptionnal. You will walk through a canyon carved by an ancient river. Although the guide recommended mosquito repellent, there were none during my visit.
You will need a lot of imagination to make out the various animals in the petroplyphs.
Armando_L, Jan 2026
Very good quick half a day trip to explore outside the city, great AC van and tour guide, recommended this
Susan_H, Nov 2025
Interesting to see the quarry that built the city and the canyon. A pity we could not get into the church
Amanda_M, Oct 2025
Overall a worthwhile tour. The guide Mike was very informative and kind. He spoke English and Spanish very well. The bus was comfortable and it was an interesting place to visit.
Lee_O, Oct 2025
This tour is a great way to see the Sillar route, and was the best value tour we did all trip. Communication was great beforehand, the driver was very conscientious the whole time (seatbelts and breakglass hammers on the minibus too), our guide Tony was entertaining and knowledgeable and the tour flowed really well. A couple of things to note, we took facemasks because of the dust and were very glad we did as other people were choking a bit, and the Sillar route itself is moderately challenging, especially for older people.
Debra_M, Sep 2025
Unfortunately, this was the worst tour we have ever taken through Viator. Let’s start with the tour guide Tony. While a nice guy, his English is so subpar we hardly understood anything. He spoke very fast and loud which made it worse. As a result, we did not understand explanations, specifically directions on where and when to meet after visiting a specific site. It was totally confusing and unorganized. At 2 of the 3 stops there was little to no explanations at all.
Let’s move on to the driver. His driving was erratic and unsafe. He went extremely fast when he could, down poorly pave roads, jumping curbs and cutting around speed bumps.
Now let’s talk about the van itself. It was full to capacity, and the air conditioning did not work. There were only two windows in the back of the van that opened, but we couldn’t open them because the roads were so dusty and dirty, so we had to keep them closed. It was totally unpleasant.
Finally, let’s talk about the sites we visited. For the most part they were a waist of time. The quarry area was ok but, dusty and hot, and there was really no explanation. We were just left there for an hour to wander. The Sillar hike was the best part but, we could not understand tony’s explanations. While I can’t blame the tour operator for the final problem which was two selfish guests who delayed the tour by about 20 minutes, but as a result of this, we did not get to the final stop a look out, until after 6pm and it was to late to see all of the volcanoes due to the night haze.
While this tour was very inexpensive, it was totally not worth our time. We were frustrated and we were uncomfortable for over 4 hours. You can get to all these places via the hop on hop on bus. So forget this tour.
Johanna_R, Sep 2025
Easy way to visit the Sillar quarry and all the carvings, including another canyon and a quick stop at sunset. 12 passengers in the transit bus was good. I’m impressed with people who speak more than one language and our guide did this, and gave good information. I would offer one helpful tip- speak slower when using English, did well but slower allows for an even easier and better experience. Thanks ☺️
Isabella_D, Jul 2025
The canteras de sillar felt extremely touristy and superficial. There felt as if there was no history or cultural significance of anything during the tour. Or at least it was not explained during the tour. The second stop in the serpentine pass was fun with interesting views and some history of the pietroglyphs. However, the entirety of the tour was very superficial. The tour guide however was fun and kind.
Also, the car ride felt extremely unsafe, considering I was placed in the middle seat of the front row (next to the driver) with no seatbelt. We went on the highway at high speeds, and had the driver slammed on the breaks, I would have died on the spot. Despite the driver being skilled and a good driver, the fact that I did not have a seatbelt was absolutely terrifying!
Radha_G, Jul 2025
There was some confusion about our pick up, but the amazing guide more than made up for it. The tour was well structured, with enough time despite the long commute times. The guide was warm, patient and very informative. We communicated with the guide about the change of our next tour location, and they dropped us off 3 blocks from that point. It was different from our hotel location.
Raymond_Z, May 2025
The pick up was on time. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. The stone sculpture was beautiful. But the tour did not drop us off at the hotel as promised. Also, the price was higher than other tour operators.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your honest feedback! We're glad to hear that the pick-up was punctual and that you enjoyed the friendly and knowledgeable guide, as well as the beautiful stone sculpture.Regarding the price, we strive to offer quality experiences and appreciate your perspective on this; it helps us stay competitive and improve our service.
In the program we have detailed that upon return we do not leave you at your hotel, but at the tourist stop, I am sorry you have not read it.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts, and we hope to have the chance to provide you with an even better experience in the future!
davor_p, Apr 2025
Tour started with 45 minutes delay. Guide was trying to make up the time by shortening our stay in destinations we visited. In Yanahuara we got only 10 minutes instead of 20 and in Canteras de Sillar only 30 minutes comparing to 1hr as described in program.
Response from Host, May 2025
Dear traveler, we really appreciate your time to send us a comment and we thank you very much for choosing to travel with us.
On that day we were indeed delayed by traffic due to an event in the city center. Your feedback helps us to anticipate such events and organize our pick-ups differently. Thank you again for traveling with us.
Sincerely Puriy Team
Jessica_L, Jan 2025
Super interesting experience. Before booking our trip, we had no idea such beautiful rock creations exsited in Peru. So happy to have found this tour!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
We appreciate your time in leaving us your review, authentic places never cease to surprise our travelers. We are glad to have been of service to you. Thank you for traveling with us.
Puriy Expeditions Team.
Pamela_M, Dec 2024
The tour guide was knowledgeable and pointed out interesting points along the trip. The petroglyphs were kinda difficult to see during the midday because the sun was so bright and the glyphs were in volcanic stone, but still I had a good time. The itinerary was well-paced. Interesting carvings and sculptures made of sillar shows the artistry of locals. Make sure to bring water and wear appropriate shoes as there is a short hike to the petroglyphs.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your testimony about our Ruta del Sillar Tour. It is always a great satisfaction to know that our travelers enjoy and feel very close the history of Arequipa Thanks for travel with us! Puriy Expeditions Team
Becca_w, Sep 2024
It was fine, probably wouldn’t recommend unless you have extra time tbh.
Started off with us waiting to be collected, only to find the wrong couple had been collected instead of us by accident. We waited 40 minutes till we were in the bus (after I text the tour guide on WhatsApp to tell him we had not been collected - they had been told we had been picked up already! We then had a lady collect us (via walking) and then we had to walk several streets down to where the bus was supposed to collect us). When we were collected the tour guide told us mosquito repellent was a must (this wasn’t mentioned in the check list to bring so we ended up having to buy some, which was annoying as we had lots at the hostel. For reference there’s no mossies at town).
The first stop was at the side of the road (a view point), the second a shop? I thought we were going to a town? Not a single shop for the first stop.
We wanted to learn the history from the tour guide but the microphone he was using was so bad that we couldn’t understand anything. :(
When we got to the real first stop we were swarmed with sand flies (not mossies) which you need oil for not spray to protect yourself… the second stop (the statues), were cool - however the bus drove past half of the statues and the most impressive statues you had to pay extra to go see! The cool ones were split across the right and left side and you had to pay extra to go to see each of them (paying separately for each entrance). It wasn’t expensive (3sol) per side, per person, however I felt this was really poor as the majority of what was to see was in these areas.
So to summarise, you pay for the drive, a short walk through some canyons (15mins) and then to see about 1/3 of the statues that you see in the pictures. If you want to cross it off your list - go for it - but I wouldn’t again 🌞
Oh we also weren’t dropped off at any hotels on the way home, just a random spot kind of central?
FYI - the tour guide was friendly and this isn’t anything against him - this clearly was poorly planned by the tour company and should have included the extra areas, removed the random shop stop and have done the town stop as they had described. For context, the town they say you will stop at in the itinerary was a 16 minute drive from where we were…
Indiana_V, Sep 2024
I booked the tour online and the operator contacted us to give details on the pick-up time. The pick up process was smooth but it took 30 minutes to get all of us. The return was fast because it ends at 1 location only. An easy/moderate hike, you need a good grip for the canyon walk. Alexandra was a very nice guide, and she did a great job doing both English and Spanish explanations. A great value for the experience. Follow their instructions on what to bring and wear, it was sunny in the afternoon. Yet, the morning sun hits more according to the guide.
Joanna_H, Aug 2024
The tour was generally as described, but less informative than I was expecting. We were given ‘free time’ at each location. longer explanations were first given in Spanish and then these tourists could leave for their free time, followed by a brief explainer in English. I understand bilingual tours can be difficult, but it felt like we were an afterthought / inconvenience. Glad we used our Viator credits to pay for this, else wouldn’t have felt worth the price.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for choosing us and thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback about your experiencie with us.
We strive hard to make every customer experience enjoyable and we are truly sorry that we were not able to meet your expectations on this occasion, which is why I apologize for your recent experience with us.
As a result of your comment we had a meeting with our guides to ensure that this does not happen again. Hopefully we can welcome you again and show you our new image.
Puriy Team.
Carsten_t, Jul 2024
I enjoyed the walk through the narrow, serpentine Culebrillas canyon the most.
A lot of my fellow travellers loved the sillar quarry rock sculptures, prefect destinations for fun holiday photos.
Peggy_P, Jun 2024
I loved the whole trip. I was the only person on the tour who needed English but the tour leader gave me equal importance to the Spanish speakers and this made me feel very special.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
We appreciate your time in leaving us your nice review. It fills us with joy to feel your satisfaction, it inspires us to continue providing the best travel experience and you take the best memories of our beautiful Arequipa. Thank you for choosing Puriy Peru Expeditions. A big hug!
Puriy Team
Stephanie_S, Jun 2024
Had a enjoyable experience! I just feel like maybe a little consideration to the travelers whom maybe have a one time chance to visit and will like to take a few pictures and not be so rushed.
Sunil_K, May 2024
Great tour of Sillar - Arequipa , our guide Mike was fantastic, very knowledgeable. Recommend 100% .
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you very much for your opinion. Nice to know you had a nice experience in our Tour Ruta del Sillar. Thank you very much to you for traveling with us and your words our tour guide Mike. A hug Puriy Team.
Lisa_C, Mar 2024
Excellent tour, we had a great time! Tour picked us up at the hotel right on time, good pace the hike was also very good.
London_L, Mar 2024
This tour felt rushed to me...the stuff we should have taken more time in ...we didn't. We spent about 30min just at the Volcano viewpoints which was wayyy too long. There was an extra cost to take several of the pictures as the Sillar Route which I thought was stupid. Also it wasn't explained that there was wayyy more to see during the exhibit. Once we got back in the van and drove out, realized there was another section that wasn't even mentioned and there wouldn't have been enough time to see that section. Once we got to the Petroglyphs, that was def rushed! Basically the guide just walked thru with us and didn't offer to take any pics or allow time for pics to be taken without being rushed. I wound up getting behind because I was determined to get pics but that whole exhibit should be revamped. Should only allow certain amount of folks to walk thru at a time as it is very narrow and impossible to capture the beautiful scenery when you have 100 people in the background walking towards you every moment.
Nilanjan_D, Jan 2024
Overall, it was a pleasant experience. And one must try it for once. We both think walking through the rocks was the best of it.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you very much for sharing your experience about our Ruta del Sillar Tour. For us it is always a great joy to read the satisfaction of our customers and this motivates us to continue giving our best. Sincerely. Puriy Team
Dalia, Jan 2024
The trip over all was great. Our tour leader Christina was bilingual and very knowledgeable when it came to both salt mines and the city of Arequipa. My only suggestion would be to spend more time at each of the salt mines, perhaps 40 minutes for the first mine and an hour at the salt mine with the statues.
For the second location, 40 minutes was not enough time to enjoy the whole site without rushing.
Overall the trip and experience was a great value for the price.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you very much for your words and your nice testimony. We strive to provide experiences rich in details and with the quality that our customers deserve. Thank you very much for traveling with us and we hope to have the honor of serving you again! A big hug from all our team!
Andrea_M, Sep 2023
We enjoyed seeing and learning about the sillar, seeing the petroglyphs and then seeing the wonderful carvings.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thank you very much for your comments about your experience in the Ruta del Sillar with Puriy Perú Expeditions. We are so happy that you enjoyed the tour experience! Thanks a lot!
Puriy Perú Expeditions team.
Teresab_p, Jun 2023
Sandra was an enthusiastic and competent guide on our tour. I was one of a very few English speakers on the tour. Sandra spoke to me personally to enhance my experience. Altogether a very professional organization.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you very much for your nice testimony about your experience on our tour Ruta del Sillar. For us it is always a great joy to read that the dedication we provide in our service and the professionalism of our team is so appreciated by our clients. It motivates us a lot, thanks for traveling with Puriy Perú Expeditions!!
Tudor_S, Aug 2022
Overall it was pretty good. It felt a bit rushed though. Would have loved to spend a bit more time at each stop.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Dear Tudor , We are very grateful that you took the time to write about us.Your opinion is important to us, to provide a good service to our future customers.
Nathan_R, Mar 2022
The tour guide was on time and called ahead for the pickup, he was fluent in english and spanish and was very friendly. The walk through the canyon at the end was easily a highlight. Really enjoyed the tour already booking some more trips through this operator.
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Dear Nathan
What a pleasure to know that you enjoyed your trip with us so much. Your message motivates us. Thank you for choosing Puriy Perú Expedtions.
Team Puriy
Edith_p, Jan 2026
We liked it very much , we had to notify a change of location of peek at the last minute and everything was well managed. Beautiful places with beautiful sculptures. What also to say about the truck....impressive! Thank you for this unforgettable visit!
Auto-translated
From $21.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Special Offer
Sillar Route and Culebrillas Petroglyphs
92
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$21.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Arequipa, Peru
- Historic Centre of Arequipa Tours & Tickets
- Sabandía Mill (Molino de Sabandía) Tours & Tickets
- Chachani Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Sachaca District Tours & Tickets
- Colca Canyon Tours & Tickets
- Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa Tours & Tickets
- La Compañía Church (Iglesia de la Compañía) Tours & Tickets
- Mundo Alpaca Arequipa Tours & Tickets
- Sillar Route (Ruta del Sillar) Tours & Tickets
- Founder's Mansion (La Mansión del Fundador) Tours & Tickets
- Pichu Pichu Tours & Tickets
- Plaza de Armas Tours & Tickets
- Yanahuara Tours & Tickets
- Cotahuasi Canyon Tours & Tickets
- Santa Catalina Monastery (Monasterio de Santa Catalina) Tours & Tickets
- Museum of Andean Sanctuaries (Museo Santuarios Andinos) Tours & Tickets
- El Misti Volcano Tours & Tickets
- Mercado San Camilo Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Arequipa, Peru