Sillar Route
Highlights
- Discover the history of the "sillar" volcanic stone
- Visit working quarries and witness the stone carving process
- Explore the beautiful Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon
- See ancient petroglyphs created by the Wari culture
- Experience the mystical Apachetas stone formations
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Duration 5 hours
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Private and Small Group Tour
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Includes transport and guide
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Bottled water provided
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Available in English and Spanish
Discover the captivating history of the "sillar" volcanic stone and its significance in shaping the magnificent buildings of Arequipa with the Sillar Route tour. Immerse yourself in the fascinating environment of the quarries as you witness the intricate craftsmanship involved in the production of this unique material. The tour begins with a visit to the Añashuayco Quarry, where you'll marvel at the towering walls of ignimbrita and witness stone masons at work on a monumental carving. Continue your journey to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, home to ancient petroglyphs created by the Wari culture. As you explore the picturesque canyon, you'll also encounter mystical stone formations known as Apachetas. Immerse yourself in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Arequipa with the Sillar Route tour.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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5 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, Spanish; Castilian
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the Sillar Route in Arequipa, a captivating journey through volcanic stone quarries, rich history, and stunning landscapes.
Included
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Guide
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Bottled water
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Transport
Excluded
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Gratuities
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Tickets
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
08: 00-08: 30 A.M - We make pick-ups of the hotels located in the center of Arequipa. 08:30 A.M - We begin our journey to the Ruta del Sillar which is a tourist route with a lot of history and living culture, where you can visit quarries and areas where ashlar originated. The first point where we will stop will be the Añashuayco Quarry; which we will reach in 45 minutes approx. Currently it is in operation, the stonemasons perform their work from very early; in the place we will be able to appreciate an immense canyon with farallones (walls of ignimbrita) that have several meters of height, formed by the extraction for the formation of the Ashlars. At this point we will tell you the history of sillar, the elaboration and the use that has been given to you since always. In this quarry you can see a Mega-carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus made by the stonemasons themselves. We can also visit some of them so that they can explain to us how their daily work is and they can make us experience cutting one of their stone blocks ourselves. Then we will move to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, which is 30 minutes away from Añashuayco. Arriving at this point we will make a walk of approximately 20 minutes inside the small canyon formed by the passage of water, which has walls of 15 to 20 meters, while we enter it the walls of the canyon are increasing in height. At the end of the walk we can see petroglyphs made by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago. Before returning to the city we will observe the Apachetas which are stone formations placed one on top of the other that are a symbol of gratitude towards nature and also attraction of good luck which cause a mystical sensation. 11:30 A.M - We will start the return journey to the city of Arequipa. 12:30 P.M - We will arrive at the center of Arequipa and we will leave them at Calle Zela Cuadra 03.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What our experts say
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Wear sturdy shoes for the canyon walk.
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Bring a camera for stunning views.
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Visit nearby local eateries after the tour.
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Ask your guide about local legends.
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Stay hydrated; the sun can be intense.
More About this Experience
Introduction
The Sillar Route is an extraordinary experience that takes you on a journey to discover the origin and history of the "sillar" volcanic stone, which has been used to construct the most important buildings in Arequipa. This captivating tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the quarries where the extraordinary material is extracted amidst a fascinating environment.What to expect?
During this tour, you can expect a total duration of 300 minutes filled with awe-inspiring sightseeing and immersive experiences. The typical itinerary starts with pick-ups from hotels located in the center of Arequipa. From there, you will embark on a journey to the Ruta del Sillar, a tourist route that delves into the history and living culture surrounding the ashlar quarries. The first stop is the Añashuayco Quarry, where you will witness talented stonemasons crafting stone blocks and gain insight into the history and elaborate process of working with sillar. Marvel at the immense canyon with towering walls of ignimbrita and admire a breathtaking Mega-carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus, handcrafted by the skilled artisans themselves. You will also have the chance to interact with the stonemasons and even try your hand at cutting a stone block. The journey continues to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a small canyon featuring walls reaching up to 20 meters in height. Take a mesmerizing walk through the canyon, immersing yourself in its enchanting ambiance and discovering ancient petroglyphs created by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago. Before returning to the city, observe the stone formations known as Apachetas, which symbolize gratitude towards nature and evoke a mystical sensation.Who is this for?
The Sillar Route is a tour designed for anyone with a curiosity for history, architecture, and the fascinating process of working with natural materials. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply seeking extraordinary experiences, this tour is for you. The inclusivity of the Sillar Route ensures that individuals from all walks of life can enjoy and appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of sillar stone.Why book this?
Embark on the Sillar Route and unlock the secrets of the magnificent volcanic stone that has shaped the iconic buildings of Arequipa. This tour allows you to witness the entire journey of sillar, from its extraction in quarries to the skilled hands that transform it into architectural marvels. By experiencing the Sillar Route, you will gain a deep appreciation for the history, culture, and craftsmanship embedded within the majestic stone.Good to know
As you embark on the Sillar Route, it is essential to wear comfortable attire and footwear suitable for walking. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and intricate details of the journey. Engage with the stonemasons and listen closely as they share their expertise and stories, making your experience even more enriching.Reviews
Feedback from individuals who have participated in the Sillar Route tour highlight its exceptional informative value and captivating ambience. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides who provide in-depth insight into the history and artistic aspect of working with sillar stone. The opportunity to witness the stonemasons' craftsmanship firsthand and explore ancient petroglyphs adds an extra layer of intrigue and awe. Overall, visitors express high satisfaction with the Sillar Route experience, which not only educates but also immerses them in the rich cultural heritage of Arequipa.This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is