Arequipa’s architectural gems, carved from the region’s iconic sillar stone, have long captivated visitors. The Sillar Route Day Tour offers an immersive exploration of this unique material, guiding participants through the history, extraction techniques, and cultural significance of the vivid pink volcanic rock. Over four hours, the tour takes travelers to renowned quarries, where expert guides unveil the intricate craftsmanship behind Arequipa’s stunning structures. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking a deeper connection to the city’s heritage, this enriching experience promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the lasting legacy of sillar in Arequipa.

Key Points

Arequipa: The Sillar Route Day Tour - Key Points

  • The Sillar Route Day Tour explores the sillar quarries of Arequipa, showcasing the city’s UNESCO-recognized architecture and learning about the historical significance of this unique local material.

  • The tour includes visits to the Aña­shuayco and Culebrillas quarries, providing insights into sillar extraction and craftsmanship techniques from expert guides.

  • Participants can observe the vibrant Pink Sillar formations and appreciate the cultural heritage of Arequipa, including the ancient Wari petroglyphs at Culebrillas.

  • The tour offers a comprehensive experience, with inclusions such as hotel pickup, professional bilingual guides, transportation, and COVID-19 safety measures.

  • The tour is suitable for all ages, with a cost of $21.67 per person and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Check the availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Arequipa: The Sillar Route Day Tour - Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sillar Route Day Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Arequipa’s cultural heritage, priced at $21.67 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option.

The tour takes visitors to two renowned quarries, Añashuayco and Culebrillas, where they’ll learn from expert masters about the extraction and craftsmanship of sillar, the primary material used in Arequipa’s monuments, temples, and mansions.

Participants will also observe handcrafted works and witness the vibrant color of Pink Sillar.

Convenient pickup from centrally located hotels, a professional guide, and transportation are all included.

Tour Experience

Arequipa: The Sillar Route Day Tour - Tour Experience

Exploring the origins of sillar, the main material used in Arequipa’s monuments, temples, and mansions, visitors on the Sillar Route Day Tour venture to two renowned quarries: AÑashuayco and Culebrillas.

At these sites, they learn from expert masters about the intricate processes of sillar extraction and craftsmanship. Captivated, they observe the creation of handcrafted works, such as colonial facades and carvings.

A highlight is the vibrant Pink Sillar, a result of the combination of sillar, sand, and rocks.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage, where sillar has been integral to the city’s architectural landscape for centuries.

Cultural Insights

Arequipa: The Sillar Route Day Tour - Cultural Insights

Culebrillas Quarry, part of the Sillar Route Day Tour, features petroglyphs from the Wari culture, an ancient civilization that flourished between the 7th and 13th centuries AD.

This UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in Arequipa is renowned for its integral use of sillar, a type of white volcanic stone, in the construction of its monuments, temples, and mansions.

The tour provides insights into this cultural legacy, allowing visitors to:

  1. Explore the origins of sillar and its significance in Arequipa’s architectural landscape.
  2. Learn about the extraction and craftsmanship techniques from expert masters.
  3. Observe the vibrant "Pink Sillar" formations, a result of the unique combination of materials.
  4. Understand the Wari culture’s historical presence through the petroglyphs found at Culebrillas Quarry.

Inclusions and Logistics

Arequipa: The Sillar Route Day Tour - Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes pickup from centrally located hotels in Arequipa, and transportation is provided throughout the day.

A professional guide, fluent in both Spanish and English, accompanies the group. A first aid kit and COVID kit are also included for the participants’ safety and peace of mind.

The entrance ticket fee of S/ 5.00 per person is covered in the tour price.

While there are no mandatory handicraft purchases, visitors will have the opportunity to browse and purchase local crafts if desired.

Participant Information

Arequipa: The Sillar Route Day Tour - Participant Information

This tour is suitable for participants of all ages, with children 2 and younger able to join the tour free of charge when seated on their parents’ laps.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, here are some recommended items to bring:

  1. Passport – for identification purposes
  2. Sunglasses – to protect your eyes from the bright sunlight
  3. Sunscreen – to shield your skin from the strong Arequipa sun
  4. Comfortable clothing and a hat – to stay cool and protected while exploring the quarries

Participants are also advised to bring some local currency (S/ 5.00 per person) to cover the entrance fee.

Customer Reviews

To date, the Sillar Route Day Tour from Arequipa has received overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. Based on 3 reviews, the tour has earned a stellar 5-star rating.

Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s efficiency and the friendly, knowledgeable guide. Customers appreciate the opportunity to learn about the region’s unique sillar quarries and craftsmanship.

Some suggest using taxis to visit specific sites if time is limited. The tour provides a comprehensive and insightful cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore Arequipa’s UNESCO-recognized heritage and the significance of sillar in the city’s architecture.

Tour Highlights

A highlight of the Sillar Route Day Tour is the opportunity to explore the origins of sillar, the distinctive stone that defines Arequipa’s iconic architecture.

Visitors will visit two renowned quarries – Aña­shuayco and Culebrillas – where they can learn from expert masters about the intricate process of sillar extraction and craftsmanship.

The tour also provides a chance to observe the vibrant Pink Sillar, created by the unique combination of sillar, sand, and rocks.

Plus, the Culebrillas Quarry features captivating petroglyphs from the Wari culture, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

With these engaging experiences, the Sillar Route Day Tour provides a comprehensive understanding of the significance of sillar in Arequipa’s UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Booking and Payment

For those interested in experiencing the Sillar Route Day Tour, booking and payment options are straightforward. The tour can be reserved directly through the provider, with a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option available. Pricing details are outlined in the table below:

Tour Element Cost (per person)
Sillar Route Day Tour $21.67
Duration 4 hours
Entrance Fee S/ 5.00
Free Cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance

Plus, the tour includes convenient hotel pickup, a professional guide, transportation, and COVID-19 safety measures. Participants are advised to bring necessary items such as a passport, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Quarries on My Own?

Yes, visitors can explore the sillar quarries on their own. However, booking the guided tour provides the benefit of learning from expert masters about sillar extraction and craftsmanship, and observing the cultural significance of the quarries.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private Sillar Route tour from Arequipa. The tour includes pickup, transportation, an expert guide, and entry fees. Travelers can customize the itinerary to visit the quarries and explore sillar craftsmanship at their own pace.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is generally accessible for individuals with disabilities. Pickup and transportation are provided, and the guide can accommodate special needs. However, the uneven terrain at the quarry sites may pose some challenges for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour’s itinerary can be customized to accommodate guests’ specific interests or mobility needs. Travelers can request adjustments by contacting the tour operator prior to their visit to ensure an enjoyable and accessible experience.

Are There Any Additional Discounts or Packages Available?

There are no additional discounts or packages available for this Sillar Route Day Tour. However, the tour offers a convenient reserve now & pay later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Recap

The Arequipa: The Sillar Route Day Tour is a captivating experience that immerses visitors in the rich architectural heritage of the region. With expert-guided visits to iconic quarries, participants gain insights into the traditional extraction techniques and cultural significance of the iconic volcanic stone, sillar. This tour offers a unique opportunity to discover Arequipa’s history and appreciate the versatility and beauty of the vibrant Pink Sillar, making it a must-do activity for all ages.