Arequipa: Tour of the Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon

Arequipa, the "White City" of Peru, boasts a captivating blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon offer visitors a chance to enjoy this remarkable landscape. For just $26 per person, this 4-hour tour showcases ancient quarries, skilled stonemasons, and the stunning Culebrillas Canyon, complete with towering rocky walls and fascinating petroglyphs. Whether you’re intrigued by the region’s history or simply seeking to witness the breathtaking scenery, this tour promises to leave you…

Key Points

• A 4-hour guided tour that explores the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon in Arequipa, including hotel pickup, entrance fees, and insights into stonemason techniques.
• Learn about the hand-working methods used by stonemasons to craft the iconic white sillar stone buildings of Arequipa.
• Discover ancient petroglyphs and cave paintings in the stunning Culebrillas Canyon, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• The tour is available in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Recommended items include comfortable shoes, hat, and sunscreen, as no alcohol or drugs are allowed during the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What does the tour of the Sillar Route in Arequipa entail?

The Arequipa Sillar Route + Culebrillas Canyon tour offers a 4-hour exploration of the region’s unique stone quarries and natural wonders.

Priced at $26 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, guided visits to the sillar stone quarries and Culebrillas Canyon, and entrance fees.

Participants can learn about the stonemasons’ hand-working techniques and discover ancient petroglyphs amid the canyon’s stunning rock formations.

The tour is available in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended, and the use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from the hotel in Arequipa, followed by a journey to the quarries of sillar stone in Uchumayo.

At the quarries, you will embark on a guided tour, learning about the intricate hand-working techniques used by stonemasons.

The next stop is the Culebrillas Canyon, a 30-minute walk from the quarries.

In the canyon, visitors will explore the rocky walls, up to 20 meters high, and discover ancient petroglyphs.

The tour concludes with a return to downtown Arequipa, near the main square.

The itinerary includes:

• Pickup from hotel in Arequipa
• Visit to quarries of sillar stone in Uchumayo
• Guided tour of the quarries
• Walk to Culebrillas Canyon
• Exploration of the canyon and its ancient petroglyphs

Highlights

Exploring the quarries, visitors learn about the hand-working techniques used by stonemasons to craft the sillar stone, a distinctive white volcanic rock found in the region.

They’ll discover ancient petroglyphs and cave paintings, marveling at the skills of the region’s past inhabitants.

The tour also showcases the stunning natural landscapes, with the rocky walls of the Culebrillas Canyon reaching heights of up to 20 meters.

Shutterbugs will revel in the endless photo opportunities, capturing the interplay of ancient art and breathtaking scenery.

Throughout the experience, guides provide insights into the history and cultural significance of these remarkable sites.

Inclusions

With a comprehensive package, the tour includes hotel pickup and return transportation.

The guided tour is offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors.

Entrance fees to the Quarries of Añashuayco (S/. 10.00) and Culebrillas Quarries (S/. 5.00) are covered, allowing participants to fully enjoy the historical and cultural aspects of the tour.

The inclusions offer great value, making this tour an attractive option for those seeking an enriching exploration of Arequipa’s sillar stone heritage.

The tour, however, excludes meals and travel insurance, which visitors should consider arranging separately.

• Hotel pickup and return transportation
• Guided tour in English and Spanish
• Entrance fees to Quarries of Añashuayco and Culebrillas Quarries
• Excludes meals and travel insurance

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Preparation Guidelines

To prepare for the tour, visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen for protection against the sun.

The tour involves walking through quarries and exploring a canyon, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Visitors should also avoid bringing alcohol and drugs, as these aren’t permitted during the tour.

The tour provides an opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the natural landscapes and ancient art, so participants may want to bring a camera.

Stonemasons’ Hand-Working Techniques

One of the highlights of the Sillar Route tour is learning about the hand-working techniques of the stonemasons.

Visitors are taken to the quarries where these skilled artisans extract and shape the sillar stone, a type of white volcanic rock unique to the Arequipa region.

The stonemasons demonstrate their intricate craftsmanship, using:

• Hammers and chisels to carefully chip away at the stone
• Saws to cut the blocks into desired shapes and sizes
• Sandpaper and polishing tools to smooth the surface
• Mallets to precisely shape the stone
• Measuring tools to ensure precise dimensions

This hands-on experience provides a fascinating glimpse into the painstaking process behind the construction of Arequipa’s iconic white buildings.

Petroglyphs and Cave Paintings

As visitors explore the Culebrillas Canyon, they’ll discover a treasure trove of ancient petroglyphs and cave paintings adorning the rocky walls.

These ancient artworks offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the region’s indigenous inhabitants centuries ago. The petroglyphs, carved into the stone, depict a range of symbols, geometric patterns, and representations of animals and humans.

Complementing these are the cave paintings, preserved over time, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate designs. Together, these archaeological wonders provide a captivating window into the rich cultural heritage of the Arequipa region, inviting visitors to ponder the stories etched into the canyon’s rugged landscape.

Natural Landscapes and Ancient Art

What stunning natural landscapes and ancient artworks await visitors along the Sillar Route? The Culebrillas Canyon, with its towering rocky walls reaching up to 20 meters high, offers a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Visitors can explore this ancient geological wonder and discover:

• Intricate petroglyphs and cave paintings, remnants of the region’s indigenous past
• Sweeping vistas of the surrounding Andean mountains and valleys
• Unique rock formations sculpted by the elements over millennia
• A serene atmosphere perfect for capturing stunning photographs
• A sense of connection to the land and its timeless history.

This unique tour combines natural beauty with glimpses into Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage, creating an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may be suitable for children, but it’s best to check with the operator. The canyon and hiking could be challenging for young kids. Parental supervision is recommended to ensure their safety and enjoyment.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the tour guidelines, you are not allowed to bring your own food and drinks. The tour includes hotel pickup and transportation, and excludes meals. Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities at the quarries and the Culebrillas Canyon. Participants can use these facilities during the scheduled stops along the itinerary. However, no food or drinks are provided during the tour.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has no specified maximum group size. It’s an intimate experience, allowing for personalized attention from the guide. Group size may vary depending on demand, but the tour is designed to accommodate small to medium-sized groups comfortably.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer the option to customize the itinerary. The tour has a fixed schedule that includes visiting the sillar quarries and Culebrillas Canyon. Customizations are not available for this specific tour.

Recap

Discover the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of Arequipa on this captivating tour. Explore ancient quarries, witness skilled stonemasons at work, and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Culebrillas Canyon. This 4-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of this remarkable region for just $26 per person.

You can check if your dates are available here: