Excursion to the Sillar Route With Walk in Culebrillas

Set out on a captivating journey through Arequipa’s volcanic landscapes with the Excursion to the Sillar Route. This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to witness the traditional techniques of ashlar cutters at work, shaping the iconic white volcanic rock that has defined the region’s architectural legacy. As you explore the remarkable Culebrillas formations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind the extraction and carving of sillar. With engaging interpretive workshops and a scenic 2.5-hour itinerary, this excursion promises to provide a truly enlightening and memorable experience.

Key Points

• The Sillar Route excursion focuses on exploring volcanic quarries that have shaped Arequipa’s distinctive architecture, with a 2.5-hour duration.
• Visitors can observe traditional techniques of ashlar extraction, carving, and mega-carving, as well as participate in interpretation workshops with skilled cutters.
• The tour includes a visit to the Cerro Colorado quarries and a walk through the Culebrillas area, showcasing the region’s unique volcanic rock formations.
• The tour is recognized for its immersive cultural heritage experience, with a Badge of Excellence and mostly positive reviews from previous participants.
• The tour offers a budget-friendly option at 12 soles per person, with flexible cancellation policies and clear meeting and pickup details.

Tour Overview

The Excursion to the Sillar Route offers travelers an opportunity to explore the volcanic quarries that have shaped Arequipa’s iconic architecture.

This 2.5-hour tour takes visitors to the Cerro Colorado, home to the ashlar quarries, where they can observe the extraction, carving, and mega carving of sillar, a distinct volcanic stone.

Guests can participate in interpretation workshops with the skilled ashlar cutters, providing a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour also includes a stop at a main square to appreciate the surrounding volcanoes and countryside.

With a Badge of Excellence and 15 positive reviews, this excursion provides an immersive experience for those interested in Arequipa’s remarkable architectural foundation.

Experience the Sillar Quarries

Visitors traveling along the Sillar Route enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Arequipa’s iconic architecture.

The excursion offers a unique opportunity to witness the extraction, carving, and mega carving of sillar, a volcanic stone that has shaped the city’s distinctive appearance.

Key highlights include:

1. Observing the skilled ashlar cutters at work, demonstrating their traditional techniques.
2. Participating in interpretation workshops to gain insights into the historical significance of the sillar quarries.
3. Marveling at the impressive scale of the quarries and the monumental carved blocks destined for architectural projects.
4. Appreciating the sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices employed in the sillar industry.

Itinerary and Activities

The excursion kicks off with a stop at a main square, allowing participants to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and countryside.

Next, the tour heads to Cerro Colorado, home to the ashlar quarries.

Here, visitors spend 2 hours and 30 minutes exploring the sillar quarries, observing the extraction, carving, and mega-carving of the volcanic stone.

Throughout the experience, interpretation workshops are held with the ashlar cutters, providing an in-depth understanding of this unique local craft.

While admission tickets aren’t included, the Sillar Route offers quality tourist infrastructure and services to enhance the overall experience.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the Excursion to the Sillar Route is located at C. Álvarez Thomas 115 in Arequipa, Peru.

Participants are advised to arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts. The transportation service is located a few blocks from the central square, and the tour ends at Av La Marina 400 in Arequipa.

The key meeting and pickup details are:

1. Meeting Point: C. Álvarez Thomas 115, Arequipa 04001, Peru
2. Arrival Time: 10 minutes before tour start
3. Transportation: Located a few blocks from the central square
4. End Point: Av La Marina 400, Arequipa 04001, Peru

Pricing and Policy

Priced at 12 soles per person, the Excursion to the Sillar Route offers a budget-friendly way to explore Arequipa’s renowned volcanic stone quarries.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, travelers can book with confidence. Plus, confirmation is received at the time of booking, providing peace of mind.

The tour’s reasonable cost and flexible cancellation terms make it an accessible and convenient option for those wishing to experience the unique sillar extraction and carving processes.

Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have left a mix of reviews for the Excursion to the Sillar Route, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 15 evaluations.

Positive comments praised the simplicity and enjoyment of the experience, while others offered feedback on the quality of the guide, views, and tour timing.

The breakdown of the ratings shows:

1. 11 travelers gave 5 stars
2. 1 traveler gave 4 stars
3. 1 traveler gave 3 stars
4. 2 travelers gave 1 star

Some clarification was provided on the actual entry fees, which were advertised as 3 soles but totaled 11 soles at the current exchange rate.

Exploring Culebrillas

A highlight of the Excursion to the Sillar Route is the walk in Culebrillas, offering visitors a chance to explore the fascinating geological formation. Culebrillas is a unique landscape sculpted by volcanic activity, showcasing intricate patterns and textures in the rock. Visitors can observe the intricate carving and extraction techniques used by the local ashlar cutters. The walk provides a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and the skilled craftsmanship that has shaped Arequipa’s iconic architecture.

Feature	Description
Geological Formations	Unique volcanic rock structures
Ashlar Extraction	Observation of skilled carving techniques
Arequipa’s Heritage	Connection to the city’s architectural legacy
Duration	Approximately 30 minutes

Highlights of the Tour

The Excursion to the Sillar Route promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the extraction, carving, and mega-carving of sillar, the distinctive volcanic stone that defines Arequipa’s architectural identity.

This tour offers a range of highlights:

1. Exploration of the Sillar Route, including a walk through the Culebrillas area.
2. Observation of the intricate processes involved in producing sillar, from quarrying to sculpting.
3. Participation in interpretation workshops led by skilled ashlar cutters, providing insight into this unique craft.
4. Panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes and countryside, offering a scenic backdrop to the journey.

With a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, this tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of sillar in its architectural legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Full Excursion?

The excursion lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes at the Canteras de Sillar, according to the itinerary. The total duration of the full experience is not explicitly stated, but it’s likely to be longer than the 2.5 hours at the quarries.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Beyond the Sillar Route?

The tour focuses on the Sillar Route and lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour beyond the Sillar Route in the provided information.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Sillar Route?

The best time to visit the Sillar Route is during the dry season, typically from May to September. The weather is pleasant, and visitors can fully experience the quarry activities and extraction processes without interruption from rain.

Can I Take Photographs During the Excursion?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the Sillar Route excursion. However, it’s important to check with the tour operator or guide for any specific photography restrictions or guidelines that may apply to the particular tour.

Is There an Opportunity to Interact With Local Artisans?

Yes, the tour includes interpretation workshops where visitors can interact with local ashlar cutters and observe their traditional techniques for extracting, carving, and mega carving the volcanic sillar stone used in Arequipa’s architecture.

Recap

The Excursion to the Sillar Route offers a captivating journey through Arequipa’s volcanic quarries, showcasing the region’s rich architectural heritage. Visitors can witness the traditional techniques of ashlar cutters, explore the unique geological formations of Culebrillas, and gain insights into the cultural significance of sillar extraction and carving. This immersive experience provides an educational and engaging way to discover Arequipa’s vibrant history and traditions.