From Arequipa: Sillar Route and Hike in Culebrillas

Discover the captivating world of Arequipa’s iconic sillar stone on this enriching tour. Venture to the AÑASHUAYCO quarry, where you’ll uncover the intricate process of sillar extraction. Then, embark on a scenic 20-minute hike through a breathtaking canyon, where ancient petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this immersive experience promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for Arequipa’s natural beauty and the enduring legacy of its sillar stone.

Key Points

• Explore the Sillar Route to witness the quarry that supplied Arequipa’s distinctive stone, with guided explanations on the extraction process.
• Set out on a 20-minute hike through the scenic Culebrillas creek canyon, offering stunning views and an opportunity to appreciate ancient petroglyphs.
• The 4-hour tour includes transportation, an expert guide, and prepaid access to the quarry and creek sites, providing a comprehensive Sillar Route experience.
• The tour is limited to 10 participants and available in both Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
• While the tour generally receives positive feedback, some concerns have been raised about group size and safety, suggesting room for improvement in these areas.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an exciting journey along the Sillar Route, where participants can explore the quarry used to source the distinctive stone that adorns Arequipa’s main square.

Lasting 4 hours, the tour takes visitors to the Añashuayco quarry for guided explanations on sillar extraction.

Afterwards, they’ll visit Culebrillas creek for a 20-minute walk through a water-formed canyon, culminating with the chance to admire petroglyphs.

The tour is limited to 10 participants and available in Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Priced from KD463 per person, the tour includes transportation, a guide, and entrance fees.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with hotel pickup, followed by transport to the AÑASHUAYCO quarry.

Here, the guide provides detailed explanations on the extraction of sillar, the stone used in Arequipa’s main square.

Participants then visit the Culebrillas creek, where they embark on a 20-minute walk through a water-formed canyon.

The tour concludes with a visit to admire and photograph the impressive petroglyphs before returning to Arequipa.

Inclusions

The tour includes tourist transport, a tour guide, and entrance tickets to the Cantera (5 soles) and Culebrillas (5 soles) sites.

These inclusions ensure that guests can focus on the experience without worrying about logistics.

The tour provides:

• Hassle-free transportation to and from the key sites
• An expert guide to provide historical and cultural context
• Prepaid access to the quarry and canyon locations
• A seamless and informative excursion experience

This comprehensive package allows visitors to fully enjoy the Sillar Route and Culebrillas hike, making the most of their time in Arequipa.

Participant Guidelines

For the Sillar Route and Hike in Culebrillas tour, there are a few participant guidelines to be aware of. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with vertigo, or those who’ve had recent surgeries. Participants should bring their passport or ID and wear comfortable clothes. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. To ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, the group size is limited to 10 participants.

Guideline	Details
Suitability	Not for pregnant women, vertigo, recent surgeries
What to Bring	Passport/ID, comfortable clothes
Prohibited Items	Alcohol, drugs
Group Size	Limited to 10 participants

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Customer Feedback

Based on 4 reviews, the overall rating for the Sillar Route and Hike in Culebrillas tour stands at 3.5 out of 5.

While some customers praised the tour’s informative guides and enjoyable hike, others expressed concerns about the group size being too large and safety issues on the trails.

The feedback suggests a mixed experience:

• Positive highlights include the knowledgeable tour guides and scenic canyon walk.

• Negative points center around overcrowding and potential hazards for less mobile participants.

• Some reviewers felt the tour could be improved with stricter group size limits and better safety precautions.

Quarry Exploration

After hotel pickup, the tour begins at the Añashuayco quarry, where participants receive guided explanations on the extraction of sillar – the distinctive white stone used in Arequipa’s iconic architecture. Visitors learn about the quarrying process and the significance of sillar in the city’s construction.

Feature	Description
Sillar Extraction	The guide provides insights into the laborious process of extracting and shaping the sillar blocks from the quarry.
Quarry History	The tour explores the historical importance of the Añashuayco quarry, which has supplied building materials for Arequipa’s landmarks for centuries.
Geological Formation	Participants gain an understanding of the unique geological conditions that have created the sillar, a volcanic rock with a distinctive white hue.
Sustainability	The guide discusses efforts to extract sillar in an environmentally responsible manner, ensuring the preservation of this valuable resource.

Culebrillas Creek Hike

From the quarry, the tour proceeds to the Culebrillas creek, where participants embark on a 20-minute walk through a water-formed canyon.

Along the way, they’ll have the chance to admire the unique geological formations and the calming presence of the flowing water.

The hike offers:

• A chance to take in the natural beauty of the region
• An opportunity to learn about the area’s geologic history
• A serene escape from the bustling city
• Stunning views that make for excellent photography

At the end of the hike, the tour group will have the chance to view nearby petroglyphs, adding a cultural element to the experience before returning to Arequipa.

Petroglyphs Appreciation

At the end of the Culebrillas creek hike, the tour group will have the chance to view nearby petroglyphs.

These ancient rock carvings offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The guide will provide insights into the significance and symbolism of the petroglyphs, which often depict animals, geometric patterns, and other elements of the natural world.

Visitors can take their time exploring the site, snapping photos, and appreciating the skill and artistry of the indigenous people who created these remarkable works.

The petroglyphs serve as a fitting conclusion to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas hike, leaving participants with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Arequipa’s history and cultural treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The participant guidelines clearly state that only a passport or ID and comfortable clothes are permitted. Bringing pets would not be suitable for the activity.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

No, the tour doesn’t offer discounts for students or seniors. The price of 463 KD per person is fixed, and the tour guidelines don’t mention any special pricing for specific age groups.

Do I Need to Sign Any Waivers Before the Tour?

Yes, participants must sign a liability waiver before the tour. This is a standard requirement to ensure the safety and protection of both the tour operator and the participants during the Sillar Route and Hike in Culebrillas activity.

Will There Be Opportunities to Buy Souvenirs During the Tour?

There aren’t any scheduled stops for purchasing souvenirs during this tour. Participants can likely take photos of the scenic landscapes and cultural sites visited, but there aren’t specific opportunities mentioned to buy souvenirs along the way.

Can I Leave the Group and Explore on My Own During the Tour?

No, participants are not allowed to leave the group and explore on their own during the tour. The tour is designed as a guided group activity, and for safety reasons, guests must remain with the group at all times.

Recap

The "From Arequipa: Sillar Route and Hike in Culebrillas" tour offers an immersive experience exploring Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Participants will explore the intricate process of sillar stone extraction, embark on a captivating hike through Culebrillas canyon, and discover ancient petroglyphs that reveal the region’s vibrant history. With a knowledgeable guide and a small group, this tour provides a memorable escape into Arequipa’s unique blend of nature and tradition.

You can check if your dates are available here: