From Arequipa: Sillar Route – Half Day Tour

The "From Arequipa: Sillar Route – Half Day Tour" promises an immersive journey into the heart of Arequipa’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. For just $20 per person, this guided tour takes adventurers on a five-hour exploration, unveiling the volcanic wonders, ancient quarries, and breathtaking canyons that have captivated visitors for centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature enthusiast, this unique experience offers a chance to witness the skilled artistry of local stonemasons and uncover the secrets hidden within Arequipa’s captivating landscapes. Prepare to be transported to a world where the past and present seamlessly intertwine.

Key Points

• The Sillar Route tour is a 5-hour, half-day exploration of Arequipa’s Sillar stone quarries, volcanoes, and canyons, priced at $20 per person.
• The tour includes pickup, transportation, and a guide, but excludes entrance fees and meals.
• Key highlights are a volcano viewpoint, the Añashuayco Quarry, and a walk through the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon.
• The tour showcases Arequipa’s rich cultural heritage, including the stonemason tradition and enigmatic petroglyphs.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, those with low fitness levels, or individuals over 95 years old.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an immersive half-day exploration of the Sillar Route from Arequipa, priced at $20 per person. It lasts 5 hours and is limited to 10 participants, with English and Spanish guides.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can reserve and pay later. Highlights include a viewpoint overlooking volcanoes, the Aña-shuayco Quarry to observe stone carving, and a canyon walk.

The tour showcases the city’s history, culture, and natural beauty, known as the "White City." Inclusions cover pickup, transportation, and insurance, while entrance fees and meals are extra.

The tour may not suit those with limited mobility or fitness.

Itinerary Highlights

Pickup from accommodation in Arequipa kicks off the tour, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of the Sillar Route’s highlights.

The journey begins with a visit to a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes. Next, the group stops at the Aña-shuayco Quarry, where they observe local masons at work and learn about the intricate process of stone carving.

The tour then ventures into the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a canyon with 20-meter high walls, inviting visitors on a 20-minute walk.

The final highlight is the discovery of petroglyphs – carved figures in stone with mysterious meanings.

The tour concludes by returning to Arequipa by 1 PM.

Cultural Significance

Declaring the Sillar Route as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation underscores its profound cultural significance.

This tour showcases Arequipa’s rich history, living culture, and adventurous spirit. Visitors can discover:

1. The vibrant stonemason tradition, where locals shape the iconic white volcanic sillar stone into intricate carvings.

2. The geological wonder of Quebrada de Culebrillas, a canyon with 20-meter high walls that offers a glimpse into the region’s natural heritage.

3. The enigmatic petroglyphs, ancient carved figures in stone whose meanings remain shrouded in mystery, connecting visitors to Arequipa’s pre-Columbian past.

This immersive journey reveals why Arequipa is rightly known as The White City, a designation reflecting its deep cultural roots.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Arequipa, transportation by bus or minibus, and an English and Spanish-speaking guide.

Travel insurance is also provided. However, entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon, totaling $10 per person, aren’t included. Meals and any additional expenses are also excluded.

It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those with low fitness levels, or individuals over 95 years old.

Guests should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen, and aren’t allowed to bring baby strollers, drinks in the vehicle, alcohol, or drugs.

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Important Information

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, individuals with low fitness levels, or those over 95 years old.

Participants are advised to bring the following items:

1. Sunglasses to shield their eyes from the bright Andean sun.
2. A sun hat to protect their head and neck from harmful UV rays.
3. Sunscreen to prevent sunburn during the outdoor excursion.

Guests aren’t permitted to bring baby strollers, drinks in the vehicle, alcohol, or drugs.

It’s crucial that travelers provide their correct contact information, including the country code and WhatsApp, to ensure effective communication throughout the tour.

Customer Reviews

Based on the lone customer review available, the Sillar Route Half Day Tour appears to have left something to be desired.

The tour garnered an overall rating of 3 out of 5, with the reviewer noting that the guide and driver were good, but the actual attraction was underwhelming compared to their expectations.

While the tour showcases the historical and cultural significance of the Sillar Route, it seems the on-site experience failed to fully captivate this particular visitor.

With only a single review to go by, it’s difficult to draw broad conclusions, but this lone critique suggests there may be room for improvement in enhancing the tour’s delivery and meeting customer anticipations.

Booking Information

Booking the Sillar Route Half Day Tour is straightforward. The tour is priced at $20 per person and lasts approximately 5 hours.

To reserve your spot, you can:

1. Book now and pay later – Secure your place without paying anything today.
2. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund – Enjoy the flexibility to change your plans.
3. Provide your accommodation details and contact information, including a valid phone number with a country code and WhatsApp for easy communication.

The tour is limited to 10 participants and available in both English and Spanish, ensuring a personalized experience.

Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to make the most of your Sillar Route adventure.

Practical Tips

One important practical tip for the Sillar Route Half Day Tour is to wear comfortable walking shoes.

The tour involves a 20-minute walk in the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon, so sturdy footwear is a must.

Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are also recommended, as the tour takes place primarily outdoors.

Participants should avoid bringing baby strollers, drinks, alcohol, and drugs, as these aren’t allowed on the tour.

It’s also crucial to ensure the tour company has the correct contact information, including a country code and WhatsApp number, for efficient communication.

Following these practical tips will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable Sillar Route experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour information states that "Not allowed: Baby strollers, drinks in vehicle, alcohol, and drugs", indicating that pets are also not permitted during the Sillar Route tour.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. Private tours can be arranged, but they’ll cost more than the standard group tour. Travelers interested in a private experience should inquire with the tour operator for pricing and availability.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Seniors?

The tour may not be very accessible for seniors. It involves a 20-minute walk in a canyon with 20-meter high walls, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues. The tour is not recommended for individuals over 95 years.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain during the 20-minute hike in the canyon.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration is set at 5 hours and can’t be extended. Participants need to follow the itinerary to ensure the tour runs on schedule for all attendees. Extending the duration would require booking a separate custom tour.

Recap

The "From Arequipa: Sillar Route – Half Day Tour" offers a captivating exploration of Arequipa’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Participants can enjoy the region’s rich history, witness local stonemasons at work, and discover ancient petroglyphs, making it a unique and unforgettable experience for both adventurers and culture enthusiasts. At just $20 per person, this guided tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Arequipa.

You can check if your dates are available here: