Sillar Route in Arequipa and Viewpoint of the Volcanoes

The Sillar Route in Arequipa, Peru offers a captivating journey through the region’s volcanic landscapes. Visitors can explore the Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco, where skilled stonemasons extract and shape the iconic sillar stone that defines Arequipa’s architecture. Along the route, a viewpoint provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes, showcasing the dramatic natural beauty of the area. This half-day tour not only immerses travelers in the city’s rich cultural heritage, but also presents a chance to capture remarkable photographs. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking to learn about Arequipa’s unique ambiance, the Sillar Route promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• The Sillar Route is a half-day small-group tour in Arequipa, Peru that explores the Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco quarry and the nearby pink cannon landmark.
• Visitors can witness skilled stonemasons extracting and shaping the intricate sillar stone, which is an integral part of Arequipa’s historic architecture.
• The tour provides insights into the geological and cultural significance of the sillar stone, including its role in the region’s heritage and traditions.
• Along With the quarry, the tour includes a stop at the pink cannon, a naturally formed ashlar structure with a unique pink hue, offering scenic photography opportunities.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from the city center and a professional guide to enhance the overall experience for participants.

Tour Overview

The Sillar Route in Arequipa, Peru offers a small-group half-day tour that explores the region’s unique volcanic stone quarries and landmarks.

The tour lasts approximately 3-4 hours and has a maximum group size of 15 people. Priced from $11.00, the tour includes round-trip transportation and a professional guide, though the $3 admission ticket for the Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco isn’t included.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour begins with hotel pickup in the city center or at the main square, and ends near the Templo de San Agustín, just blocks from the Plaza de Armas.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors behold ornately carved stone murals and observe workers extracting and styling white stones at the Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco. This volcanic stone quarry is a protected natural area that allows travelers to explore scenic vistas.

Itinerary Highlights
Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco
– View intricate stone carvings
– Watch stonemasons at work
– Admission ticket not included
– Duration: 50 minutes

After, the tour proceeds to the Canteras de Sillar, where travelers can wander amid the quarries free of charge for 40 minutes. The excursion also includes a visit to the pink cannon, a naturally formed ashlar structure.

Canteras De Sillar Añashuayco

At the Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco, travelers can marvel at ornately carved stone murals and observe stonemasons skillfully extracting and shaping the iconic white stones. This protected quarry offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and stonemason traditions.

Visitors can expect to:

• Witness the intricate craftsmanship of the stonemasons as they meticulously shape the sillar stone.

• Explore the expansive quarry and admire the striking natural formations created by years of volcanic activity.

• Learn about the significance of sillar stone in Arequipa’s architecture and its integral role in the city’s development.

While the admission ticket isn’t included in the tour, the experience provides a fascinating look into the quarry that has shaped Arequipa’s iconic white-walled buildings.

Canteras De Sillar

Within the Canteras de Sillar, travelers can explore the scenic volcanic stone quarries, a protected natural area offering a unique glimpse into the region’s geological history.

The volcanic stone quarries cover a vast expanse, showcasing the intricate patterns and textures of the locally sourced white sillar stone.

Visitors can wander through the quarries, observing the extraction and shaping processes carried out by skilled workers.

The site provides a fascinating insight into the traditional methods used to harvest and craft this distinctive building material, which has long been a defining feature of Arequipa’s historic architecture.

Exploring the Canteras de Sillar offers a glimpse into the region’s rich geological and cultural heritage.

Additional Landmarks

Along With the volcanic stone quarries, the Sillar Route tour also includes a visit to the naturally formed ashlar structure known as the pink cannon. This unique geological formation, a product of volcanic activity, has taken on the shape of a massive cannon-like structure with a distinct pink hue.

The pink cannon offers visitors an opportunity to explore and marvel at the raw power of nature. Travelers can:

• Admire the intricate patterns and textures sculpted by the elements over time.

• Capture stunning photographs against the backdrop of the pink cannon and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

• Learn about the geologic history and formation of this captivating natural landmark.

The pink cannon is a highlight of the Sillar Route tour, providing a unique perspective on Arequipa’s rich geological heritage.

Transportation & Meeting Details

The tour includes round-trip transportation, with pickup options directly from hotels within the city center or Plaza de Armas in Arequipa.

The exact meeting point is the fountain in the main square, and the tour ends at Templo de San Agustín, located two or three blocks from Plaza de Armas.

Travelers can choose to be picked up from their accommodations within the city center or the main square.

This convenient transportation ensures a hassle-free start and end to the Sillar Route excursion.

The tour concludes at the historic Templo de San Agustín, allowing participants to easily continue exploring Arequipa’s city center on their own after the tour.

What’s Included

The tour includes round-trip transportation and a professional guide, with a $3 admission ticket for the Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco quarry. This ensures a hassle-free experience as you explore the stunning Sillar Route in Arequipa.

The tour highlights include:

• Viewing ornately carved stone murals and observing workers extracting and styling the iconic white stones at the Canteras de Sillar Añashuayco.

• Exploring the scenic volcanic stone quarries, a protected natural area at the Canteras de Sillar.

• Visiting the picturesque pink cannon, a naturally formed ashlar structure, as an additional landmark.

These inclusions provide a well-rounded and informative tour, allowing you to fully learn about the rich cultural and geological wonders of the Sillar Route.

Reviews Summary

According to the reviews summary, the Sillar Route tour in Arequipa has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 48 reviews.

Travelers have praised the beautiful views, knowledgeable guides, and enjoyable experience. The tour is recommended for families and those with extra time in Arequipa.

However, some reviewers noted issues with the pickup service and felt the tour wasn’t worth the time if they weren’t particularly interested in the specific sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos during the tour. The guide encourages taking photos to capture the scenic volcanic landscapes and the unique stone quarries. Just be mindful of following any site-specific photography rules.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available in Spanish and English. Travelers can request a different language when booking, though availability may be limited. It’s best to inquire about language options when making the reservation.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Quarries?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs like carved stone figurines and ornaments at the quarries along the Sillar Route tour. These local handicrafts make great keepsakes from the unique volcanic stone quarries in Arequipa.

Are There Any Physical Requirements for This Tour?

The tour has some physical requirements. It’s not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Pregnant travelers aren’t recommended to join. Visitors should also wear masks to protect against dust at the quarries.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sights?

Yes, you can extend the Sillar Route tour to include additional sights. The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the itinerary, allowing you to visit more landmarks in Arequipa for an extra cost. Contact them for pricing and availability.

Recap

The Sillar Route in Arequipa provides a captivating exploration of the region’s unique volcanic landscapes and architectural heritage.

Visitors can witness the skilled craftsmanship of sillar stone extraction and shaping, while also enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic volcanoes.

This half-day tour offers an immersive cultural experience and memorable photographic opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Arequipa’s remarkable natural and historical wonders.