Sillar quarries tour 5 hours in Arequipa
The most complete tour to Huacachina from Lima, featuring dune buggies, sandboarding, and free time to explore the oasis.
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Secure your spot with only 50%
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Duration
5 Hours
Difficulty
Easy
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365 days a year
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Group or private
Save your spot with only 50%
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Sillar quarries tour 5 hours in Arequipa
The most complete way to discover the famous Sillar Quarries of Arequipa and learn about the origins of the white volcanic stone that gave the White City its distinctive identity.
Explore volcanic quarries, impressive sillar walls, stone-carved sculptures, and the traditional craftsmanship of Arequipa’s master stonemasons.
Group Tour
- Best price
- Independent traveler
- Fixed departures
Private Tour
- Flexible schedule
- Personalized service
- Private vehicle
Day 1: Sillar quarries tour 5 hours in Arequipa
Your Experience at a Glance:
9:00 AM
Hotel pickup in Arequipa
9:15 AM
Arrival at the Yanahuara Viewpoint
9:40 AM
Continue the tour
to the Añashuayco Quarry
10:40 PM
Arrival at Culebrillas Gorge
11:50 AM
Continue to the Apachetas and Inca Trail
1:00 PM
End of the tour, three blocks from
Plaza de Armas
- Transportation
- 1 km
- Guide
- Tickets
- 4 Hours
9:00 a.m. - Hotel Pickup in Downtown Arequipa
We begin this fascinating Sillar Route Tour by picking you up directly from your hotel to start an unforgettable cultural and historical experience.
9:15 a.m. - Arrival at the Yanahuara Viewpoint
Our first stop will be the traditional Yanahuara Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and the imposing Chachani, Pichu Pichu, and Misti volcanoes.
Its iconic sillar arches frame the landscape and offer a closer look at the white volcanic stone that characterizes Arequipa’s architecture.
9:40 a.m. – Visit to the Añashuayco Quarry
We’ll continue to the Añashuayco Quarry, the heart of the Sillar Route. This is where the iconic sillar stone used to build Arequipa’s colonial churches, mansions, and monasteries is extracted.
Still active today, this quarry has become an impressive canyon with white walls reaching up to 30 meters (98 ft) high. Master stonemasons (alarifes) will share their traditional techniques and demonstrate how the stone is carved by hand.
10:40 a.m. -Arrival at Culebrillas Gorge
Next, we’ll visit Culebrillas Gorge, an unexploited quarry that forms a small natural canyon.
We’ll take an easy 20 to 30 minute walk, where you can observe mysterious petroglyphs carved into the sillar walls, traces of the past that bring history, art, and nature together in one place.
11:50 a.m. - Apachetas and the Inca Trail
On the return journey, we’ll see the traditional apachetas, cone-shaped stone structures found along the ancient Inca Trail.
These formations are considered ancestral offerings and reflect a mystical tradition that remains part of the Andean worldview.
1:00 p.m. - End of the Tour, Three Blocks from Plaza de Armas
The Sillar Route Tour ends three blocks from Plaza de Armas, concluding an experience that combines culture, history, tradition, and the unique landscapes of Arequipa.
Area Information
Maximum Altitude
2,600 m.a.s.l. / 8,530 ft
Minimum Altitude
2,335 m.a.s.l. / 7,660 ft
Maximum Temperature
23°C / 73°F
Minimum Temperature
10°C / 50°F
Distance
1 km / 0.621 mi
Expert Travel Tips
What Are the Advantages of Visiting the Sillar Quarries in the Morning?
Visiting the Sillar Quarries in the morning allows you to make the most of the early hours of the day while exploring the quarries and learning about the traditional work of the master stonemasons.
Since the tour ends early, you’ll also have part of the afternoon free to continue exploring other attractions in Arequipa.
What Kind of Photos Can I Take at the Sillar Quarries in the Morning?
In the morning, you can photograph the sillar walls, carved sculptures, and volcanic rock formations that characterize this route.
The early morning light can also help highlight the textures and light tones of the sillar stone in your photos.
Should I Visit the Sillar Quarries in the Morning Without Sun Protection Because It’s Cooler?
No. Even if you visit in the morning, most of the tour takes place outdoors, so you’ll still be exposed to solar radiation.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water, even if the day starts out cool or partly cloudy.
Why Is This Tour Different?
- Hotel pickup included
- Private tour
- Visit different Sillar Quarries in Arequipa
- Professional tour guide included
- Book with just a 50% deposit
Book with confidence
- Instant confirmation
- Over 6 years creating unforgettable experiences
- Personalized WhatsApp assistance
- Specialized local tour operator
- Guaranteed departures
Day 1: Sillar quarries tour 5 hours in Arequipa
Your Experience at a Glance:
2:00 PM
Hotel pickup in Arequipa
2:15 PM
Arrival at the Yanahuara Viewpoint
2:40 PM
Continue the tour
to the Añashuayco Quarry
3:40 PM
Arrival at Culebrillas Gorge
4:50 PM
Continue to the Apachetas and
Inca Trail
6:00 PM
End of the tour, three blocks from
Plaza de Armas
- Transportation
- 1 km
- Guide
- Tickets
- 4 Hours
2:00 p.m. - Hotel Pickup in Arequipa
We begin this fascinating Sillar Route Tour by picking you up directly from your hotel to start an unforgettable cultural and historical experience.
2:15 p.m. - Arrival at the Yanahuara Viewpoint
Our first stop will be the traditional Yanahuara Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and the imposing Chachani, Pichu Pichu, and Misti volcanoes.
Its iconic sillar arches frame the landscape and offer a closer look at the white volcanic stone that characterizes Arequipa’s architecture.
2:40 p.m. - Visit to the Añashuayco Quarry
We’ll continue to the Añashuayco Quarry, the heart of the Sillar Route. This is where the iconic sillar stone used to build Arequipa’s colonial churches, mansions, and monasteries is extracted.
Still active today, this quarry has become an impressive canyon with white walls reaching up to 30 meters (98 ft) high. Master stonemasons (alarifes) will share their traditional techniques and demonstrate how the stone is carved by hand.
3:40 p.m. - Arrival at Culebrillas Gorge
Next, we’ll visit Culebrillas Gorge, an unexploited quarry that forms a small natural canyon.
We’ll take an easy 20 to 30 minute walk, where you can observe mysterious petroglyphs carved into the sillar walls, traces of the past that bring history, art, and nature together in one place.
4:50 p.m. - Apachetas and the Inca Trail
On the return journey, we’ll see the traditional apachetas, cone-shaped stone structures found along the ancient Inca Trail.
These formations are considered ancestral offerings and reflect a mystical tradition that remains part of the Andean worldview.
6:00 p.m. - End of the Tour, Three Blocks from Plaza de Armas
The Sillar Route Tour ends three blocks from Plaza de Armas, concluding an experience that combines culture, history, tradition, and the unique landscapes of Arequipa.
Area Information
Maximum Altitude
2,600 m.a.s.l. / 8,530 ft
Minimum Altitude
2,335 m.a.s.l. / 7,660 ft
Maximum Temperature
23°C / 73°F
Minimum Temperature
10°C / 50°F
Distance
1 km / 0.621 mi
Expert Travel Tips
What Are the Advantages of Visiting the Sillar Quarries in the Afternoon?
Visiting the Sillar Quarries in the afternoon allows you to discover one of Arequipa’s most representative landscapes without taking up your entire day.
It’s a great option if you plan to explore the Historic Center, visit other attractions in the morning, or simply prefer to start the tour after lunch.
What Will I See During the Sillar Quarries Afternoon Tour?
During the tour, you’ll see the impressive sillar walls, learn about the work of the master stonemasons, and discover how this volcanic stone has become an essential part of Arequipa’s traditional architecture.
You’ll also have excellent opportunities to take photos among the rock formations and sculptures carved from sillar stone.
Is It a Good Idea to Visit the Sillar Quarries in the Afternoon if I Want to Avoid the Sun Completely?
No. Although the tour takes place in the afternoon, much of the visit is outdoors, and you may still experience strong solar radiation.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water to enjoy the tour comfortably.
Why Is This Tour Different?
- Hotel pickup included
- Private tour
- Visit different Sillar Quarries in Arequipa
- Professional tour guide included
- Book with just a 50% deposit
Book with confidence
- Instant confirmation
- Over 6 years creating unforgettable experiences
- Personalized WhatsApp assistance
- Specialized local tour operator
- Guaranteed departures
Included
- 24/7 support and assistance after your booking.
- Pickup from your hotel in Arequipa.
- Private round-trip tourist transportation.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish / English).
- Entrance to the Añashuayco Quarry and Culebrillas Gorge.
- Assistance throughout the entire tour.
Not Included
- Tips for tour guides.
- Travel insurance (Peruvian regulations recommend entering Peru with travel insurance purchased in your country of origin).
- We work with several clinics and can help you arrange medical assistance if needed. The clinics will process the insurance you purchased beforehand; however, they do not provide travel insurance.
What to bring!
- Personal medications.
- A clear photo of your passport.
- Small daypack (with a rain cover, if possible).
- Water (we recommend bringing 1 liter per day).
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
- Extra snacks.
- Hiking shoes and pants.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Lip balm.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, long-sleeved shirts, etc.).
- Cash in Peruvian soles.
Payment
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GET IN PERU will only require a 50% deposit to reserve your seats and tickets.
The remaining balance must be paid 3 days before your departure.
Contact your travel advisor for more details or review our Terms of Service Agreement.
Travel Your Way
$ Price per person
Our tour packages are available in both group and private formats. Consult with one of our travel experts to tailor your journey and enjoy a personalized experience led by our specialized local guides.
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$23USD
per person
- Best Price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$65USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Better Photo Opportunities
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
- Specialized Local Guides
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Recommended experience
Private Tour
From:
$65USD
per person
Minimum 2 travelers
- Exclusive Guide for Your Group
- More Personalized Service
- Personalized Hotel Pick-Up
- Flexible Schedule
- More Time at Each Destination
Budget friendly
Group Tour
From:
$23USD
per person
- Best price
- Ideal for Independent Travelers
- Fixed Departures
Always Included
- Daily Departures
- Expert Travel Advisors
- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Payment Options
Secure your spot with only 50%
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Everything You Need to Know
Before You Travel
What Does the Sillar Quarries Tour in Arequipa Include?
The Sillar Quarries Tour allows you to discover some of the most representative sites related to sillar stone and Arequipa’s landscapes in approximately 5 hours. Our tour visits the Yanahuara Viewpoint, Añashuayco Quarry, Culebrillas Gorge, the apachetas, and a section associated with the Inca Trail.
In addition to enjoying the scenery, the quarry area gives you a closer look at the origins of the material that has shaped much of Arequipa’s traditional architecture. PROMPERÚ highlights the extraction and carving demonstrations performed by master stonemasons along this route.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Pay close attention to the stonemasons at Añashuayco. Understanding how sillar is extracted and carved will give you a different perspective when you later explore Arequipa’s Historic Center.
⚒️ Did You Know?
Master stonemasons continue to use traditional techniques to select, cut, and shape blocks of sillar stone.
What Is Sillar and Why Is It So Important in Arequipa?
Sillar is a rock of volcanic origin closely associated with Arequipa’s architectural identity. Its use can be seen in churches, colonial mansions, arches, vaults, and numerous buildings throughout the Historic Center.
Its importance is such that UNESCO specifically notes that the Historic Center of Arequipa is built from volcanic rock known as sillar and highlights the integration of European and indigenous building techniques found in its architecture.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Take the Sillar Quarries Tour before exploring the Historic Center in detail. This will help you recognize the material and better understand its importance when visiting Arequipa’s monuments.
🏛️ Did You Know?
The Historic Center of Arequipa was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, and sillar is one of the defining elements of its architecture.
What Can You See at the Añashuayco Quarry?
The Añashuayco Quarry is one of the main stops on the Sillar Quarries Tour and offers a firsthand look at where this volcanic stone is extracted and worked.
The official tourist route highlights demonstrations of sillar extraction, craftsmanship, and carving, as well as large-scale sculptures created from this material. Some of the most representative monumental carvings include reproductions of the Arequipa Cathedral façade and the city’s coat of arms.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Don’t focus your entire visit on the monumental carvings. Take time to observe the quarry walls and the work of the stonemasons to understand where the blocks later used in architecture come from.
🧱 Did You Know?
The official route explains that the traditional process begins with selecting the block, followed by marking the cutting points and then splitting it into smaller sections.
What Can You See at Culebrillas Gorge?
Culebrillas Gorge offers a different experience from Añashuayco. Here, the visit focuses more on hiking, the landscape formed by the gorge’s towering walls, and the observation of ancient petroglyphs.
PROMPERÚ specifically highlights the hike through the Culebrillas Quarry as one of the activities along the Sillar Route and notes the presence of petroglyphs attributed to the Wari culture, including representations of hunters and birds.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Save some of your phone’s battery for Culebrillas. Añashuayco and this gorge offer very different settings for photography.
🪨 Did You Know?
At Culebrillas, you’ll find more than just sillar formations: there are also petroglyphs depicting hunters and birds.
Is It Better to Take the Sillar Quarries Tour in the Morning or Afternoon?
Both schedules visit the main attractions of the Sillar Quarries Tour, so the best choice depends on how you organize your day in Arequipa. Our morning tour begins at approximately 9:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM, while the afternoon tour departs at approximately 2:00 PM and finishes at 6:00 PM.
The morning tour is convenient if you want to keep your afternoon free to continue exploring Arequipa, while the afternoon option works especially well if you already have activities planned earlier in the day.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Don’t automatically choose a time slot assuming that one offers a more complete route. Select the schedule that best fits the rest of your itinerary.
🕒 Did You Know?
Both schedules allow you to combine the Sillar Quarries with other activities in Arequipa on the same day, without dedicating an entire day exclusively to this excursion.
How Long Does the Sillar Quarries Tour from Arequipa Take?
The Sillar Quarries Tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the conditions along the route. We offer both morning and afternoon departures, making it easy to combine the tour with other activities in Arequipa.
The itinerary includes transportation and several stops, so you won’t spend the entire four to five hours walking. A significant part of the tour is done by vehicle, with walking concentrated around the attractions visited.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: If you only have one full day in Arequipa, you can spend half the day exploring the Sillar Quarries and use the other half to discover the Historic Center.
⏱️ Did You Know?
PROMPERÚ places the Añashuayco Quarries approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) and 45 minutes from Puente Grau, making this experience easily accessible without traveling too far from Arequipa.
Is There a Lot of Walking During the Sillar Quarries Tour?
The Sillar Quarries Tour does include some walking, especially while exploring the quarries and Culebrillas Gorge, but it is not a full-day mountain trek.
PROMPERÚ officially recommends wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as well as using sun protection for this route.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Wear comfortable, closed toe shoes with good traction. Although this is not a demanding trek, you’ll be walking on natural and uneven surfaces.
👟 Did You Know?
The hike through Culebrillas is one of the activities officially recognized as part of the Sillar Route.
What Should I Bring for the Sillar Quarries Tour?
For the Sillar Quarries Tour, we recommend bringing comfortable clothing, suitable walking shoes, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water. During the rainy months, it’s also a good idea to bring waterproof clothing or rain protection.
These recommendations are consistent with PROMPERÚ’s official guidelines, which advise drinking plenty of fluids, eating light meals, and taking extra precautions during the rainy season between January and March.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Don’t underestimate the sun just because the tour only lasts a few hours. Bring sunscreen and water with you from the moment you leave your hotel.
☀️ Did You Know?
Official tourist information for the Sillar Route lists reference temperatures ranging from 23°C to 10°C (73°F to 50°F), so wearing layers that you can adjust throughout the tour is a practical choice.
Why Visit the Sillar Quarries if I’ve Already Seen Arequipa’s Historic Center?
Because the Sillar Quarries allow you to discover the origins and craftsmanship behind the material that characterizes much of Arequipa’s Historic Center. While in the city you can admire the finished architecture, at the quarries you can learn more about the extraction and carving process.
This creates an especially interesting connection between the two places: UNESCO highlights the use of sillar in the massive walls, arches, vaults, and ornate façades of Arequipa’s historic architecture.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: Think of the Historic Center and the Sillar Quarries as complementary experiences rather than attractions that compete with each other.
🔗 Did You Know?
Volcanic stone construction techniques and sculptural work in sillar are among the features UNESCO highlights when describing the architectural authenticity of Arequipa.
Is the Sillar Quarries Tour in Arequipa Worth It?
Yes, the Sillar Quarries Tour is worth it if you want to understand why sillar is so closely connected to Arequipa’s identity. In just a few hours, you can combine the Yanahuara Viewpoint, Añashuayco, Culebrillas, unique landscapes, the traditional work of local stonemasons, and cultural remains.
It’s especially recommended for travelers who want to complement the churches and colonial mansions of the Historic Center with an experience that explains where the stone that characterizes the “White City” comes from and how it is worked. Official tourism information describes the Sillar Route as an experience that showcases the craftsmanship behind Arequipa’s main architectural material while also highlighting the surrounding landscapes.
💡 Get In Peru Tip: If it’s your first visit to Arequipa, combine the Sillar Quarries with a tour of the Historic Center. Together, they reveal two sides of the same story.
🤍 Did You Know?
Arequipa’s distinctive appearance is closely linked to the use of white and pink sillar in its historic architecture. UNESCO identifies this volcanic stone as one of the elements that gives the Historic Center its distinctive character.
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