Excursion to the Sillar route + Culebrillas canyon
- 10k reviews 4 h
Discover the Sillar Route, the volcanic stone that lends a unique hue to the architecture of Arequipa. The churches, convents, monasteries, and colonial and republican mansions of the so-called “White City” were erected using blocks chiseled from quarries in Añashuayco and Cortadores.
At the quarries, you will witness the dedicated work of men who, with skill, technique, and persistence, continue the tradition of transforming sillar into striking sculptures or reliable architectural material that distinguishes Arequipa’s Historic Center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the excursion, you will not only visit the historic quarries of Arequipa but also walk towards Culebrillas Canyon, where a part of the pre-Inca legacy of this volcanic destination is preserved. Come and join us!
Itineray
We will pick you up from your hotel as long as it is located in the Historic Center.
Excursions to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon are available in the mornings (09:00) and afternoons (14:00). Choose the time that fits your plans best, knowing that regardless of the hour, you will enjoy the experience.
If you have any other questions or special requests, please feel free to let us know. We are passionate about showcasing our destinations and strive to provide you with the best service possible.
*For complete clarity on the terms of this tour, we invite you to read the Details and Notes section.
The first step of your excursion will be a 40-minute journey in a tourist vehicle to the sillar quarries of Añashuayco and Cortadores, located north of the Historic Center of Arequipa.
Both quarries are situated in the district of Cerro Colorado (2406 meters above sea level), known as the “Land of Sillar” which was politically established on February 26, 1954, by President Manuel A. Odría.
Earth, dust, and large blocks of sillar at Añashuayco and Cortadores, the main quarries of Arequipa. Due to their geographical and scenic characteristics, and their 30-meter depth, you will feel like you are on another planet.
Both quarries are still active. Every day, skilled men adept in the “art” of chiseling volcanic stones shape the sillar blocks that adorn the buildings of the “White City” since colonial times.
From Añashuayco and Cortadores, you’ll head to Culebrillas, a quarry, ravine, and canyon that houses petroglyphs from the Wari, a pre-Incan culture. Here, you’ll also enjoy extraordinary views of Misti and Chachani, two of Arequipa’s iconic volcanoes.
After a roughly 25-minute hike, you’ll arrive at Culebrillas. There, you’ll encounter several apachetas—groups of stones stacked in conical formations, traditionally used as offerings. Would you dare to place one yourself?
Your excursion will conclude very close to the Plaza de Armas in the Historic Center.
If you departed on the morning session, you can expect to return around 13:00 (approximately). For those on the afternoon sessions, arrival is scheduled around 18:00 (approximately).
Price
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
- Group = group service, shared.
| Pple. | Group | Private |
| 1 | $23 | $110 |
| 2 | $23 | $60 |
| 3 | $23 | $57 |
| 4 | $23 | $55 |
| 5 | $23 | $54 |
Details
| Details | Group | Private |
| Schedule | -9:00 to 13:00 -14:00 to 18:00 | You decide |
| Days | Every day | Every day |
| Language | es/en simultaneously | es or en |
| Size | Small group: 6 to 15 pax. | You and your friends |
| Included | Group | Private |
| Pick up from your hotel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Meal | ❌ | ❌ |
| Professional Guide-Driver | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tickets for Añashuayco quarry: 5 soles pp | ❌ | ❌ |
| Tickets for Culebrillas ravine: 5 soles pp | ❌ | ❌ |
| Personalized service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Drop off at your hotel | ❌ | ✅ |
Accessibility: Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
What do I bring?
- Sweaters
- Rain ponchos
- Anti-slip shoes
- Caps or hats
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A bottle of water
- Local currency in cash for your entrance tickets
- * Dollars, Euros and cards are not accepted
- * You can buy the entrance tickets the same day of your tour
WhatsApp:
Notes
Pick-ups and timings:
Group tours:
- Pick up times and tour ending times are approximate.
- We will pick you up as long as you are in the historic center; otherwise, we will coordinate another meeting place.
- If your hotel doesn’t have a car access, the streets are one-way only or there is a lot of car traffic, then you will walk some blocks to get in the bus.
- We may not pick you up for some tours due to schedules, festivals and strikes.
- When being picked up, we will call for your name, lastname and tour destination; otherwise, don’t get on the bus.
- We will coordinate all pick-up time details one day prior your tour.
Private tours:
- Your pick up time is sharp on time.
- We will do our best to pick you up from your hotel regardless your hotel location.
- We will coordinate all pick-up time details one day prior your tour.
- Your tour ending time is still aproximate; however, we will do our best to end the tour on the scheduled time.
Vehicle type and seats:
Vehicle types — group tours and private tours:
- We implement vehicles authorized by the Ministry of Transportation of Peru.
- The type and size of vehicle will always depend on the group size.
- We implement modern vehicles with air conditioning: H1, Van, Renault and Sprinter.
Seats — group tours:
- You book a seat in the bus — you don’t necessarily book a specific number of seat.
- If you are picked up first from your hotel, then you can can choose some seats.
- Your pickup time will depend on your hotel location.
- Travel partners or couples seat together to 95%; however, we don’t warranty this will happen to 100%.
Operability and itinerary:
This tour is subject to variation without any prior notice, due to weather conditions, strikes and any other event that doesn’t allow the normal tour operation.
Cancellations
The cancellation is free as long as you do it 48 hours in advance; otherwise, a fee of 100% of the tour cost will apply.
Reviews
Please, scroll down to see reviews.
No hidden fees or surcharges
TripAdvisor: 
