Tour Ruta del Sillar Arequipa: Discover the Majestic White Quarries and Historical Wonders

5.0/5 Stars - Based on 11 Reviews

Explore the Sillar Route in Arequipa: Unveil Stunning Stone Quarries – Book Your Adventure Today!



The Sillar Route Day Tour
is a fantastic opportunity to know where the sillar comes from, and is the main material of monuments, temples and mansions of Arequipa city, also known as the White City. 

We will visit impressive streams, admiring unique desert landscapes, and we will have the opportunity to see how the expert masters process this material of volcanic nature.

Do not miss the opportunity to take a different tour!

4 Hours
Every day
Pick up from centrally located hotels in Arequipa city
Drop-off to tourist stop on Calle Zela, next to the Santa Catalina Monastery

About this tour


In the morning, we will pick you up from the centrally located hotel in the city of Arequipa to start a very special tour, the Sillar Route. During this half-day excursion, we will stroll around two renowned quarries to get in touch with the artisans who work with the sillar stone.

We will take the route towards the district of Cerro Colorado until we reach the Añashuayco Quarries, located at the foot of the Chachani Volcano and adjacent to the Chili River. This place boasts a marvelous natural and cultural landscape. We will walk through the area of the master stonecutters and appreciate handcrafted works of art, such as colonial facades and carvings.

We will admire the Pink Sillar, an area of the quarries that reflects an intense pink color in the sunlight due to the combination of sillar, sand, and rocks.

We will also visit the artisan workshops to learn about the work done with sillar and witness how it is elaborated using ancestral tools. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to observe the process of sillar extraction. You will have the chance to purchase handicrafts (optional).

Continuing with this fantastic journey, we will visit the Culebrillas Quarry and stroll through this impressive natural ravine formed by water and wind erosion.

We will walk along these narrow walls and observe the Culebrillas petroglyphs depicting animals such as birds, felines, and snakes, with heights reaching around 30 meters. These drawings belonged to the Wari culture, an Andean civilization that thrived between the 7th and 13th centuries AD.

Sillar has been used in the construction of the city of Arequipa, declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

At the end of the tour, we will return to the city center of Arequipa.


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What's included

  • Spanish and English professional guide
  • Transportation
  • First aid kit and covid kit
  • Pick up hotels

Not included

  • Tips
  • Food and drinks
  • Ticket entrances (S/ 5.00 per person, local currency)
  • Pay to master cutters
  • Drop off hotels

Low

* Comfortable shoes * Sunscreen * Sun hat * Sunglasses

* Children 2 and younger are complimentary if they are sitting on their parent`s laps * You should pay the entrance to the "Canteras" there, in local currency Photo copyright: © Enrique Castro Mendivil / PROMPERÚ

Location

Rates

From PEN 100

Group Service: The Sillar Route

From PEN 91

Group service. Includes: * Professional guide in English and Spanish * Transportation * First aid kit and covid kit

Starts 09:00 4 hours Español, English
Operates: Every day

Group Service: The Sillar Route

From PEN 91

Group service. Includes: * Professional guide in English and Spanish * Transportation * First aid kit and covid kit

Starts 14:00 4 hours Español, English
Operates: Every day
CANCELACION
Free Until 24hs Before
COSTO
Average
DIFICULTAD
Low

Frequently asked questions

The Sillar Route Tour in Arequipa includes a guided tour of the main sillar extraction sites, the famous Misti Volcano, and several stunning locations where you can see the artisanal work of the stonemasons. It also typically includes transportation to and from your accommodation, as well as admission to the sites visited. A guide with a local history expertise accompanies tourists to provide an in-depth understanding of Arequipa's cultural heritage. It's an excellent way to explore and appreciate the distinctive architecture of the White City.

The Sillar Route Tour typically lasts around 3 to 4 hours. The itinerary generally begins with pickup from their accommodations in Arequipa, followed by a visit to the Añashuayco quarries and other important sites. During the visit, participants can observe sillar carvings and gain insight into the lives of the stonemasons. There is a stop at the Culebrillas formations, a site steeped in ancient history. The tour concludes with a return to the starting point. It is always advisable to confirm the itinerary with the tour operator.

To fully enjoy the Sillar Route Tour in Arequipa, no specialized equipment is required, but it is important to dress appropriately to avoid discomfort during the tour. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking, sunscreen, a cap or hat for sun protection, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Considering the weather, especially during the colder seasons, it is also suggested to bring a light jacket. A camera is ideal for capturing the stunning views and unique details of the sillar quarry.

The best time to take the Sillar Route Tour in Arequipa is from April to November, when the weather tends to be drier and more stable, offering clear skies and pleasant temperatures for exploring the outdoors. During this time, conditions are optimal for enjoying the natural landscape and the region's impressive sillar architecture without the hassle of rainy weather. However, the tour is available year-round, so it can be planned around a tourist's vacation or personal availability.

The Sillar Route Tour is generally suitable for people of all ages, as long as they are in good health and have average mobility. The tour includes hiking on uneven surfaces, so it is important that participants are able to walk comfortably. For older adults or those with mobility difficulties, it is recommended that you consult with the tour operator in advance about any adjustments or special considerations during the excursion. It is always advisable to take necessary precautions and follow the guide's instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
5.0 11 reviews
5.0

Unglaubliche Sillar-Tour in Arequipa

Wow, die Sillar-Route in Arequipa war einfach unglaublich! Man lernt so viel über die Geschichte und die Entstehung dieser faszinierenden weißen Steine. Die Aussicht war atemberaubend und die Reiseleiter super informativ. Tangol Tours war echt top. Sehr empfehlenswert!

Jonas Müller
5.0

Découverte fascinante et paysages à couper le souffle sur la Route du Sillar

Wow, quelle découverte incroyable sur la Route du Sillar à Arequipa! Les formations rocheuses sont tout simplement époustouflantes. Notre guide était passionné et super informatif. Je recommande vivement ce tour pour tous ceux qui visitent la région. Une expérience inoubliable!

Jean-Michel
5.0

Incredible day in Arequipa

if you are traveling to Arequipa you shouldn´t miss the tour . It is a unique experience!

Mike
5.0

Things to do in Arequipa

If you are looking for what to do in Arequipa, you should consider booking the tour . It´ll be an experience you won´t forget!

Hellen
5.0

Nuestra visita a Arequipa

Para aquellos que visiten Arequipa, recomendamos la excursión Tour Ruta Del Sillar. Nosotros tuvimos una gran experiencia!

Joaquin
5.0

O que fazer em Arequipa

Se você estiver procurando o qué fazer em Arequipa, você deve considerar o passeio . Vair ser uma experiência inesquecivel!

Luiz
5.0

Great experience in Arequipa

If you are visiting Arequipa, consider the tour . We had a really great time!

Hellen
5.0

Dia incrível em Arequipa

Se você vai viajar para Arequipa não perca o passeio . É uma experiência única!

michelle
5.0

Visita a Arequipa

Se você for visitar Arequipa, você deve considerar o tour . Vair ser uma experiência daquelas!

Luiz
5.0

Lo mejor para hacer en Arequipa

Lo mejor para hacer en Arequipa es la excursión Tour Ruta Del Sillar. Si tienen tiempo para hacerla, no lo duden!

Joaquin
From PEN 100

Price from, per person PEN 100.00

November 2026
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