Short itinerary
Arequipa – Ruta del Sillar (4 hours)
- Pick-up from a central hotel or meeting at the Plaza de Armas (departures at 09:00 or 14:00).
- Stop at the Volcanoes Viewpoint for panoramic views of Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.
- Visit Añashuayco Quarry: live stone-carving demo by local canteros (stone masons).
- Walk through Culebrillas Ravine (≈20 min) to see sillar formations and ancient petroglyphs.
- See traditional apachetas (stone offerings) on the return to the city.
- Drop-off at your hotel or the original meeting point.
Detailed itinerary
The Ruta del Sillar unveils the origin of Arequipa’s nickname, the “White City.” Sillar is a pale, volcanic stone whose glow defines the city’s colonial architecture. On this tour you’ll witness the full process—from quarry extraction to hand-carving—guided by craftspersons who preserve techniques dating back to colonial times.
We begin at the Volcanoes Viewpoint for sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks. Then we continue to the Añashuayco Quarry, an active front of towering white walls (≈30 m). Here, local canteros demonstrate tools and methods used to shape blocks for Arequipa’s churches and casonas.
Our next stop is the Culebrillas Ravine, a narrow, winding canyon of untouched sillar. A short walk (≈20 minutes) reveals enigmatic petroglyphs carved into the rock. On the way back, we’ll observe traditional apachetas—conical stone piles left along Andean trails as offerings—before returning to the city.
Meeting point: Plaza de Armas of Arequipa (hotel pick-up available for central hotels). Departures: 09:00 or 14:00. Duration: ~4 hours.
Highlights
- See artisans carve sillar using traditional, centuries-old techniques.
- Walk among dramatic white-stone canyons and discover ancient petroglyphs.
- Capture postcard views of the Andean volcanoes framing the “White City.”
Know before you go
- Age limits: 5–65 years.
- Group size: up to 16 (private service on request).
- Recommended attire: Comfortable sport clothing and walking shoes.
Included
- Professional guide
- Air-conditioned transport
- Hotel pick-up (central hotels) or meeting at Plaza de Armas
Not included
- Entrance tickets
- Meals, snacks & drinks
- Tips
- Special/experiential activities
- Private tour (available on request)
