Ruta del Sillar & Culebrillas Canyon Full Day Tour
The Ruta del Sillar and Culebrillas is a full-day adventure exploring Arequipa’s volcanic heritage. Visit ancient sillar quarries, witness artisan stonework, and discover the dramatic Culebrillas Canyon with its mysterious petroglyphs. This off-the-beaten-path tour combines geology, culture, and light hiking for a unique Andean experience.
Ideal for travelers seeking nature, photography, and local history in a single immersive journey.
Itinerary at a Glance:
Full-Day Tour: Morning departure from Arequipa – Visit traditional sillar quarries and artisan workshops – Learn about volcanic stone extraction and architecture – Explore the winding Culebrillas Canyon with petroglyphs – Light hiking and photography opportunities – Return to Arequipa in the evening. Experience volcanic landscapes, culture, and history throughout the day.
Itinerary
- Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arequipa to the volcanic zone where the famous sillar stone is extracted. As you leave the city behind, you will enjoy panoramic views of the desert landscape, rural Andean communities, and the imposing volcanoes that surround Arequipa, including El Misti and Chachani. This route offers a fascinating introduction to the natural environment that shaped the identity of the “White City.”
- Your first stop will be the Añashuayco Quarry, one of the most important sillar extraction sites in the region. Here, you will learn how local stonemasons extract and carve sillar, the white volcanic stone used to build Arequipa’s iconic colonial churches, monasteries, and historic mansions. You will observe impressive rock walls, giant stone blocks, and artistic carvings created by skilled artisans, while your guide explains the traditional techniques and the historical importance of this material in Arequipa’s architecture and culture.
- Next, you will continue to the stunning Culebrillas Canyon, a narrow and winding canyon formed by volcanic rock and shaped by erosion over thousands of years. During a guided walk through its stone corridors, you will admire towering rock formations, natural passages, and ancient petroglyphs left by pre-Hispanic cultures. The canyon’s dramatic shapes, shadows, and colors create a unique and photogenic environment, perfect for exploration and photography.
- Throughout the tour, your professional guide will explain the geological history of the area, the volcanic origins of sillar, and the cultural significance of this material in Arequipa’s identity and development. You will have time to take photos, explore the canyon at your own pace, and enjoy the silence and vastness of the surrounding landscapes.
- At the end of the tour, you will return to Arequipa and be transferred back to your hotel, concluding a fascinating full-day experience through the volcanic landscapes of southern Peru. This tour offers a perfect combination of nature, geology, culture, and light adventure, making it ideal for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience beyond the traditional city tour.
Includes
- Round-trip transportation from hotel in Arequipa
- Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish)
- Guided visit to Ruta del Sillar and Culebrillas Canyon
- First aid kit
Does not include
- Entrance fees to the quarries and canyon
- Food and drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
Recommendations
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Carry a light jacket and water
- Bring cash for entrance fees and small purchases
- A camera or smartphone is highly recommended
- Follow the guide’s instructions for safety during the walk
Prices
- Price: Please contact us for private group rates.
- Student Discount: Available for students with a valid University ID (under 25) or teenagers under 17.
- Booking Process: A deposit is required to secure your Inca Trail permits, which are non-refundable and non-transferable.
More Info
Additional Options
As highlighted in our Additional Options section, you have the opportunity to enhance your trip with various upgrades.
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Ruta del Sillar & Culebrillas Canyon Full Day Tour
1 Day
$ 57.00
Per Person
Request Booking
Quick Stats
Duration
1 Day
Physical Rating
Easy – Walking with minimal physical exertion.
Trip Type
Cultural, History, and Hiking.
Team
Private English-Speaking Guide, Driver, and Trip Expert.
