Arequipa: Sillar Route and Historic Center Tour
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Discover the history and culture of the Sillar Route in Arequipa. Visit the Añashuayco Quarry, walk through the Culebrillas Canyon, and explore the historic center of Arequipa.
Highlights
- Discover the history and culture of the Sillar Route in Arequipa
- Visit the Añashuayco Quarry and see the canteros at work
- Walk through the Culebrillas Canyon and see ancient petroglyphs
- Explore the historic center of Arequipa and see its colonial architecture
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding volcanoes
Description
Begin your journey to the Ruta del Sillar, a tourist route rich in history and living culture. Visit quarries and areas where the sillar originated. Make a brief stop at a strategic point with views of the volcanoes and the Chilina Valley. Depending on the time of year, you may alternate with another traditional viewpoint.
Next, focus on the Ruta del Sillar and head to the Añashuayco Quarry, arriving in approximately 45 minutes. This quarry is still in operation, with quarry workers starting their work early. See an immense canyon with ignimbrite walls several meters high, formed by the extraction of sillar blocks.
Learn about the history of sillar, its production, and its traditional uses. At this quarry, admire a mega carving of the Church of the Company of Jesus made by the quarry workers themselves. Visit one of them to learn about their daily work and experience cutting one of their stone blocks.
Continue to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, located 30 minutes from Añashuayco. Upon arrival, take a 20-minute walk through the small canyon formed by water erosion, with walls ranging from 15 to 20 meters high. As you venture deeper, the canyon walls increase in height.
At the end of the walk, see petroglyphs created by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago. Before returning to the city, observe the Apachetas, stone formations stacked on top of each other, symbolizing gratitude to nature and attracting good luck, creating a mystical sensation.
Begin your return journey to the city of Arequipa. Arrive in the center of Arequipa and be dropped off near the main square. Continue with a brief walk through the historic center of Arequipa, strolling through its white sillar streets and enjoying the tranquility of the Plaza de Armas. During the walk, appreciate the colonial architecture, traditional corners, and some of the most representative places of the White City, closing the experience with a pleasant view of the cultural heart of Arequipa.
Includes
Visit to the Ruta del Sillar
Visit to the Cantera de Añashuayco
Visit to the Quebrada de Culebrillas
View of the petroglifos by the Wari culture
View of the Apachetas
Important Information
- The tour involves walking through uneven terrain.
The Cantera de Añashuayco is an active quarry, so expect to see workers in action.
Weather can vary, so dress accordingly.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund