Sillar Route

The Route of the Sillar, is an immense quarry of sillar (stone of volcanic origin), that forms spectacular gorges, similar to those of Petra in Jordan, you can also see petroglyphs and appreciate the way of extraction of the stones.

The ashlar is the origin of the architecture of the White City and its tourist route is developed in the district of Cerro Colorado. In addition to the natural landscapes of the area, you can observe the process of extraction, styling and megatallado of the ashlar. It has the necessary infrastructure and tourist services such as interpretation workshops, with the presence of sillar cutters; information panel areas; tourist signage; parking lot; Purchase of handicrafts in sillar and rest areas. The sillar route is managed by the Sillar Cutters Network – Arequipa. It currently comprises a length of 2,000 meters, covering the quarries in operation of Añashuayco, Cortadores and the virgin quarry of Culebrillas.

Here are the sillar quarries that paint the city of Arequipa white. Although the area is known for working here with the raw material of the architecture of the White City, volcanic stone, it also brings together some of the most beautiful and impressive natural landscapes in the area. By following the Ruta del Sillar you can observe the process of extraction, carving and mega carving of sillar, a white stone that predominates in the traditional architecture of the city of Arequipa. This route has the necessary infrastructure and quality tourist services to consider it among the main attractions of the region. Among the main activities that can be carried out in the place are the interpretation workshops, with the presence of ashlar cutters.

* Would you like to discover why Arequipa is the white city? Let's go to explore the origin definitely the ''sillar route'' La Ruta de Sillar is the best option. * After having visited the ''Sillar Route'' you will understand why the buildings of their houses and monuments that characterize and make it unique.

Route of the Sillar, Viewpoints of the Valley and Volcanoes We enter in the middle of huge volcanic stone farellones 30 meters high carved "to combo and chisel", colonial facades and carvings. Here we will have an illustrious moment with the master stonecutters, known as "cutters". They will reveal their live work techniques so that later we can do it with our own hands. We will see giant block falls and the wonderful experience of watching small blocks of ashlar made using ancestral instruments used from generation to generation. Heading to the Mirador de Carmen Alto !!! We will visit the traditional and unmissable viewpoints of Arequipa, Mirador de Carmen Alto to appreciate the Chilina Valley and our 3 volcanoes, Chachani, Misti and Pichupichu. The second viewpoint is in Yanahuara. Here we will eat rich traditional desserts and buy unique handmade souvenirs in the square.

The Sillar Route is an experience to know the origin and history of the "sillar" volcanic stone with which the most important buildings in Arequipa have been built. The tour includes the visit to the quarries to appreciate the elaboration, mega-detail of the material in the middle of a fascinating environment.

The ashlar route runs through the interior of the quarries, the same ones that transport the visitor to the origins and understanding of how the historic center of Arequipa, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, originated. When visiting the quarries in operation you will be able to observe live the ancestral process of extraction of blocks and the carving of the ashlar made by the hand of man.

on the route to the Sillar Route where you visit quarries and areas where the sillar originated. We will visit the Añashuayco Quarry; In the place we will be able to appreciate an immense canyon with cliffs that are several meters high, formed by the extraction for the formation of the Sillares.You can see a Mega-carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus made by the stonecutters themselves. We can also visit some of them so they can explain to us what their daily work is like and make us experiment by cutting one of their stone blocks ourselves. then we will move to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, arriving at this point we will make a walk of approximately 20 minutes inside the small canyon that was formed by the passage of water  At the end of the walk we can see petroglyphs made by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago.

THE TOUR HAS TWO STARTING TIMES, AT 9:00 AM OR AT 2:00 PM, WITH THIS WE WILL BE ABLE TO KNOW THE WONDERFUL AREQUIPA CITY, A RECENTLY DISCOVERED LANDSCAPE WHERE MUCH IS KNOWN ABOUT THE CULTURE OF AREQUIPA AND THE ORIGIN OF THE SILLAR, FAMOUS STONE FROM WHICH THE HISTORIC CENTER OF THE CITY WAS BUILT. WE WILL ALSO WALK LIGHTLY THROUGH A PINK SILLAR CANYON, VIRGIN AREA AND CALLED CULEBRILLAS. WE WILL EXPLORE THE CARVINGS THAT EXIST IN THIS AREA AND THE VALUABLE WORK OF THE STONERS.

Explore with us this fabulous tour where we will be able to appreciate the quarry from where the people of Arequipa extracted the most important material in the history of Arequipa and for which it is known as the "WHITE CITY". Enjoy unique views and spectacular walks in the middle of virgin quarries, witness an unparalleled adventure with us, remember that the tour we offer is shared.

The Ruta del Sillar is an experience to know the origin and history of the "sillar" volcanic stone with which the most important buildings in Arequipa have been built. The tour includes the visit to the quarries to appreciate the elaboration, mega-detail of the material in the middle of a fascinating environment.

Uncover Arequipa’s rich heritage as you explore the Sillar Route and the ancient Culebrillas Petroglyphs. Walk among the historic sillar quarries and learn about the iconic white volcanic rock used in the city’s architecture. Discover the enigmatic petroglyphs that offer insights into ancient civilizations. This tour blends history, culture, and archaeology for a captivating experience.

This tour is unique because you can get to know the center of the city, you will be informed of its creation, the guide will give details of its foundation and how is the beginning of the city in relation to the ashlar, this stone originating from volcanic tufo. After that we will have an excursion to the same quarries where they extract by hand and there are some carvings so they can have the photos of the memory. After that we will visit the shingles canyon, of pink ashlar, virgin ashlar cannon where many good photos can also be taken. The duration is 4 hours and you can really know the importance of Sillar in Arequipa and how it has marked the history of the city of Arequipa.

Get to know this tourist attraction in the city of Arequipa, visit the work of Los Canteros and the Ruta del Sillar where we can appreciate the beauty of this volcanic stone from which the Historic center of Arequipa was built. Countless carvings, and also a natural ravine where extraction is prohibited and we will take a walk full of adventure and entertainment.

La Ruta del Sillar es una experiencia para conocer la procedencia e historia del "sillar" la piedra volcánica con la que se han construido los edificios más importantes de Arequipa. El recorrido comprende la visita a las canteras para apreciar la elaboración, megatallado del material en medio de un entorno fascinante.

The Sillar Route is an immense ashlar quarry (a stone of volcanic origin), which forms spectacular gorges, similar to those of Petra in Jordan. You can also see petroglyphs and appreciate the way the stones are extracted.

On the way to the Sillar Route where you will visit quarries and areas where the ashlar originated, we will visit the Añashuayco Quarry; in the place we can appreciate an immense canyon with skylights that are several meters high, formed by extraction for the formation of the Sillares, you can appreciate a Mega-carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus made by the stonemasons themselves. We can also visit one of them so that they can explain how their daily work is and make us experiment by cutting one of their stone blocks ourselves then we will move to the Quebrada de Culesbrillas, At this point we will do a walk of approximately 20 minutes inside the small canyon that was formed by the passage of water At the end of the walk we can observe petroglyphs made by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago. Remember that in the beginning we visited the Mirador de Yanahuara.

Come and enjoy an impressive 2 day trek through one of the deepest canyons in the world. Our guide will show you all the beauties of the valley such as huge birds, beautiful alpacas and vicuñas and more than 79 different types of cactus. Our tour starts very early to be able to arrive on time at the Condor's Cross and watch the condors flying over our heads and follow our route to Cabanaconde from where our adventure begins. Do not miss it and book now. It will be an unforgettable experience!

Experience the authenticity of the Sillar Route in Arequipa, a captivating journey through centuries of history and architecture. Take your steps through the impressive ashlar formations, guided by local experts who will share the secrets of this emblematic material. Discover the unique essence of Arequipa as you immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and experience the cultural richness of the region. Create unforgettable memories at every step of the Sillar Route!

The best adventure fun tour located just 20 minutes from the beautiful city center of Arequipa. Wellcome and enjoy the best rafting!