SILLAR TRAIL CULEBRILLAS CANYON
The service includes
Tourist transportation
Official Travel Guide
First-aid kit
The tour does not include:
60–70-liter backpack
Entrance to the Añashuayco Quarries
Domestic S/5.00
Latin American S/5.00
Foreign S/5.00
Down sleeping bag
Entrance to the Culebrillas Quarries
Domestic S/5.00
Latin American S/5.00
Foreign S/5.00
What to bring:
- Cash for tickets
- Appropriate clothing for hiking
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water
- Shoes suitable for short walks
Check out the Itinerary
TOUR OF THE SILLAR ROUTE AND CULEBRILLAS GORGE
At the scheduled time, we will begin the tour by picking up passengers at Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas. Our first stop will be at the traditional Yanahuara Lookout, where we will stay for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. From this iconic spot, we’ll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the city, taking in its characteristic ashlar arches and the imposing Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes—iconic symbols of Arequipa.
Afterward, we’ll travel for about 30 minutes to the Zamácola area to visit the Añashuayco Quarries, the main attraction of the Sillar Route. Upon arrival, we’ll observe the work of local artisans, who continue to carve sillar using traditional methods to create various works of art and sculptures. We’ll also see the enormous walls of sillar formed by the extraction of this volcanic stone. During the visit, we will learn about the history, importance, and process of extracting and working with sillar, the stone that gave rise to Arequipa’s nickname as the “White City.” We will have between 30 and 40 minutes to explore the site and take photographs.
We will continue our journey to the Culebrillas Gorge, located about 30 minutes from the quarries. This impressive natural limestone canyon remains protected from mining operations, preserving its original beauty. Upon arrival, we’ll take a light hike of about 20 minutes through the gorge, where we’ll see limestone walls reaching heights of 15 to 20 meters that rise progressively as we move forward.
During the tour, we will see ancient petroglyphs attributed to the Wari culture, dating back more than a thousand years, as well as traditional apachetas—piles of stones used as offerings and symbols of gratitude within the Andean worldview.
Once the tour is over, we will head back to Arequipa’s Historic Center, bringing to a close a unique experience that combines nature, history, culture, and tradition.