Tour to the Sillar Route

Itinerary for the Sillar Route Tour:

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Since this is a private tour, we will adapt to your preferences for the pickup time.

Pickup from your hotel in Arequipa.

Our first stop on this tour will be the Añashuayco Quarry, which is located about an hour away. This site is still active, and work begins very early in the morning. We will also be able to appreciate a vast canyon with walls several meters high. One of the advantages of this private tour is that, depending on the availability of the quarry workers, those passengers who wish can request a live demonstration of sillar extraction, in exchange for a voluntary tip for the worker. During this stop, we will take the opportunity to share the history of sillar and how the quarry operates. We will also visit the Megatallado of the Church of the Society of Jesus, created by the quarry workers themselves. We will have enough time to learn about sillar and take photos.

Afterwards, we will head to the Culebrillas Gorge, about 30 minutes from Añashuayco. At this point, we will take a 30-minute walk, where we can enjoy views of petroglyphs done by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago. This walk features uneven paths with stones (see video) and it is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues.

Before returning to the city, we will observe the Apachetas, stone formations stacked on top of each other that symbolize gratitude towards nature and also attract good luck.

To conclude, the best part of this private tour is that we adapt to you; you can choose whether to visit the Yanahuara viewpoint or Mundo Alpaca.

After 4 hours of touring, we will return to your hotel in the historic center of Arequipa.

The price of the Sillar Route Tour includes:

• Bilingual professional guide (English/Spanish; please check availability for Portuguese)
• Private transportation. For groups of 3 people or fewer, the guide will drive the vehicle.
• Entrance to Añashuayco Quarries
• Entrance to Culebrillas Quarries

The price of the Sillar Route Tour does not include:

• Meals or drinks not specified in the itinerary.

• Entry to private quarries not mentioned in the itinerary.

• Voluntary tip for the sillar extraction demonstration (optional)

What to bring for the Sillar Route Tour:

• It is recommended to bring: comfortable footwear, light clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

• It is important to carry insect repellent.

• Passport or ID.

• Travel insurance.

• Cash (local currency)

What considerations should you have when taking the Sillar Route Tour?

• The 30-minute walk in Culebrillas is on an uneven path with stones (see video) and is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues.

• We will visit the main quarries, which are the most beautiful and well-known, featuring sculptures and carvings for you to appreciate and photograph (see video). Along the way, there are other private sculptures that you can photograph by paying the sculptor.

• The live demonstration of sillar extraction is optional and in exchange for a voluntary tip from the passenger. It is subject to availability at the time.

• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

• Due to environmental, climatic, or other uncontrollable factors, the itinerary may change. If this happens, you will be notified promptly.

• Guru Explorers values your time and strives to adhere to tour schedules; however, changes may occur due to factors beyond our control (weather, natural disasters, field conditions, etc.). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not allowed:

• Pets
• Smoking
• Large bags or suitcases

Not recommended for:

• Wheelchair users

Cancellation Policy:

• With 3 days' notice or less, there will be no refund.
• With 4 to 7 days' notice, a 70% refund will be provided.
• With more than 7 days' notice, a 90% refund will be provided.

Date Changes:

• Fees applied for date changes on private tours:
  • No additional charge if notified more than 5 days in advance.
  • An additional 20% fee will apply if notified between 3 and 5 days in advance.
  • If notified 2 days or less in advance, changes will not be possible, and no refund will be provided.
• No refund will be given for delays due to flights, train delays, bad weather, or other external factors.

The experience of discovering the beauty of this walk through the Sillar Route Tour is truly indescribable; it is a personal encounter between you, nature, and Inca ruins.

We want to be part of that experience you will have on the Sillar Route Tour.

If you're still wondering why choose us, here are 7 standout features of our service:

QUALITY: When you seek out a guide, it's because you want all your questions answered. In terms of travel, money, time, and enjoyment, it’s all about finding the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE. That’s what Guru Explorers aims to provide.

EXPERIENCE: As Guru Explorers, we are seasoned travelers of the world but experts in Cusco, Lima, and other major destinations in Peru. We’ve had both good and bad experiences, and we understand that the details make the difference. We know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers ourselves, and we strive to enhance your experience!

TRANSPARENCY: We are here to provide you with the best information and descriptions of our tours. We do not believe in hidden costs. We offer all the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

SECURITY: You trust us with your time, money, and expectations, which is why we fine-tune every detail to ensure the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: Although we have pre-established packages, we adapt to your needs and create tailored plans so you can visit any place in Peru with the expertise of a Guru Explorer. We customize trips for special occasions such as corporate trips, honeymoons, birthdays, social, cultural, or sports events during your visit to Peru, offering complete guidance to meet and exceed your expectations.

PASSION: Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, and adventurers. This passion drives us to create the best experiences with the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, ensuring that travelers are not negatively impacted, and avoiding the exploitation of host communities or their environment. We create more humane and respectful experiences of heritage.

Want a unique trip to Arequipa? We won’t keep you waiting!

How many quarries are there in Arequipa?

Arequipa has fifteen quarries, but at the Sillar quarries, we will visit the two most important ones. Additionally, these are the quarries open to tourism, where you can enjoy walking or taking photographs.

How much does it cost to enter the Sillar Quarries?

The entrance fee is 15 soles per person. Entry to the Sillar Route costs 5 soles.

What minerals can be found in the Sillar?

In the Sillar Quarries, you can find minerals such as quartz, pumice stone, volcanic glass, feldspar, and many other formations. Most of these give the Sillar its characteristic white color.

What is the best time to visit the Sillar Quarries?

The best time to visit the quarries and other destinations in Arequipa is between March and December. We recommend avoiding the rainy season, which runs from January to March.