Tour to the Sillar Route

Itinerary for the Sillar Route Tour:

09:00 - 09:30 AM: Pickup from hotels in Arequipa

09:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Tour of the Sillar Route

Our first stop on this tour will be at the Añashuayco Quarry, located 45 minutes away. This site is still active, with operations starting very early. Here, we will also view a massive canyon with walls several meters high.

During this stop, we will discuss the history of Sillar and how the quarry operates. We will also visit the Megatallado of the Church of the Company of Jesus, carved by the quarry workers themselves.

Next, we will move to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, 30 minutes from Añashuayco. At this point, we will take a 20-minute walk, where we can enjoy views of the quarries and the work done by the Ware culture over a thousand years ago.

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Return to Arequipa

After the tour, we will return to the city of Arequipa, arriving at the Plaza de Armas.

The price of the Sillar Route Tour includes:

• Briefing the day before the tour
• Bilingual professional guide (English/Spanish; please check availability for Portuguese)
• Transfers

The price of the Sillar Route Tour does not include:

• Entrance to Añashuayco Quarries: S/. 10.00 (per person)
• Entrance to Culebrillas Quarries: S/. 5.00 (per person)
• Meals

What to bring for the Sillar Route Tour:

• It is recommended to bring: Comfortable footwear, lightweight clothing, hat, wool cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Insect repellent
• A clean change of clothes
• Passport or ID (required)
• ISIC card if you are a student
• Travel insurance
• Camera
• Cash (local currency)

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

What does it mean that the tour is shared?

• It means that you can share the tour with a group of tourists of different nationalities and ages, both from Guru Explorers and from different operators (with a maximum of up to 16 people in total). It is an excellent opportunity to connect with travelers from different parts of the world! Remember that this type of tour can be operated by Guru Explorers or by our strategic partners who respond to our same standards. If you prefer a tour where you do not share with other people, please ask us for the Private Tour option.
• In the shared tour option, a pick-up time range and an approximate return time will be assigned one day before the tour date. Please consider that since it is a shared tour with other people, punctuality is important so as not to cause delays to other passengers. Also, the duration of the tour may vary depending on the pace of the members of the group. The return time may vary depending on the traffic in the area, so we provide an approximate schedule. Please remember that both traffic and the pace of tourists are not the responsibility of Guru Explorers.

Other considerations

• 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.