A gray-white stone corridor in the Andes is never what you expect. This 4.5-hour Route of Sillar with trek in Culebrillas mixes Arequipa’s living quarry culture with a real canyon walk, plus big viewpoint energy over volcanoes and the Chilina Valley. I like how the day is built around the source of sillar ashlar (not just photos), and I also like that you get a guided look at everything from mega-carving work to Wari-era petroglyphs. One thing to keep in mind: the walking is short, but the day is outdoors and you still need comfortable footwear and sun protection; plus the entry ticket (18 soles) is extra.

If you want a half-day that feels specific to Arequipa, this is a strong bet. You’ll get transport, a professional guide, and stops that explain how the stone became part of the city’s identity—then you head back to town near the main square by about 1:30 pm. A good alternative exists with an afternoon shift at 2:00 pm, which helps if mornings fill up.

Key things you’ll notice on this Sillar + Culebrillas tour

• Añashuayco Quarry’s ignimbrite walls: huge working cliffs that show how sillar is extracted
• Megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus: carved by stonemasons themselves
• A guided canyon walk in Quebrada de Culebrillas: short trek inside 15–20m-high canyon walls
• Wari petroglyphs: older-than-thousand-years rock markings you’ll see at the end of the walk
• Apachetas: stacked-stone piles tied to gratitude and good luck
• Viewpoint stops for volcanoes and the Chilina Valley: plus a possible andenes (terrace) viewpoint depending on the season

Why the Sillar Route is a big deal in Arequipa

Arequipa’s famous buildings don’t just look clean and bright. They’re built from a specific kind of stone, and the Sillar Route is your shortcut to understanding where it comes from. Instead of treating the quarries like an empty photo spot, the route frames them as a working place with craft, labor, and daily routine.

I like that the tour explains what sillar ashlar is, how it’s produced, and how it’s been used for a long time. That context makes the sights click faster, especially when you see the quarry walls and realize how much stone extraction shaped the terrain around town.

The 4.5-hour schedule: how the rhythm actually works

The tour runs about 270 minutes (roughly 4 hours 30 minutes). You start at 9:15 am and return to Arequipa around 1:30 pm, dropping you near the main square area. There’s also a 2:00 pm afternoon shift, which you can use if you prefer later light for photos.

Expect a transport-heavy half day with guided segments at each stop. It’s not a long hike day. The only trek-style part is the canyon walk, and it’s about 20 minutes inside the canyon. So if you’re short on time but want real “move-your-body” moments, this fits.

Meeting point and getting oriented in Arequipa (C. Álvarez Thomas 115)

You meet at the main office at C. Álvarez Thomas 115. Your name gets added to the list there, then you head out in a van as a group.

The route also finishes near Av La Marina. That matters because it’s close enough to the central area that you won’t lose half your afternoon figuring out transport after the tour ends.

Viewpoint stop: volcanoes and the Chilina Valley perspective

Early on, the van points toward a strategic viewpoint where you can see volcanoes and the Chilina Valley. There’s a brief stop for photos and a guided moment, then you keep moving.

Season can affect which viewpoint you get at the beginning. The plan includes the possibility of swapping in another traditional viewpoint depending on conditions, but the goal stays the same: set the geographic stage before you move from wide views into stone-working reality.

Añashuayco Quarry: where the sillar ashlar takes shape

This is the heart of the day. You’ll arrive at Añashuayco Quarry after about 45 minutes of driving. It’s currently active, and stonemasons carry out their work very early, so you’ll see the quarry as a place people still depend on—not just an abandoned ruin.

What you’re looking at is an immense canyon with cliffs, often described as ignimbrite walls. These walls form because of extraction done for the formation of the ashlar. Seeing it in person helps you understand why Arequipa’s stone tones and textures look the way they do. It’s the landscape version of a craft supply chain.

At this stop you’ll also get:

• a guided history of ashlar and its production
• a look at how stonework connects to the city’s architecture
• time to walk around and take photos

The mega-carving: the Church of the Company of Jesus

One of the standout sights is a megacarving of the Church of the Company of Jesus made by the stonemasons themselves. Even if you’re not a sculpture person, you’ll likely feel the scale once you’re close enough to see it as something carved by hand.

This is also one of those “working art” moments that makes the quarry feel alive. It’s not a theme park. It’s craft meeting rock.

Hands-on time with stonemasons: cutting a stone block (if you’re invited)

The tour description includes a chance to visit a stonemason and learn what their daily work looks like. Depending on how the day runs, you may also get to experiment by cutting one of their stone blocks yourself.

That’s not just a fun add-on. For many people, it’s the moment the story shifts from sightseeing to understanding effort: how stone resists, how work is paced, and how skill shows up in small movements.

If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of hands-on moment often makes the quarry less lecture-heavy. If you’re traveling solo, it turns the day from “I saw it” into “I got it.”

Quebrada de Culebrillas: a short canyon walk with big walls

After Añashuayco, it’s about 30 minutes to the next stop: Quebrada de Culebrillas. At this point you’ll get a guided visit plus a walk of about 20 minutes inside the small canyon.

The canyon was shaped by water passage. As you enter, the walls rise—about 15 to 20 meters high—and they keep increasing as you go deeper. It’s the kind of place where your senses narrow in a helpful way: sound changes, light changes, and the stone texture takes over your attention.

The walk is short, but it’s not just flat strolling. Wear footwear with grip. Even if the canyon floor looks safe, you’re on uneven surfaces and you’ll be moving carefully so you can keep your eyes on the rock details.

Wari petroglyphs: marks older than a thousand years

At the end of the canyon walk, you’ll see petroglyphs made by the Wari culture, described as more than a thousand years old. This is one of the most meaningful stops on the route because it connects the landscape to human presence far back in time.

Your guide will point out what you’re looking at so it doesn’t become a vague “some carvings” moment. Even if you don’t read rock art, you’ll come away with a clear sense of why these markings matter.

Apachetas near the return: the stacks of gratitude and good luck

Before heading back to Arequipa, you’ll observe Apachetas, stone formations built by stacking stones on top of each other. They’re described as a symbol of gratitude toward nature and also a good-luck attraction.

This part feels more spiritual than technical, which balances the quarry history and the rock art visuals. You might get a little mystical feeling, not because it’s forced, but because stacked stones create a quiet, human rhythm in a harsh environment.

Timing, language, and what can affect the day

The tour includes touristic transport and a professional guide. Live guiding is listed in English and Spanish.

One practical consideration: if the guide’s language availability shifts due to illness or staffing, the tour may end up running in one language instead of both. Also, tour start times can vary slightly when there’s a delay from the morning operation. If you have a strict appointment right after, build in a buffer.

The good news is that the overall plan is short and clear. You get a full half day, not a long drifting itinerary.

Price value: $11 base cost plus the 18 soles entrance fee

The listed price is $11 per person for the tour, covering transport and the guide. Entrance tickets are not included, and the total entrance fee is 18 soles.

That pricing structure can actually be fairer than it sounds. You’re paying mostly for the route and the guide, then adding the exact entry cost separately. If you’re comparing tours, look at the all-in cost: $11 plus 18 soles.

Also, think about what you’re buying for that money. You’re not just paying to see rocks. You’re paying for guided stops that explain production, include a canyon walk, and point out Wari petroglyphs and Apachetas. For a half day, that’s solid value—especially if you want more meaning than a quick drive-by.

What to wear and pack for the quarry + canyon combo

The tour has a mix of van time and short but real walking. Bring:

• comfortable closed-toe shoes with grip for the canyon walk
• sun protection (cap, sunscreen), since you’re outdoors for multiple stops
• a light layer, because conditions can change during the day
• water, since the itinerary doesn’t list any included refreshments

If you’re bringing a camera, this is a day for it. The quarry walls, the megacarving, and the canyon light effects are all photo-friendly.

Is this trek tough?

No big epic suffering here. The canyon walk is about 20 minutes, and the rest is guided visiting with breaks and photo stops.

That said, you’re still in a stone environment and the ground may be uneven. If you have mobility limits, you might still do it, but you’ll want to manage energy carefully during the quarry walk and the canyon section.

Who should book this tour?

This tour is a great match if you:

• want a short half-day that covers both stone craft and natural/rock-art sights
• like guided explanations rather than wandering alone
• want a realistic feeling for how Arequipa’s stone connects to daily work
• enjoy photography of architecture-related places, but also want the outdoors portion

It may not be the best match if you’re expecting a long strenuous trek. The canyon time is brief, and the day focuses more on guided stops and explanations than on covering lots of trails.

Should you book the Route of Sillar + Culebrillas trek?

Book it if you want the Arequipa story in compact form: quarry craft at Añashuayco, a canyon walk in Quebrada de Culebrillas, and rock markings from the Wari culture, all guided and efficiently timed. The value is strong because the itinerary adds context, not just views.

Skip it or plan differently if you’re hoping for a longer hike day, or if you need an ultra-tight schedule where a slight timing shift would cause problems. Also, plan for the extra 18 soles entrance cost so there are no surprises when you arrive.

Overall, this is one of those Arequipa experiences that feels local and practical. You walk away understanding why the city looks the way it does—and you get a canyon moment that makes the trip feel like more than a sightseeing checklist.

FAQ

How long is the Route of Sillar with trek in Culebrillas tour?

It lasts about 270 minutes (about 4.5 hours).

How much does it cost?

The price is $11 per person, and entrance tickets to the places are not included (18 soles total).

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes tourist transport and a professional guide.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at C. Álvarez Thomas 115, at the main office where your name will be added to the list.

What languages is the guide available in?

The tour offers live guiding in English and Spanish.

Are there different departure times?

Yes. The described schedule starts at 9:15 am, and there is also a 2:00 pm afternoon shift.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option.

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