That white stone under Arequipa’s buildings has a source.

This tour connects the dots between Sillar Route history, working quarry life, and the dramatic canyon cuts you can still see today. I love the mix of viewpoints plus hands-on quarry moments, not just photo stops.

You’ll also like the Añashuayco Quarry visit: you get the geology feel of the place and then the human part, watching stonemasons work and even trying a simple cutting experiment with their tools (under guidance). The walk into the Culebrillas canyon is a nice change of pace, short enough to stay fun.

One thing to consider: the day depends on travel time. If traffic slows things down, you may feel the schedule gets tighter, so don’t plan a delicate activity right after.

Key things to know before you go

• Sillar Route viewpoints with volcanoes and Chilina Valley views from a strategic stop
• Añashuayco Quarry for working quarries, ignimbrite walls, and the scale of extraction
• Church of the Company of Jesus megacarving made by stonemasons
• Hands-on stonemason interaction and a chance to try cutting a stone block
• Culebrillas canyon walk inside a water-carved small canyon
• Duration is about 4.5 hours, plus possible extra time if you add Chivay hot springs later

The value: $13 for the Sillar story (plus what costs extra)

For about 270 minutes (4.5 hours), this is a strong value if you want something more meaningful than a quick city drive. You’re paying roughly $13 per person for touristic transport and a professional guide who keeps the story moving.

Two money details matter:

• The ticket entrance to the places is 10 soles and is not included.
• Most of the tour’s value is time + interpretation: you’re in quarries and canyon terrain, so a guide helps you understand what you’re seeing without guessing.

If you’re already in Arequipa and want a half-day that explains why Arequipa’s famous pale stone looks the way it does, this price-to-experience ratio is hard to beat.

Meeting point and timing: start at the right corner

You meet at C. Álvarez Thomas 115 (the office is on the same corner). You can plug in the coordinates -16.4003911, -71.53703469999999 to find it fast.

The tour starts at 09:15. You’ll spend a good chunk of the morning riding in the van, with planned pauses for breaks and photos. The itinerary keeps moving, so show up a few minutes early—especially if you’re trying to be organized about the extra 10 soles for entry tickets.

First stop: volcanic and Chilina Valley viewpoints

Right after you start, you’ll cross through a strategic area for a brief stop where you can see volcanoes and the Chilina Valley. Depending on the season, the early viewpoint may swap to another traditional angle for the volcano views.

Why I think this matters: it gives you context before you get to the rock source. When you’re later looking at quarry walls and stone extraction scars, having those volcano lines in your brain makes the whole landscape feel less random.

Bring your camera or phone, but also take a moment with your eyes first. From these higher roadside stops, the big shapes help you read the rest of the route.

Añashuayco Quarry: where the Sillar comes from

This is the heart of the tour. You head to Añashuayco Quarry, arriving in about 45 minutes by van. The site is currently in operation, and that’s key. You’re not just looking at an empty ruin—you’re seeing a living industry and how the quarry landscape is carved.

What you’ll see at the quarry

Plan on about 1 hour for the guided visit plus hiking around the quarry area. The quarry features an immense canyon view with high cliffs—described as ignimbrite walls. These walls formed because material was extracted for the production of ashlar, which is the stone work that leads to the recognizable sillar used in Arequipa’s architecture.

Your guide should connect three dots for you:

1. The rock came from a specific extraction process.
2. The quarry shape tells the story of how it was removed.
3. The finished architectural stone made its way into the city’s iconic look.

The megacarving: Church of the Company of Jesus

Inside the quarry visit, one standout detail is the mega carving of the Church of the Company of Jesus, created by stonemasons themselves. It’s one of those moments where your brain goes from geology to art, from “where does it come from” to “what do they do with it.”

If you care about craft, take time here. The best part isn’t only the final artwork—it’s the fact that the quarry workers shaped it.

Hands-on stonemason experience

This is where the tour goes beyond sightseeing. You can visit with a stonemason so they explain their daily work, and you’ll even get to experiment by cutting a stone block yourself (with guidance).

I love this part because it makes the scale feel real. When you hold a tool for a short try, the quarry story stops being abstract. Even if your first attempt is clumsy, you quickly understand why skilled cutting and careful shaping matter.

What can be a drawback here

This stop is visually intense, but the schedule is still a half-day one. If you’re the type who wants to linger for long explanations, keep an eye on time. The quarry is active and moving with work, so don’t expect unlimited slow wandering.

Quebrada de Culebrillas: a short canyon walk with water-carved character

Next you’ll travel about 30 minutes to Quebrada de Culebrillas. Here the mood shifts. Instead of quarry walls, you’re walking into a canyon space formed by water over time.

You’ll have a brief break and photo stop, then a walk/hike of about 30 minutes total at this location. The itinerary highlights a walk inside the small canyon, formed by water’s passage, lasting around 20 minutes.

Why this canyon stop is worth it

This is the part of the day that helps you breathe. It’s still dramatic, but in a softer way: instead of straight quarry cliffs, you’re dealing with a narrow canyon feel and rock shapes shaped by water erosion.

Also, it’s a practical reset before the return van ride. Walking here keeps the tour from becoming one long sitting-in-the-vehicle routine.

What to expect from the terrain

The route includes hiking inside the canyon and quarry areas. That means you’ll want sturdy shoes and a steady pace. If you’re prone to slipping on uneven rock, take your time on the canyon paths.

The van back to Arequipa: wrap-up and where you finish

After Culebrillas, you’ll hop back on the van for roughly 45 minutes and finish at Av La Marina, Arequipa, Perú.

This finish point is convenient if you’re staying in central areas and want to continue your day with minimal hassle. It’s also a good reason to keep your evening plans flexible—the morning has a moving schedule, and traffic can affect timing.

Pair it with Chivay hot springs after your trek

The highlights specifically call out relaxing hot springs in Chivay after the trek. This isn’t listed as included in the tour itself, but as a pairing it makes a lot of sense.

If you’re thinking of going on to Colca-related plans, this is the kind of outing where your body will appreciate a warm soak later. Even if you’re not doing a full Colca circuit, you can use this trek as the active piece of the day and let the hot springs be your recovery.

Who should book this tour (and who might not love it)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a half-day that explains why Arequipa’s signature stone exists, not just where to take photos
• Like craft and working industries, especially the stonemason angle and the cutting experiment
• Enjoy short walks with views, like the Culebrillas canyon segment

You might not love it as much if:

• You need lots of free time for slow wandering and extended photo sessions
• You’re very sensitive to schedule changes, since travel time and traffic can tighten things up
• You’re expecting a pure nature hike with long trekking hours (this is more quarry + canyon than epic trekking)

Tips to get the most out of it

• Wear shoes you trust on uneven quarry and canyon footing.
• Keep your phone battery charged. The viewpoint moments are quick, and you’ll want photos without rushing.
• If you’re a detail person, ask your guide to explain how ashlar production ties into what you’re seeing in the quarry walls.
• Bring a little patience for van travel. You’re buying context, and context takes time to move between stops.

Should you book? My honest take

I’d book this tour if you want the Arequipa stone story told in a way that’s practical, physical, and human. The Añashuayco Quarry visit is the main event: working quarry walls, a giant carved church image, and a chance to interact with stonemasons is rare for a half-day tour.

Just be smart about expectations: it’s efficient. If traffic or timing changes happen, you may feel a few stops move fast. Still, for the money, you get real sites plus real interpretation, and that combination is what makes it worth your time.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 270 minutes (around 4.5 hours).

How much does it cost?

It’s priced at $13 per person.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes tourist transport and a professional guide.

What costs extra?

Ticket entrance to the places costs 10 soles and is not included.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at C. Álvarez Thomas 115. The office is on the same corner.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live guide is available in English and Spanish.

Does the tour involve walking or hiking?

Yes. You’ll do a visit and hiking at the quarry and also walk/hike in the Culebrillas canyon area.

Does the tour end in Arequipa?

Yes. The finish point is Av La Marina, Arequipa, Perú.

Is free cancellation available?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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