4 hours Tour: Route of Sillar with Trek in Culebrillas

Stone tells Arequipa’s story. This short tour takes you from volcano views to the working Añashuayco quarries, then into the narrow Culebrillas canyon, where old petroglyphs and stacked stone offerings add a little mystery to the day. I like the way it combines local stonework with a modest walk, rather than treating the Sillar Route as only a photo stop.

I also like the price: $11 per person, with tourist transport and a professional guide included. The English and Spanish guide service makes it useful for visitors who want context, not just a ride into the countryside. The main caution is time. The tour is compact, and one recent departure began 30 minutes late, leaving less time at the sites.

For a half-day outside Arequipa, this is a good-value outing. You will not get a long trek or a slow, private visit. You will get working quarries, carved volcanic stone, a canyon walk, and broad views in roughly four and a half hours. The extra entrance charge is 18 soles in total, so factor that into the low headline price.

Key points to know before booking

• Añashuayco is a working quarry, where stonemasons cut the white volcanic stone used throughout Arequipa.
• The Church of the Company of Jesus mega carving gives you a memorable photo and shows the skill involved in shaping sillar.
• Culebrillas includes a 20-minute walk, with canyon walls rising from about 15 to 20 meters and Wari petroglyphs at the end.
• The Volcanoes and Chilina Valley viewpoint gives the tour a strong opening, with a second traditional viewpoint possible depending on the season.
• The total cost remains low, but you pay 18 soles separately for entrance tickets.
• The tour works best as a half-day add-on, especially if you have limited time in Arequipa and want to see more than the city center.

Why Arequipa’s Sillar Stone Matters

Arequipa is closely tied to sillar, the pale volcanic stone used in many of the city’s churches and historic buildings. This tour helps you see the material before it becomes finished architecture. Instead of only admiring white facades in the city, you visit the quarries where the stone is extracted and shaped.

That change in setting matters. At Añashuayco, the quarry walls reveal how large amounts of stone have been removed over time. The result is an immense canyon of ignimbrite, with tall cut faces that show the scale of the work. The stone is not simply sitting in a scenic field waiting to be photographed. It is part of a working trade.

The guide explains the history of sillar, how it is produced, and how it has been used. This is one of the tour’s most useful parts because the quarry makes Arequipa’s architecture easier to understand. You begin to see the city’s pale buildings as the final stage of a long process, not as isolated monuments.

The stop also keeps the focus on living culture. Stonemasons still work in the quarry, and you may visit one of them to hear about the daily routine. You may also be invited to try cutting a block of stone yourself. That hands-on moment can make the visit more memorable, though the exact amount of time available depends on the group and the schedule.

The First Viewpoint: Volcanoes and the Chilina Valley

The tour begins from the office at C. Álvarez Thomas 115. After meeting the guide and receiving basic instructions, you travel by tourist van for about 25 minutes to the first viewpoint.

This opening stop is a useful way to get your bearings outside central Arequipa. You can see the volcanoes and the Chilina Valley, with time for photographs and a guided explanation. Depending on the season, the tour may use another traditional viewpoint instead, also offering views toward the volcanoes.

The viewpoint is not the main reason to book this experience, but it gives the morning a pleasant start. You are not dropped straight at the quarry without context. You first see the broad setting, then move toward the stone that has helped define the city.

Plan to keep your camera ready. The listed stop allows around 20 minutes, so this is a quick visit rather than a long scenic pause. If you like quiet viewpoints and extended photography, the short schedule may feel tight.

Añashuayco Quarry and the Mega Carving

After the viewpoint, the van takes about 45 minutes to reach the Añashuayco Quarry. This is the heart of the tour.

The quarry is currently operating, and the stonemasons begin work early. By the time you arrive, you can see the place as a working site rather than a staged display. The tall ignimbrite walls were formed through extraction, creating a dramatic cut canyon. Their pale color connects directly with the white stonework seen in Arequipa.

The guide explains the production of sillar and the ways it has been used over time. This explanation is important because the quarry itself can be hard to read at first. Without guidance, you might see only cliffs and piles of stone. With the story, the marks and cuts begin to show the labor behind them.

A major highlight is the mega carving of the Church of the Company of Jesus. Local stonemasons created this large-scale version in the quarry. It gives you a strong photo, but it is also more than a backdrop. The carving links the raw material at your feet with the ornate religious buildings in Arequipa.

The planned quarry visit lasts about 50 minutes, including photographs, guided explanation, free time, and walking. That is enough for a clear introduction, though not enough for a slow study of every part of the site. If you want detailed information about stone-cutting techniques, stay close to the guide and use the free time for questions.

The possible hands-on demonstration adds value. You may meet a stonemason who explains the work and lets you try cutting one of the blocks. I would treat this as an opportunity rather than a guarantee of a long workshop. The tour has several stops to cover, and the exact time for the activity can vary.

The quarry is also where the tour feels most authentic. You are seeing a trade that continues today, not just a preserved historical site. That makes Añashuayco worth the trip even for people who are less interested in geology.

Culebrillas Canyon and the Wari Petroglyphs

From Añashuayco, the van takes about 30 minutes to reach Quebrada de Culebrillas. Here the experience changes from quarry visit to short outdoor walk.

The canyon was formed by flowing water, and its walls rise roughly 15 to 20 meters. As you walk farther inside, the walls become higher, making the route feel more enclosed. The planned walk lasts around 20 minutes, with the whole stop listed at about 30 minutes including photographs, explanation, and a break.

This is not a demanding trek. It is a short walk inside a narrow canyon, but you should still wear shoes suited to uneven ground. The supplied information does not give a difficulty rating, so I would not treat it as a paved sightseeing path. The walking distance is brief, yet the ground and canyon setting call for sensible footwear.

At the end of the walk, you can see petroglyphs linked to the Wari culture and dated to more than a thousand years ago. That gives Culebrillas a different kind of importance from Añashuayco. The quarry shows ongoing work, while the petroglyphs point to much older human activity.

The petroglyphs are a reason to listen carefully to the guide. They are not described as a large museum display, and the short visit means the explanation helps you understand what you are seeing. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a brief encounter with ancient marks in a canyon, not a full archaeological excursion.

Before leaving, the tour stops at the apachetas. These are small stone formations made by placing stones one on top of another. They are described as symbols of gratitude toward nature and as signs associated with good luck. For some people, this will feel like a simple cultural detail. For others, it adds a quiet, reflective ending to the canyon visit.

The Return to Arequipa

The return journey begins around 12:30 p.m., with arrival near Arequipa’s main square at about 1:30 p.m. The listed finish is on Av. La Marina, so check the exact drop-off point before you set off for your next activity.

The timing makes the tour easy to pair with an afternoon in the city. You can have lunch afterward and still continue with museums, churches, or a walk around the historic center. If you choose the 2:00 p.m. departure instead, the schedule will shift into the afternoon, and you should check how it fits with your evening plans.

One practical point deserves attention: the itinerary includes several van rides. The stated travel times are about 25 minutes to the viewpoint, 45 minutes to Añashuayco, 30 minutes to Culebrillas, and 50 minutes back toward the city. You spend a meaningful part of the outing on the road, though those transfers are what connect three separate sites in a short period.

A recent booking described the vehicle as new, which is a small but welcome comfort on the longer rides. Still, timekeeping matters. A 30-minute delay was reported on one departure, and the reduced time affected the enjoyment of the stops. I would avoid scheduling a nonrefundable activity immediately after this tour.

Is the $11 Price a Good Deal?

At $11 per person, this is one of the cheaper organized excursions from Arequipa. Tourist transport and a professional guide are included, while entrance tickets cost 18 soles in total. That puts the real cost above the advertised price, but it remains modest for a guided half-day outing.

The value comes from the combination of places. Paying for transport to the quarry, the canyon, and the viewpoints on your own could require more planning, especially if you do not have a private vehicle. Here, the guide connects the sites into one clear story about volcanoes, stone, architecture, and older cultural traces.

This is not a luxury tour. You should not expect a private guide, a long workshop, or hours at each stop. The low price reflects the efficient format. One booking described it as a short activity with limited interest, which is fair if you want a major all-day attraction. For a visitor who wants a useful half-day outside town, the cost is easier to justify.

The overall score is 4.2 out of 5 from 69 ratings. The strongest praise centers on the friendly guide, detailed explanations, good value, the new vehicle, and the appeal of both Culebrillas and the sillar quarry. The main complaints concern the short length, a late start, limited time, and an English-language issue when the English guide was ill.

That language problem is worth noting. The experience is offered in English and Spanish, but one departure ran only in Spanish after the English guide became sick. The company offered a later date, but the change did not suit that particular schedule. If receiving the tour in English is essential, confirm the language arrangement before departure.

Who Will Enjoy This Half-Day Tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want to understand why Arequipa is called the White City through the source of its building stone. The quarry is the strongest stop for that purpose, and the guide’s explanation adds much more than a quick photograph.

It also suits you if you want a short walk without committing to a full-day hike. The Culebrillas section is only about 20 minutes on foot, yet it adds canyon walls, petroglyphs, and apachetas to the program.

Families and first-time visitors may appreciate the compact format. You see several distinct settings without spending a full day away from the city. The 9:15 a.m. departure also leaves the afternoon open.

I would be more cautious if you want long visits, serious archaeology, or a demanding trek. You may find the schedule rushed, especially if the van leaves late. The outing is about range and access, not depth at one site.

The experience also suits budget-conscious visitors. At $11 plus 18 soles for tickets, it gives you organized transport and a guide at a low total price. Just remember that the best value comes when you want all three main stops. If you only care about volcano views, the tour includes more than you need. If you only care about sillar, the canyon makes the schedule longer.

What to Bring and How to Plan

Wear comfortable shoes for the Culebrillas walk. The canyon section is short, but the route is described as a walk inside a natural canyon rather than a city pavement stroll.

Bring water and keep some room on your phone or camera for photographs. You will have photo stops at the viewpoint, Añashuayco, and Culebrillas, with the mega carving and quarry walls offering the clearest visual highlights.

Arrive at the main office on the corner at C. Álvarez Thomas 115. Your name will be checked against the list before the group receives instructions and leaves. The meeting coordinates are -16.4003911, -71.53703469999999.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to hold a place without paying immediately. Availability determines the starting times, with both morning and 2:00 p.m. departures offered.

Should You Book the Route of Sillar and Culebrillas?

Book this tour if you want an inexpensive, efficient introduction to Arequipa’s volcanic stone and nearby countryside. The combination of the working Añashuayco Quarry, the Church of the Company of Jesus carving, and the Culebrillas canyon gives the half-day real variety.

Skip it if you need a relaxed schedule or a substantial hike. The rides take time, the stops are short, and a delayed departure can squeeze the program. For most visitors with limited time, though, the price is hard to argue with. Keep your expectations to a guided sampler, confirm your preferred language, and leave a little flexibility after the return. That is the best way to enjoy this small but worthwhile look beyond Arequipa’s center.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The activity is listed as 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours. The morning schedule begins at 9:15 a.m. and returns to Arequipa at about 1:30 p.m.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at the main office at C. Álvarez Thomas 115 in Arequipa. The meeting point is on the corner, where your name will be checked before departure.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour finishes near Arequipa’s main square, with the listed location on Av. La Marina.

What language is the guide?

Guides are offered in English and Spanish. One recorded departure operated only in Spanish because the English guide was ill, so confirm the language before setting out if this is important to you.

Is transport included?

Yes. Tourist transport by van is included in the tour price.

Is a professional guide included?

Yes. A professional live guide is included, with English and Spanish listed as the available languages.

Are entrance tickets included?

No. Entrance tickets cost 18 soles in total and are paid separately.

What are the main stops?

The tour visits a volcano and Chilina Valley viewpoint, the Añashuayco Quarry, and Quebrada de Culebrillas. It also includes the mega carving, Wari petroglyphs, and apachetas.

How long is the walk in Culebrillas?

The walk inside the canyon takes approximately 20 minutes. The full stop, including the visit, photos, explanation, and break, is listed at about 30 minutes.

Is there an afternoon departure?

Yes. A 2:00 p.m. departure is also available, subject to availability.