Sillar Route: Exploring the History and Use of 'Sillar' Volcanic Stone in Arequipa
4.8
4 Ratings
Arequipa

The Sillar Route provides an opportunity to explore the roots and historical significance of the ‘sillar’ volcanic stone, a material integral to the construction of major structures in Arequipa. The journey incorporates a trip to the quarries, offering a close-up view of the stone processing amidst a captivating setting.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Ruta Del Sillar - 08: 00-08: 30 A.M - We make pick-ups of the hotels located in the center of Arequipa.

08:30 A.M - We begin our journey to the Ruta del Sillar which is a tourist route with a lot of history and living culture, where you can visit quarries and areas where ashlar originated. The first point where we will stop will be the Añashuayco Quarry; which we will reach in 45 minutes approx. Currently it is in operation, the stonemasons perform their work from very early; in the place we will be able to appreciate an immense canyon with farallones (walls of ignimbrita) that have several meters of height, formed by the extraction for the formation of the Ashlars. At this point we will tell you the history of sillar, the elaboration and the use that has been given to you since always. In this quarry you can see a Mega-carving of the Church of the Society of Jesus made by the stonemasons themselves. We can also visit some of them so that they can explain to us how their daily work is and they can make us experience cutting one of their stone blocks ourselves.

Then we will move to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, which is 30 minutes away from Añashuayco. Arriving at this point we will make a walk of approximately 20 minutes inside the small canyon formed by the passage of water, which has walls of 15 to 20 meters, while we enter it the walls of the canyon are increasing in height. At the end of the walk we can see petroglyphs made by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago. Before returning to the city we will observe the Apachetas which are stone formations placed one on top of the other that are a symbol of gratitude towards nature and also attraction of good luck which cause a mystical sensation.

11:30 A.M - We will start the return journey to the city of Arequipa.

12:30 P.M - We will arrive at the center of Arequipa and we will leave them at Calle Zela Cuadra 03.

What's Included
  • Transportation included
  • Experienced guide provided
  • Complimentary bottled water
What's Not Included
  • Tickets
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
Location
Ruta Del Sillar
Canteras de anashuayco, cerro colorado
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(4 Ratings)
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1 star
Shppo
Nov 14, 2019
Informative! - Whilst the idea of visiting a volcanic quarry might not be top of many people’s bucket list we found the trip entertaining and informative. Our guides met us at our hotel in a car and took us to Cayma, one of the districts of Arequipa to see how the Sillar Stone was commonly used. A very peaceful, and typical district Square. Then after a quick stop overlooking a panorama featuring all three of Arequipa’s volcanoes we headed to the first quarry. Its a literal, working quarry, although it feels very much like it is trying to pivot to tourism, with some decorative sculptures appearing. We had a demonstration of stone cutting, including the chance to split the huge chucks of rock ourselves. It really showed how hard the work is. Next to another note un-used quarry which features a ravine walk along a dried out river bed. We saw unusual-rock formations and historic rock carvings. Then we were dropped back at our hotel. Overall there was a good mix of things to see and do. Whilst my wife was bored by rock cutting, she loved walking the dried river bed, so i would say a good mix for couples! The guides were knowledgable, fluent in english, charming, and attentive to our questions and observations. A great few hours well spent. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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