Home > Tours > Arequipa > Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco and Culebrillas

Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco and Culebrillas

Living culture and geology

5.0

★★★★★

(120 Reviews) Recommended by 99% of travelers

From

USD $29

Vista aérea de la Plaza de Armas, la catedral y el volcán Misti en Arequipa

Volcán Misti detrás de una torre colonial en la ciudad de Arequipa

The volcanic origin of the White City

Discover where the sillar stone defining Arequipa’s architecture comes from. At Añashuayco quarries, learn about the ignimbrite landscape, manual block extraction and the craft of traditional stonecutters, whose knowledge and techniques are Cultural Heritage of Peru.

The route continues to narrow Culebrillas ravine, shaped by erosion through volcanic deposits. Take a short walk between sillar walls and see petroglyphs in a protected section, subject to access conditions.

The volcanic origin of the White City

Añashuayco and Culebrillas

Stonecutter demonstration

Secure payment through WeTravel

Responsible visits to active quarries

Culebrillas may close because of rain or flash-flood risk.

Duration: approximately 4 hours

Start: arranged point in central Arequipa

Finish: central Arequipa

Meals: not included

Difficulty: moderate due to uneven ground and sun exposure

Altitude: around 2,370 m / 7,776 ft

Languages: Spanish and English

Service: shared tourist transportation

View Itinerary

Añashuayco is a workplace as well as a visitor attraction. Keep away from extraction areas, do not handle tools and follow instructions from stonecutters and the guide. At Culebrillas, touching, retracing or wetting petroglyphs is prohibited.

Culebrillas may close because of rain or flash-flood risk.

There is little shade and solar radiation can be intense.

Demonstrations depend on stonecutter activity that day.

Use designated paths only and do not climb on stone blocks.

Identity document or passport
Closed footwear with good grip
Comfortable clothing and light jacket
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water and light snacks
Personal medication and cash in Peruvian soles

What is sillar?

It is a volcanic ignimbrite used for centuries in Arequipa architecture. Añashuayco deposits formed from major pyroclastic flows.

Is admission included?

It is normally paid as an admission fee or local contribution. Check your booking confirmation because conditions may vary.

Is Culebrillas always visited?

The visit depends on weather, access conditions and local instructions. During the rainy season it may be replaced or canceled for safety.

May I carve a stone?

Stonecutters may offer demonstrations or short activities, but these depend on the day’s operation and may cost extra.

Reviews

3.0

2 reviews

Distribution of displayed reviews

5 stars 1

4 stars 0

3 stars 0

2 stars 0

1 star 1

Google selects these reviews by relevance. You can sort or filter them here.

Lucia Huaman Pantia

a month ago

The Rainbow Mountain tour exceeded all of our expectations! The entire trip was well organized, with comfortable transportation, a delicious breakfast and lunch, and a friendly, professional guide who made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. The views along the hike were incredible, and reaching the top to see Rainbow Mountain was absolutely worth it. Our guide gave us plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and learn about the local culture and the surrounding Andes. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Cusco. Everything was handled perfectly, and it was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Peru. Thank you for such an unforgettable adventure!

View on Google Maps

Adrian Garcia

a year ago

Terrible service. We booked a bus with them, but they never came to pick us up at the hotel. They didn't answer any of our calls or messages, and of course, they didn't refund our money. I strongly advise against using this agency.

View on Google Maps

See more reviews

Recent traveler reviews

Tripadvisor

Loading recent reviews…

From USD $29 per person

Select travel dates and number of travelers

Departure is subject to availability, weather and access to Culebrillas. Confirm admission and meeting point before the tour.

Añashuayco and Culebrillas

Stonecutter demonstration

Secure payment through WeTravel

Do you have any questions about your reservation?

+51 977 844 694 Chat now

Sillar Route itinerary

Arequipa — Añashuayco Quarries — Culebrillas Ravine — Arequipa

Start

Pickup Point

View pickup details

Departure from Arequipa

Stop: 45 minutes

View details and photos

Añashuayco Quarries

Stop: 1 hour 15 minutes

Admission included

View details and photos

Cutting and carving demonstration

Stop: 30 minutes

View details and photos

Culebrillas Ravine

Stop: 1 hour

Admission included

View details and photos

Return to Arequipa

Stop: 45 minutes

View details and photos

End

End of the tour

Meals:

Meals: not included.

Related tours

Looking for more adventures? Check out these recommended tours and experiences related to this destination.

From USD $29 per person

Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco and Culebrillas

The volcanic origin of the White City

Important information

Included / Not included

Included

Not included

What to bring

Considerations