If you’re planning a trip to Arequipa, the Sillar Route is a unique experience you can’t miss. But what is the Sillar Route really like? In this blog, together with Kantu Peru Tours, we’ll explain in detail how to experience this journey – whether through an organized tour or independently – the best order to visit the attractions, and what you should know before going.
What is the Sillar Route and why should you visit?
Before diving into what the Sillar Route is like, it’s important to understand its significance. This route takes you through the ancient sillar quarries, the white volcanic stone that gave rise to Arequipa’s architecture, earning it the nickname “The White City.” Here you’ll discover:
- How sillar was extracted during colonial times and how it’s worked today
- Impressive rock formations sculpted by nature
- Pre-Inca petroglyphs and rock art
How demanding is the Ruta del Sillar?
The physical difficulty is moderate, ideal for most visitors, the route involves short walks totaling approximately 1.5 kilometers in length, over rocky trails but without steep slopes. However, the uneven terrain may pose a challenge for people with limited mobility. At an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level, there is no risk of altitude sickness, but it’s always good to take things slowly.
The Climate at Ruta del Sillar in Arequipa
The climate in the area is typically desert-like, with temperatures ranging from 12°C in the cool mornings to up to 25°C at midday. But what truly characterizes this place is the intense solar radiation—the UV index can easily exceed 11, making sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses absolutely essential. Winds are usually moderate in the afternoon, and the best time to visit is between April and November, when rainfall is practically nonexistent.
Detailed Itinerary of the Sillar Route
A typical visit lasts 3 to 4 hours total, including transportation from Arequipa (about 1 hour roundtrip), leaving you 2 to 2.5 hours to explore the quarries and rock formations. Organized tours usually depart between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, with early morning being the best time to avoid the midday sun.
1. Starting the Day: Departure from Arequipa
The adventure begins early in central Arequipa, if you choose an organized tour (the recommended option), you’ll be picked up at your hotel or a central meeting point. The 1-hour drive to the quarries includes a guide’s introduction to the significance of this volcanic stone in Arequipa’s architecture.
2. First Stop: Añashuayco Quarries
Upon arrival, you’ll be struck by the dramatic landscape of white rocks and carved walls. This is where you truly begin to understand the Sillar Route:
- Stonecutters at work: Watch local artisans using centuries-old techniques to extract and carve the stone.
- Carving demonstration: Many tours include a hands-on explanation of sillar work – you might even carve a small souvenir!
3. Exploring Natural Formations
After learning about extraction, the tour continues to the most spectacular rock formations:
- Canyons and natural passageways: Walk between towering sillar walls eroded by wind and water into surreal shapes.
- “The Stonehenge of Arequipa”: A photogenic stop where rocks form a natural amphitheater with views of Chachani Volcano.
4. The Mysterious Petroglphys of Culebrillas
One of the route’s highlights is the pre-Hispanic petroglyphs in Culebrillas Gorge:
- Ancient rock art: Carvings of snakes, spirals, and ritual symbols left by pre-Inca cultures.
- Historical context: Your guide will decode these enigmatic designs and their possible meanings.
5. Return: Reflecting on the Experience
Tours usually end at midday with the return to Arequipa. During the drive, reflect on:
- How sillar shaped Arequipa’s identity and culture
- The contrast between human labor (the quarries) and nature’s power (the formations)
How to Visit the Sillar Route?
1. Organized Tour: If you prefer to go with a tour on the Sillar Route, prices vary depending on the type of service, ranging between 50 and 80 soles (15-20 USD) per person, which includes round-trip transportation from Arequipa, guides, and visits to the main quarries and rock formations.
2. Independent Visit: If you decide to go on your own, the approximate costs are:
- Taxi from Arequipa: A private taxi costs between 80 and 120 soles (20-30 USD) round trip.
- Shared van or public transport: Around 10-15 soles (3-4 USD), but it involves more walking.
- Entrance to the quarries: Some areas charge a small fee of 5 to 10 soles (1-3 USD).
Final Tips for Your Visit
To make your experience at the Ruta del Sillar unforgettable, keep these details in mind:
→ Dress in layers: Mornings can be chilly, but the Arequipa sun at midday is intense.
→ Bring water and sunscreen: There isn’t much shade along the route.
→ Choose a guided tour: The history and geological details make the visit much more enriching.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sillar Route
1. What exactly is the Sillar Route?
The Ruta del Sillar is a tourist route that takes you through the ancient quarries where sillar, the white volcanic stone that characterizes Arequipa’s architecture, is extracted. It includes visits to rock formations, petroglyphs, and artisan workshops where this stone is worked.
2. Where is the Sillar Route located?
It is located about 45 minutes to an hour from downtown Arequipa, in the Añashuayco and Quebrada de Culebrillas area, near the Cerro Colorado district.
3. How can you visit? Is a tour necessary?
You can go on your own by car or taxi (though access is not well signposted), but the most recommended option is to book an organized tour, as it includes transportation, a specialized guide, and stops at the most important sites.
4. How long does the full tour take?
A typical tour lasts between 3 and 4 hours, including transportation from Arequipa. If you go independently, the time may vary depending on how much you wish to explore.
Understanding what the Sillar Route is like means discovering a lesser-known but essential side of Arequipa. It’s not just a trip through quarries—it’s a journey through time, where geology, history, and human labor intertwine in a unique landscape.
If you need more information or assistance planning your Peruvian adventure, don’t hesitate to contact us at Kantu Peru Tours. And if you found this guide useful, feel free to share it with other travelers and help them enjoy a hassle-free experience.
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