Añashuayco Sillar Quarry - Image 1
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Añashuayco Sillar Quarry

4.4
·2k reviews·Cerro Colorado, Peru

Explore the Ruta del Sillar, a quarry transformed into an open-air art gallery with intricate sculptures carved from volcanic sillar stone.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the midday heat

CrowdLow
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Añashuayco Sillar Quarry - Image 1

Añashuayco Sillar Quarry

Best Time

Morning

Beat the midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the Ruta del Sillar, a quarry transformed into an open-air art gallery with intricate sculptures carved from volcanic sillar stone.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"The stonework is pretty impressive and it was not expensive, so it's worth the entrance fee."

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring a hat and sunblock, especially in July. Stay hydrated!

🚗 Tour vs. Public Transport

Tours offer convenience to see multiple sites. Public transport is an option but takes longer.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sculpture Park Wonders

Sculpture Park Wonders

Main quarry area

Marvel at intricate sculptures carved from volcanic rock and ash by local artisans.

Ruta del Sillar Monuments

Ruta del Sillar Monuments

Throughout the quarry

Explore unique man-made monuments set against the natural beauty of the quarry.

Quebrada de Culebrillas

Quebrada de Culebrillas

Nearby attraction

Discover this natural wonder, often visited alongside the sillar quarries.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Sillar Quarry

The Ruta del Sillar is an outdoor sculpture park, so plan for sun exposure. Bring a hat and sunblock, especially if visiting in July. Staying hydrated is key, as it can get warm. Consider visiting with a tour for a comprehensive experience, though some find it small if not part of a larger itinerary.

Getting to the Sillar Quarry

The quarry is about 40 minutes from Arequipa's center. While public transport is an option, many visitors opt for tours that include visits to other nearby attractions like Quebrada de Culebrillas. Tours can be a convenient way to see multiple sites without the hassle of independent travel.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the midday heat
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Respuesta a @userpeh0xgh3carlossan13 si les interesa mándame WhatsApp al número que está en mi foto de perfil y le envío el catálogo #cantera #sillar #arquitectura #mexico #queretaro
@sillar_losarcos
20.1K likes • 881.1K views

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring a hat and sunblock, especially in July. Stay hydrated! Reddit

🚗 Tour vs. Public Transport

Tours offer convenience to see multiple sites. Public transport is an option but takes longer. Reddit

¡Atentos! Tomen precauciones, ante el incremento de las lluvias en la ciudad. #radiocontactosur #noticias #news #Perú #Arequipa
@noticias_radiocontactos3
19.1K likes • 463.5K views
The best moments become the best memories 🤍. #apacheta #culebrillas #sillar #arequipa #peru
_diego_galarza
40 likes • 0 views

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Enjoy taking pictures with the unique monuments and surrounding landscape. Instagram

💰 Entrance Fee Value

The entrance fee is reasonable, and the sculpture work is impressive. Reddit

Siempre es lindo volver a visitar esta maravillosa ciudad ❤️ #arequipa #arequipacity #arequipaperu #rutadelsillar
diego.wadsworth
37 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

Bring a hat and sunblock, especially in July. Stay hydrated! Reddit

🚗 Tour vs. Public Transport

Tours offer convenience to see multiple sites. Public transport is an option but takes longer. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

Enjoy taking pictures with the unique monuments and surrounding landscape. Instagram

💰 Entrance Fee Value

The entrance fee is reasonable, and the sculpture work is impressive. Reddit

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping

You can find some nice souvenirs at the quarry. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Ruta del Sillar for its impressive stonework and unique sculptures carved from volcanic rock. The reasonable entrance fee and the opportunity to purchase souvenirs add to the positive experience. However, some find the quarry itself to be a bit small if visited as a standalone destination, and recommend combining it with other nearby attractions.

"I recommend buying a tour so they show you this and other places of interest around Arequipa. The stonework is pretty impressive. And restrooms are nice. You can get some souvenirs as well"

Alex Gomez

"The sculpture work is nice. It was not expensive, so it's worth the entrance fee."

David Rumptz

"Ruta del Sillar is a natural outdoor wonder in Arequipa, Peru. Here, you will find the most amazing man-made monuments created by the region's quarry workers or artisans. The material used comes from the volcanic rocks and ashes that have naturally formed in the area. Enjoy taking pics with all the monuments and the surrounding area. Make sure to bring a hat and sunblock, if you come in July. Drink plenty of water as well."

Jackie E

What People Like

Impressive stonework
Unique sculptures
Reasonable entrance fee

What People Dislike

Can feel small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sillar Quarry, also known as Ruta del Sillar, is located about 40 minutes from Arequipa's city center. Many visitors opt for organized tours that depart from Arequipa and often include visits to other nearby attractions like Quebrada de Culebrillas. TikTok If you prefer public transport, you can find local buses heading towards Cerro Colorado, but this may require more navigation. Reddit

Yes, numerous tours are available from Arequipa. These tours typically range from 30 soles and can take you to both the sillar quarries and Quebrada de Culebrillas. TikTok

It's approximately a 40-minute journey from the center of Arequipa to the Sillar Quarry. TikTok

While it's possible to visit independently, many find tours more convenient for seeing multiple sites. Some visitors feel the quarry itself is small if not part of a larger tour. Reddit

For a hassle-free experience and to see multiple attractions, tours are highly recommended. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is generally not expensive and is considered worth it for the unique sculptures and experience. Reddit Some sections may require an additional fee to access up close. Reddit

Tickets can usually be purchased on-site or as part of a tour package. Booking in advance is generally not necessary unless you are part of a large group. Reddit

The quarry is typically open during daylight hours, aligning with tour schedules. It's best to confirm specific hours with your tour operator or check local listings if visiting independently.

While the main entrance fee is reasonable, be aware that some specific areas or closer access points might incur an additional charge. Reddit

Most visitors find the entrance fee to be a good value, especially considering the impressive stonework and unique sculptures. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire quarry offers fantastic photo opportunities with its unique sculptures and natural rock formations. Instagram Look for areas with interesting light and shadow play, and don't miss the chance to capture the intricate details of the carvings.

Generally, personal photography and videography are allowed. If you plan for professional shoots, it's advisable to check with the quarry management for any specific regulations or permits.

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the sculptures and the quarry landscape. Instagram

Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's best to inquire locally or with your tour operator before flying a drone over the quarry.

The morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. TikTok captures the active nature of the area due to rain.

🎫 💧 Weather & What to Bring

The weather can be warm, especially during midday. It's an outdoor attraction, so be prepared for sun exposure. Reddit Heavy rains can also occur, potentially affecting the nearby Quebrada de Añasuayco. TikTok

Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll be exploring the quarry. Reddit Wear light clothing suitable for warm weather. Reddit

Bring a hat and sunblock to protect yourself from the sun. Reddit Plenty of water is also crucial to stay hydrated. Reddit

While the quarry itself is generally safe, heavy rains can lead to increased activity in nearby quebradas (ravines) like Añasuayco. TikTok It's wise to check local weather advisories. TikTok

Yes, restrooms are available at the quarry, and they are generally reported to be nice. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Ruta del Sillar can be an engaging experience for families, offering a unique outdoor environment with interesting visual elements. The sculptures carved from sillar can spark children's imagination, turning the quarry into a natural playground for exploration. Instagram It's advisable to visit during the cooler parts of the day and ensure everyone stays hydrated, as it can get warm. Reddit Comfortable walking shoes are a must for little ones as they navigate the quarry paths. Reddit

Consider booking a family-friendly tour that includes the Sillar Quarry, as these often handle transportation and provide a guided narrative that can keep children entertained. TikTok While the quarry itself might not be vast, combining it with other nearby natural attractions on a tour can make for a more complete and exciting day trip for the whole family. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photography enthusiasts, the Ruta del Sillar offers a unique canvas. The intricate carvings in the sillar stone, set against the natural quarry backdrop, create striking visual compositions. Instagram The play of light and shadow throughout the day can dramatically alter the appearance of the sculptures, so consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the most dramatic shots. TikTok

While a standard camera or smartphone will suffice, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the monuments and the vastness of the quarry. Instagram Be mindful of the sun and bring appropriate gear to protect your equipment. If you're interested in capturing the surrounding natural beauty, the nearby Quebrada de Culebrillas also presents photographic opportunities. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Ruta del Sillar is an accessible attraction for budget travelers. While tours are recommended for convenience, they are often quite affordable, with prices around 30 soles for a package that includes multiple sites. TikTok This makes it a cost-effective way to experience the sillar quarries and other natural wonders near Arequipa. Reddit

If you opt for independent travel, research local public transport options to reach the quarry area. Reddit While this might require more effort, it can significantly reduce costs. The entrance fee itself is also noted as being inexpensive, adding to its appeal for budget-conscious visitors. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Sillar: From Quarry to Sculpture

The Sillar Quarry is a fascinating testament to human artistry and the unique geological resources of Arequipa, Peru. The primary material, sillar, is a type of volcanic rock and ash that has been naturally formed in the region. This lightweight yet durable stone has been quarried for centuries and is famously used in the construction of many colonial buildings in Arequipa, giving the city its nickname, 'The White City'. Instagram

At the Ruta del Sillar, this raw material is transformed into incredible sculptures and monuments. Local artisans, often quarry workers themselves, carve intricate designs directly into the quarry walls and extracted blocks. These creations range from abstract forms to more representational figures, turning the quarry into an open-air art gallery. The process highlights the skill and creativity involved in working with sillar, showcasing its versatility beyond mere construction. Reddit

Visitors can explore different sections of the quarry, some of which may require an additional fee for closer access. Reddit The experience is not just about viewing the art but also understanding the history and the labor behind it. It's a unique blend of natural landscape and human ingenuity, making it a must-see for those interested in local crafts and geology. Instagram

Navigating the Ruta del Sillar: Tours and Independent Travel

Deciding how to visit the Ruta del Sillar often comes down to convenience versus flexibility. Many travelers opt for organized tours departing from Arequipa. These tours are popular because they typically bundle the visit to the sillar quarry with other nearby attractions, such as the Quebrada de Culebrillas. TikTok This approach is ideal for those who want a comprehensive overview of the region's natural and artistic highlights without the stress of planning transportation and logistics independently. Tours can often be found for around 30 soles, making them an economical choice for seeing multiple sites. TikTok

However, some visitors have noted that the quarry itself can feel a bit small if it's the sole focus of a trip. Reddit If you prefer more control over your itinerary or have specific interests, independent travel is also an option. You can reach the area via public transport, though this may involve more transfers and a longer journey. Reddit For those who choose to go independently, it's essential to factor in travel time and potentially arrange for local transport within the quarry area if needed. TikTok

Regardless of your chosen method, remember that the Ruta del Sillar is an outdoor attraction. Planning your visit during the cooler parts of the day and bringing essentials like water, a hat, and sunblock is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Reddit

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