Sillar Route Arequipa
Explore the white volcanic stone quarries that built Arequipa, marvel at intricate sculptures, and discover ancient canyons.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat
Sillar Route Arequipa
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the white volcanic stone quarries that built Arequipa, marvel at intricate sculptures, and discover ancient canyons.
"Absolutely worth a visit. Some great rock sculptures to see and also see the workers chipping away at the stone."
👟 Wear Closed Shoes
Sand and dust are everywhere! Covered shoes are a must to keep your feet clean and comfortable.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
High UV radiation and heat are common. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Working Quarries
Canteras de Añashuayco
Witness skilled workers carve the white sillar stone, the material that built Arequipa. Great photo opportunities!

Stone Sculptures
Various locations along the route
Marvel at intricate sculptures and art carved directly from the sillar stone. Many are designed for unique photos.

Quebrada de Culebrillas
Near the sillar quarries
Explore this narrow, scenic canyon with unique rock formations and ancient petroglyphs.
Volcanic Views
Viewpoints along the route
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes and the stark, beautiful Arequipa landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Dust
DIY vs. Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Closed Shoes
Sand and dust are everywhere! Covered shoes are a must to keep your feet clean and comfortable.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
High UV radiation and heat are common. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water or buy it from small shops along the route. It gets very hot!
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
Especially in December, mosquitoes can be present. Repellent is recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Closed Shoes
Sand and dust are everywhere! Covered shoes are a must to keep your feet clean and comfortable.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
High UV radiation and heat are common. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water or buy it from small shops along the route. It gets very hot!
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
Especially in December, mosquitoes can be present. Repellent is recommended.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Many sculptures are designed for photos. Embrace the fun and get creative with your shots!
💰 Budget-Friendly Option
Explore independently using local transport to save money compared to organized tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Sillar Route to be an impressive and informative experience, particularly appreciating the unique stone sculptures and the insight into Arequipa's 'White City' heritage. Some note that certain areas may have small additional charges for photos, and the environment can be hot and dusty, requiring preparation.
"This place wasn't really our style. Seems like it would be a nice place to bring kids. Some of the stone sculptures are cool. They also try to charge extra to enter sculptures in certain areas, which isn't expensive but kind weird when you can see them from the outside."
Matthew Rue
"Very nice sculptures. It’s informative tour relating to the stone mining"
jolanta porzycka
"Absolutely worth a visit. Some great rock sculptures to see and also see the workers chipping away at the stone.
I went in November and it was still very hot, sandy and dust in the air so be careful!
There were small shops for water and ice cream and some toilets at each end."
Joshua “The world traveller”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Sillar Route by taking local buses or taxis from Arequipa. Some travelers opt for organized tours which often include transportation. The route is about 40 minutes from the city center.
Yes, it's definitely possible to visit independently. You can use public transport like the new PE 15 SIT route connecting Cayma and Cerro Colorado, or hire a taxi. This can be a more budget-friendly option.
Many visitors use tours that depart from Arequipa's main plaza, often costing around 30 soles and covering both the quarries and Culebrillas. For independent travelers, a combination of local buses and taxis is feasible.
The Sillar Route is located approximately 30-40 minutes from the center of Arequipa, making it an accessible day trip.
A new route, PE 15 of the SIT, connects Cayma with Cerro Colorado, improving transport options. While direct routes to the quarries might require transfers, it's a viable option for budget travelers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees for the quarries are around S/ 5. If you opt for a tour, prices can range from S/ 30 to S/ 50, often including transportation and entry. Independent travel can be cheaper, with transport costs around S/ 5-10 round trip.
Tickets for the quarries are typically purchased on-site. If you book a tour, the ticket cost is usually included in the package price. It's advisable to check with your tour operator.
Some visitors have noted that there can be extra charges for entering specific areas with sculptures, though these are generally not expensive. You can often see many from the outside.
The quarries are generally open during daylight hours. Tours typically run throughout the day. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the landscape and carvings.
Information on specific entrance fees for Quebrada de Culebrillas is not widely available, but it's often included in Sillar Route tours or accessible with a small fee if visited independently.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The working quarries with artisans, the carved stone sculptures, and the slot canyon of Quebrada de Culebrillas offer fantastic photo opportunities. Many sculptures are specifically designed for unique shots.
Sillar is a white volcanic stone quarried locally. It's the primary building material for many of Arequipa's colonial structures, earning the city its nickname, 'The White City'.
You'll see active sillar quarries, impressive stone sculptures, unique rock formations in slot canyons like Culebrillas, and scenic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Yes, many find the Sillar Route to be an interesting place for children, with unique sculptures and the experience of seeing stone carving. However, be mindful of the heat and dust.
Yes, some tours and independent visits include stops at locations like Quebrada de Culebrillas, where ancient petroglyphs can be found etched into the rock.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are small shops along the Sillar Route that sell water, ice cream, and snacks. For a full meal, it's best to dine in Arequipa before or after your visit.
While there are basic snack vendors, dedicated restaurants are scarce directly at the quarries. Many visitors combine their Sillar Route visit with a traditional meal back in Arequipa.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to be prepared for the environment: the heat and dust can be challenging for children. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, closed-toe shoes and has ample sun protection (hats, sunscreen). Bringing plenty of water and snacks is also a good idea, as facilities are basic. Consider a tour for ease of transport, or if going independently, plan your route to minimize transfers and exposure to the midday sun.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to avoid inflated prices at the small shops along the route. By opting for independent travel, you gain flexibility and can experience the Sillar Route at your own pace without the added expense of a tour package. This allows you to allocate your budget to other Arequipa experiences.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The White Stone of Arequipa: Sillar
At the working quarries, you can witness the traditional methods of extracting and shaping sillar. Artisans meticulously chip away at the stone, creating everything from building blocks to intricate sculptures. This hands-on experience provides a deep appreciation for the labor and artistry involved. Many of these sculptures are designed as backdrops for memorable photos, adding a fun, interactive element to the visit.
Beyond the quarries, the Sillar Route often includes visits to natural wonders like the Quebrada de Culebrillas. This narrow slot canyon offers a different geological perspective, with smooth, sculpted walls and, in some areas, ancient petroglyphs. The entire route provides a fascinating glimpse into the geological and cultural heritage of Arequipa, making it a must-do for history buffs and photographers alike.
Navigating the Sillar Route: Tours vs. Independent Travel
However, traveling independently can be significantly more budget-friendly. You can utilize local buses, such as the PE 15 SIT route, or hire taxis. This approach allows for more flexibility in your schedule and the ability to spend more time at specific spots that capture your interest. While it might require a bit more planning and potentially a few transfers, the cost savings can be substantial, with transport costs as low as S/ 5-10 round trip. Remember to factor in entry fees for certain areas, which are usually modest.
Regardless of your chosen method, preparation is key. The route can be hot and dusty, so wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes and bringing sun protection and water are essential. Small shops are available for basic necessities, but it's wise to come prepared for the unique environment of the sillar quarries.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit