Departure from Arequipa
Meet at the arranged point and travel to the quarries northwest of the city.
45 minutes
Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco and Culebrillas
Living culture and geology ★★★★★5.0
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.
General information
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
What to expect
Añashuayco Quarries
Guided walk among quarry faces, sculptures and interpretation areas explaining the geological origin of sillar.
1 hour 15 minutes
Cutting and carving demonstration
Traditional stonecutters introduce their tools, extraction process and manual carving techniques.
30 minutes
Culebrillas Ravine
Walk through a narrow ignimbrite canyon to the open petroglyph section.
1 hour
Return to Arequipa
Drive back to the city center after the visit.
45 minutes
What you should know
Required and recommended items
- 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
Sun, dust and access to Culebrillas
The walk crosses gravel, sand and stone. Travelers with limited mobility should ask before booking. During the rainy season, access to Culebrillas may be changed or suspended for safety; the operator will adjust the route according to local instructions.
Responsible visits to active quarries
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.
Included
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional Spanish- and English-speaking guide
- Guided visits to Añashuayco and Culebrillas
- Traditional stonework demonstration when available
- Assistance and basic first-aid kit
Not included
- Admission or community contributions at the quarries
- Food and drinks
- Pickup from hotels outside the arranged point
- Handicraft purchases
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and optional gratuities
Location
Arequipa, Peru
Frequently asked questions
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
5.0
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Rene is very passionate about the history of the places. He knows many histories of the places and the local culture.
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Voy a recomendarlos siempre! Fue una experiencia maravillosa viajar a Perú con Lost in Perú. Estuvieron atentos todo momento, puntuales, en cada detalle y respondiendo todas las consultas...gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje, un viaje inolvidable...
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I highly recommend Lost in Peru!!! I want to thank everyone, especially Bertha and Alonso, for their attention during those 10 days of the tour!!! Also, thank you for the gift!!! I'm so happy to have visited Peru!!! Lost in Peru...thank you so much for everything!!! 🥰❤️🇦🇷
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