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Sillar Route Arequipa

4.3
·1k reviews·Cerro Colorado, Peru

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Avoid the midday heat

CrowdLow
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Sillar Route - Image 1

Sillar Route Arequipa

Best Time

Morning

Avoid the midday heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.3
(1k reviews)

"Absolutely worth a visit. Some great rock sculptures to see and also see the workers chipping away at the stone."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Working Quarries

Working Quarries

Canteras de Añashuayco

Witness skilled workers carve the white sillar stone, the material that built Arequipa. Great photo opportunities!

Stone Sculptures

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

Quebrada de Culebrillas

Near the sillar quarries

Explore this narrow, scenic canyon with unique rock formations and ancient petroglyphs.

Volcanic Views

Volcanic Views

Viewpoints along the route

Enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes and the stark, beautiful Arequipa landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat and Dust

The Sillar Route can get very hot and dusty, especially in November. Wear covered shoes to keep sand out and bring sunscreen and repellent. Small shops with water and toilets are available at key points.

DIY vs. Tours

While tours are convenient, you can explore the Sillar Route independently for a lower cost. Public transport options exist, but may require multiple transfers. Consider your comfort and time.

Best Times

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

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Visita la Ruta del Sillar SIN TOUR !!! 💯 Todo incluido por S/ 13: - Bus (ida y vuelta): S/ 2 - Micro: S/ 3 - Entrada a las canteras: S/ 5 - Taxi: S/ 3 #fyp #foryourpage #tours #arequipa #viaje #peru #rutadelsillar #sillar #lowcost #planes #aqp #viajarbarato #ciudadblanca #travel #parati
@aventuraperuana
9.8K likes • 362K views

👟 Wear Closed Shoes

Sand and dust are everywhere! Covered shoes are a must to keep your feet clean and comfortable. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

High UV radiation and heat are common. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Reddit

#ANIMACIÓN 🎤🎤😏😏😏 ‼️🎉¡¡¡𝗙𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗭 𝟔𝟗 𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗢 CERRO COLORADO‼️ ESTE SÁBADO 20 DE MAYO NOS VEMOS CON: 🔴 #HermanosYaipén 🔴 #BrunellaTorpoco 🔴 #YaritaLizeth Yanarico Quispe 🔴 Los #Pukas del Perú - "Oficial" 🔴 #AguilasdeAmerica 🔴 #NelloFranco 🔴Omar Y Elsi 🔴 #HectorVera Produce: #Careco producciones Escenario y Sonido: #YanQuis Producciones EIRL #FelizAniversario #CerroColorado #Arequipa #eventos2023 #ce...
@javiercarrascoaqp
7.6K likes • 324.4K views
Explore 📍Arequipa’s impressive Sillar Route to get to know the unique material that gave this city the nickname “The White City” and finish off your day with a delicious traditional meal! 🍴🤤 Sound like a nice plan? DM📲 us if you’re up for it! #PWS #travel #safe #peru #destination#arequipa #culture #tour #architecture
peruwellserved
28 likes • 1.4K views

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water or buy it from small shops along the route. It gets very hot! Reddit

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Especially in December, mosquitoes can be present. Repellent is recommended. Reddit

🌬️The Sillar Route is a must when visiting Arequipa ✨ Walk through the stunning white stone quarries, shaped by centuries of history and artistry, and feel the energy and freedom that travel brings 🌿💃 Arequipa wouldn’t be the same without this unique experience 🤩 With breathtaking landscapes and authentic carvings in sillar, the Sillar Route connects you to the essence of the “White City” 🏔️✨ 📍...
guruexplorers
296 likes • 5.9K views

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. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

High UV radiation and heat are common. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water or buy it from small shops along the route. It gets very hot! Reddit

🦟 Mosquito Repellent

Especially in December, mosquitoes can be present. Repellent is recommended. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Many sculptures are designed for photos. Embrace the fun and get creative with your shots! TikTokInstagram

💰 Budget-Friendly Option

Explore independently using local transport to save money compared to organized tours. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.3
(1k reviews)

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

Unique stone sculptures
Working quarry insights
Arequipa's heritage connection

What People Dislike

Can be hot and dusty
Extra photo charges

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

The Sillar Route is located approximately 30-40 minutes from the center of Arequipa, making it an accessible day trip. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

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'. Instagram+2

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. Instagram+2

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. Reddit

Yes, some tours and independent visits include stops at locations like Quebrada de Culebrillas, where ancient petroglyphs can be found etched into the rock. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sillar Route offers a unique and engaging experience for families. The impressive stone sculptures provide plenty of visual interest and fun photo opportunities that kids will love. TikTokInstagram Seeing the artisans at work in the quarries can also be fascinating for younger visitors, offering a glimpse into a traditional craft. Reddit

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. Reddit 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

The Sillar Route is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. While organized tours are available, exploring independently can significantly cut costs. TikTok Utilize local buses and taxis to reach the quarries, which can cost as little as S/ 5-10 for round-trip transportation. TikTok Entry fees to the quarries are also minimal, typically around S/ 5. TikTok

Pack your own water and snacks to avoid inflated prices at the small shops along the route. Reddit 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

The Sillar Route is named after the distinctive white volcanic stone, sillar, that forms the backbone of Arequipa's stunning colonial architecture. This unique material, quarried for centuries, is what gives the city its famous nickname, 'The White City'. Instagram+2 Visiting the quarries offers a direct connection to this history, allowing you to see where this iconic building material originates and how it's transformed by skilled artisans. The landscape itself is shaped by this quarrying activity, creating dramatic cliffs and formations.

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. InstagramReddit 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram 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

Deciding between an organized tour and independent exploration of the Sillar Route is a common consideration for visitors. Tours offer convenience, typically including transportation from Arequipa, guided explanations, and visits to key sites like the quarries and Culebrillas. TikTokInstagram They often cost around 30-50 soles and can be booked easily in the city. This is a good option if you prefer a hassle-free experience and want to learn historical details from a guide. Reddit

However, traveling independently can be significantly more budget-friendly. TikTok 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. TikTok 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. TikTok Remember to factor in entry fees for certain areas, which are usually modest. Reddit

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. Reddit Small shops are available for basic necessities, but it's wise to come prepared for the unique environment of the sillar quarries.

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