Sillar route in Arequipa

The Sillar Route is a tourist tour in the famous white city that takes place in the sillar quarries located on the outskirts of Arequipa, especially in the districts of Cerro Colorado and Yura.

What will you find on this tour?

• Añashuayco Quarry: This is the most well-known and visited. Here, artisans work the ashlar by hand, just as they have done for centuries. You can see sculptures and artistic carvings in ashlar.

• Culebrillas Quarry: This is a lesser-known place. It is a natural canyon formed by the erosion of water on the ashlar, creating an impressive landscape of high, white walls. Some of the most Instagrammable photos are taken here.

• Sculpture Workshops: Along the route, it is also possible to see local artisans creating impressive works of art in ashlar.

How long does the tour take?

Between 2 and 3 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring each area and the distance between the quarries you visit.

How to get there?

• By private car: From the center of Arequipa, you can reach the quarries in about 30 to 45 minutes.

• On an organized tour: There are various tourist agencies in Arequipa that offer guided tours of the Ruta del Sillar and that usually take you to visit these quarries, but you should remember that time is much tighter.

How much does it cost to enter?

The entrance fee is S/ 5 for nationals. But you should keep in mind that in the Añashuayco quarry some sections are closed by the artisans and they charge an additional entrance fee of S/ 3.

PD: The circuit closes at 5 pm, so it is important to take precautions to have enough time and take your time to complete the entire tour, especially because on weekends it tends to be filled with local and foreign tourists.