Sillar Route and Culebrillas Petroglyphs
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
The Route of the Sillar, is an immense quarry of sillar (stone of volcanic origin), that forms spectacular gorges, similar to those of Petra in Jordan, you can also see petroglyphs and appreciate the way of extraction of the stones.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
It is not recommended for older adults (in the Culebrillas canyon there is a hike and it is a bit rugged)
One day before, our staff will provide you with recommendations.
Not recommended for travelers with dust allergy.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Yanahuara
Our adventure begins with pickup at your hotel and then transfer to the traditional town of Yanahuara, very notable for its ashlar arches, a white volcanic stone typical of colonial architecture in Arequipa. This viewpoint provides an exceptional view of the city of Arequipa. Likewise, from there we can admire the three most famous snow-capped mountains in the region: Chachani, Pichu Picchu and Misti.
Canteras de Sillar
Near the city of Arequipa is one of the most impressive natural landscapes you can imagine. It is a treasure for the Arequipeño people from where the iconic sillar (the white volcanic stone used in the colonial constructions of Arequipa) is extracted. The builders explain their work techniques and the uses of volcanic stone in the same place.
What‘s Included
group tour
Admission to Culebrillas S/5.00
Certified Guide
Entrance to Añashuayco S/5.00
Extra expenses.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Sillar Route and Culebrillas Petroglyphs
Pickup included
Reviews
84 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good Tour
Susan H,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Interesting to see the quarry that built the city and the canyon. A pity we could not get into the church
Great trip
Q3654WWrebeccag,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was fun and worth doing. Just be prepared for the bumpy road and poor air quality from the dust. The hike may not be suitable for seniors.
Overall a worthwhile...
Amanda M,,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Overall a worthwhile tour. The guide Mike was very informative and kind. He spoke English and Spanish very well. The bus was comfortable and it was an interesting place to visit.
Excellent value for money
Lee O,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is a great way to see the Sillar route, and was the best value tour we did all trip. Communication was great beforehand, the driver was very conscientious the whole time (seatbelts and breakglass hammers on the minibus too), our guide Tony was entertaining and knowledgeable and the tour flowed really well. A couple of things to note, we took facemasks because of the dust and were very glad we did as other people were choking a bit, and the Sillar route itself is moderately challenging, especially for older people.
You get what you pay for and in this case it was even less
Debra M,,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Unfortunately, this was the worst tour we have ever taken through Viator. Let’s start with the tour guide Tony. While a nice guy, his English is so subpar we hardly understood anything. He spoke very fast and loud which made it worse. As a result, we did not understand explanations, specifically directions on where and when to meet after visiting a specific site. It was totally confusing and unorganized. At 2 of the 3 stops there was little to no explanations at all. Let’s move on to the driver. His driving was erratic and unsafe. He went extremely fast when he could, down poorly pave roads, jumping curbs and cutting around speed bumps. Now let’s talk about the van itself. It was full to capacity, and the air conditioning did not work. There were only two windows in the back of the van that opened, but we couldn’t open them because the roads were so dusty and dirty, so we had to keep them closed. It was totally unpleasant. Finally, let’s talk about the sites we visited. For the most part they were a waist of time. The quarry area was ok but, dusty and hot, and there was really no explanation. We were just left there for an hour to wander. The Sillar hike was the best part but, we could not understand tony’s explanations. While I can’t blame the tour operator for the final problem which was two selfish guests who delayed the tour by about 20 minutes, but as a result of this, we did not get to the final stop a look out, until after 6pm and it was to late to see all of the volcanoes due to the night haze. While this tour was very inexpensive, it was totally not worth our time. We were frustrated and we were uncomfortable for over 4 hours. You can get to all these places via the hop on hop on bus. So forget this tour.
It’s part of Arequipa tradition-building blocks, worthwhile to see
Johanna R,,Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Easy way to visit the Sillar quarry and all the carvings, including another canyon and a quick stop at sunset. 12 passengers in the transit bus was good. I’m impressed with people who speak more than one language and our guide did this, and gave good information. I would offer one helpful tip- speak slower when using English, did well but slower allows for an even easier and better experience. Thanks ☺️
A nice place to start your visit to Arequipa
byron2204,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour was, well all on time, the guides um uncharismatic, normal like any other company
Excellent experience, I recommend!
lanaras2019,,Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour is excellent, the quarry is anchored and the canyon with the petrogrifles for me was the highlight. Our guide Alexandra was wonderful. she explains everything very well about everything from arequipa not just the tour.
Interesting Place
PCO,,Aug 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This is an interesting place jazzed up a little into a tourist attraction but worth a couple of hours of your time in Arequipa. Book with a local operator, there's loads.
Not the Right Tour Operator for Families
weberni2,,Aug 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00I really wanted to enjoy this excursion, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations. The main issue was the tour guide. The tour was conducted in both English and Spanish, but the guide rushed through the Spanish part at lightning speed, only to repeat it in broken, hard-to-understand English. She spoke so quickly that it was nearly impossible to follow what she was saying. My girls were frustrated, and honestly, it was one of the worst tours we’ve ever taken. On the plus side, the places we visited were amazing. My girls had a blast climbing on the sculptures and taking photos. However, I wouldn’t recommend this tour operator. They packed way too many people into a tiny vehicle, which felt cramped and unsafe. The air circulation was poor, and the bumpy roads made everyone feel nauseous.
Related Experiences
Operated by Puriy Perú Expeditions