Half-Day Tour: Sillar Route & Añashuayco Quarry

Tour/Activity in Arequipa, Peru, Peru

About this activity

A fascinating experience centered on sillar - the unique volcanic rock used to build Arequipa’s historic center.

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Half-Day Tour: Sillar Route & Añashuayco Quarry

Experience the fascinating Sillar Route and discover the history of the unique volcanic stone from which Arequipa’s historic center was built. The tour takes you to scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding volcanoes and to the active Añashuayco quarry. Here, you will learn about the extraction and processing of sillar and watch skilled stonemasons practicing their traditional craft. You will then visit the impressive Quebrada de Culebrillas, a water-carved canyon with rock walls rising up to 20 meters high and ancient petroglyphs created by the Wari culture. The tour concludes at the mystical Apachetas, carefully stacked stone cairns that symbolize gratitude to nature and are believed to bring good fortune. Combining breathtaking landscapes, history and local culture, this excursion offers an unforgettable insight into one of Arequipa’s most iconic traditions.

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