Explore the fascinating world of Arequipa’s sillar quarries on this immersive tour, and discover the art of sillar extraction by visiting the stunning Culebrillas Quarry, and witness the captivating petroglyphs. Experience the cultural significance of the ancient technique, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s iconic volcanoes like Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu.
- Half day tour
- Dialy departures
- Group excursion
- Tourist transportation
- Entrance tickets
- Professional guide
Highlights
- Hotel Pick-Up and Transfer: Convenient transportation to the sillar quarries.
- Guided Introduction to Sillar: Learn about the historical significance of sillar stone in Arequipa’s architecture.
- Volcanoes Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu volcanoes.
- Quarry Exploration: Observe the impressive cliffs and learn about the sillar extraction process.
- Hands-On Experience: Interact with local artisans and experience the traditional sillar carving techniques.
- Culebrillas Quarry Visit: Discover the mystical ambiance and ancient petroglyphs.
- Apachetas and Symbolism: Learn about the cultural importance of apachetas and build your own.
Inclusions
- Pick up from the hotel, and way back (only in private)
- Tourist van or minibus with panoramic windows
- English-speaking professional tour guide.
Booking terms
- A full payment is required to confirm the reservation.
- Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are nonrefundable.
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the tour are 100% refundable less the 5% for administrative fees.
- You need to provide the hotel or place to be picked up for the tour, and it must be within the Historical Center of Cusco.
- If the access of your hotel is remote please ask if we can pick up from there.
Itinerary
09.00 am Pick-up from the hotel to transfer to the quarries. We will travel to the Añashuayco quarries (3km from the center of Arequipa), located in the district of Cerro Colorado.
On the way, our guide will provide details about the constructions made using “sillar,” which is the term given to the typical and historical building block of the city.
At approximately 09:10 AM/03:10 PM, we will make our first stop at the Volcanoes viewpoint, where we can appreciate the three volcanoes that frame our city: Misti, Chachani, and Picchu Picchu.
We continue our tour by arriving at the quarries, where we will observe the immense cliffs shaped by human hands. Next, we will have a hands-on experience to share and interact with these unique individuals and learn about the ancient technique of extracting sillar, which has been preserved from colonial times to the present day. Continuing with our tour, we will board the transport to visit the Culebrillas Quarry, where we will take a 20-minute walk. Inside Culebrillas, we will feel a mysterious atmosphere and be able to appreciate petroglyphs that will transport us to the life and beliefs of ancient people, as this is a sacred place with pink walls. Following this, we will see the presence of apachetas, where their symbolism will be explained, and you will have the experience of building your own apacheta.
Discover and explore the Inca’s land and feel Peru’s magic with us!
The Culebrillas Quarry
The Culebrillas Quarry, also known as “Cantera de Culebrillas,” is a historical and cultural site located near Arequipa, Peru. It’s one of the quarries where sillar, a white volcanic stone, is extracted. Sillar has been extensively used in the construction of Arequipa’s iconic colonial buildings, giving the city its nickname “The White City.” The quarry is characterized by its striking pinkish-white stone walls, formed from volcanic ash and lava. These walls are often marked with visible layers, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
