Where Arequipa Was Born
Arequipa is celebrated worldwide as the 'White City', but few travelers take the time to trace this breathtaking colonial beauty back to its origins. Your trip is truly not complete without discovering the monumental sillar quarries where the city's architectural soul is literally carved from the earth.
Located in the district of Cerro Colorado, just a 45-minute drive from the city center, this exclusive half-day journey takes you off the beaten path and into a landscape of striking natural beauty. You will hike through towering, sun-bleached canyons formed by ancient volcanic ash (ignimbrite) and witness the living tradition of the cortadores (stonecutters).
From the intricate sculptures of the Añashuayco quarry to the mysterious, wind-swept ravines of Culebrillas where pre-Inca petroglyphs still guard the cliffs, this tour is a profound mix of nature, history, and active exploration.
- Private pick-up & drop-off from your hotel
- Meet the master stonecutters of Añashuayco
- Interactive carving demonstration
- Trek through the stunning Culebrillas ravine
- Discover ancient pre-Inca petroglyphs
- Dedicated Expert English-Speaking Guide
Complete Itinerary
The Sillar Route Experience
Requires comfortable sportswear & sunglasses for trekking.
Journey to the White Canyons
Your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to head 14 kilometers northwest of Arequipa toward the district of Cerro Colorado. During this 45-minute scenic drive, you will leave the bustling city behind and enter a dramatic landscape shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity.
Upon arrival at the Añashuayco quarry, you will be greeted by towering vertical walls of gleaming white sillar. Here, we begin a gentle trek (up to 40 minutes of continuous walking) through the massive corridors where large stone blocks have been extracted for centuries.
The Master Carvers of Añashuayco
As we explore deeper into Añashuayco, you will see magnificent art emerging directly from the cliffs—ranging from intricate colonial shields to massive murals and sculptures, all meticulously worked into the ashlar by local artisans.
You will have the rare opportunity to see the cortadores (stonecutters) in action. They will provide a live demonstration of how they extract, cut, and carve a block of sillar using traditional, manual techniques passed down through generations. If you feel adventurous, you can even pick up the tools and try carving a piece of the White City yourself!
The Mysteries of Culebrillas
Our final stop takes us to the untouched, natural gorge known as Culebrillas. Unlike the active quarries, this ravine has been sculpted purely by the passage of water and wind over thousands of years, creating smooth, undulating white walls.
We will take a fascinating walk through the interior of this narrow canyon. As you navigate the winding paths, your guide will point out ancient petroglyphs engraved high on the cliffs—mysterious symbols left by pre-Inca cultures that once traveled through this magical passage. After absorbing the history and natural beauty, we will comfortably transfer you back to your hotel.
Tour Pricing
Experience the volcanic origins of Arequipa on a premium, fully private tour.
- Private Transport & Driver
- Expert English-Speaking Guide
- Quarry Entrance Fees Included
- Interactive Carving Demo
- 100% Private & Flexible
What's Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Arequipa.
- Comfortable Private Transportation.
- Professional Private English-Speaking Guide.
- All entrance fees to the Añashuayco and Culebrillas quarries.
- Interactive demonstration with a local stonecutter.
- 24/7 Travel Assistance.
Not Included
- Meals and beverages.
- Personal purchases of sillar crafts at the quarry.
- Gratuities / Tips for your guide and driver (voluntary).
