¡Hello, travelers! I’m part of the Dreamy Tours team, and today I’m taking you to a hidden treasure that defines the soul of Arequipa: the Ruta del Sillar Arequipa. Imagine walking among giant quarries where sillar is extracted, that white volcanic stone that has given life to the “White City” with its cathedrals and colonial mansions. The Ruta del Sillar, or the Sillar Route, is a 2 km trail in the district of Cerro Colorado, at the foot of the Chachani volcano, that immerses you in local history and craftsmanship. At Dreamy Tours, we have organized hundreds of tour Ruta del Sillar Arequipa, where you see up close how the stonemasons carve this ancient rock. Ready to explore the canteras de Sillar Arequipa and feel the vibration of the earth?
What is the Ruta del Sillar? The Origin of Arequipa’s Beauty
The Ruta del Sillar is much more than a walk: it is the heart of Arequipa’s architecture. Formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, sillar is a white volcanic tuff, lightweight and resistant to earthquakes, which has built everything from the Plaza de Armas to the Monastery of Santa Catalina. This route is divided into three main zones: Añashuayco (or Cortadores), where you see active extraction, and the virgin quarry of Culebrillas, with pre-Inca petroglyphs that whisper ancient stories.
On my walks along the Rutas del Sillar, I’ve seen how the sun filters through the white dust, creating a lunar landscape that seems from another world. It’s a living tribute to the artisans who, with simple tools, turn giant blocks into detailed sculptures. If you love history and nature, this is your perfect corner in Arequipa.
How to Get to the Ruta del Sillar: Easy and Accessible from Arequipa
Wondering Ruta del Sillar cómo llegar? It’s only 14 km from downtown Arequipa, about 40 minutes by car via the Vía de Evitamiento to Avenida Industrial, up to the Zamacola intersection and then a dusty road. You can go on your own by taxi (round trip for about 50-70 soles, including waiting time), or by combi from the Puente Bolognesi to Villa Canteras, followed by a 2 km walk. But at Dreamy Tours, we recommend our tour Ruta del Sillar Arequipa: we pick you up from the hotel at 9 AM, we avoid the dust and intense sun, and we return at noon.
The best time is in the morning, when the stonemasons are active and the fresh air invites you to explore. Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water – the altitude of 2,335 meters above sea level is noticeable, but it’s accessible for everyone.
Explore the Canteras de Sillar Arequipa: Where the Stone Comes to Life
The canteras de Sillar Arequipa are the soul of the route. In Añashuayco, watch how master stonemasons extract blocks with picks and wedges, a craft declared Intangible Cultural Heritage. You can even try carving your own sillar – a unique experience that leaves your hands dusty and your heart full! There are giant sculptures, like replicas of the Arequipa Cathedral carved into the rock, perfect for unforgettable photos.
Then, in Culebrillas, walk through a small canyon eroded by water, admiring petroglyphs from the Wari culture that are thousands of years old. At the end, a kiosk offers snacks and queso helado arequipeño to recharge. At Dreamy Tours, our local guides share anecdotes from generations of stonemasons, making the visit educational and fun.
My Experience on the Ruta del Sillar with Dreamy Tours
On one of our recent tour Ruta del Sillar Arequipa, I led a group of friends who were looking for something different. We started in the Añashuayco quarries, where a stonemason let us carve a block – guaranteed laughter when it broke! Then, in Culebrillas, the silence of the canyon and the petroglyphs transported us to the past. We returned with sillar crafts as souvenirs. As an agency, we are proud to support these artisans: every tour contributes directly to their community, and transportation in comfortable vans makes everything easier.
Planifica Tu Aventura en la Ruta del Sillar con Dreamy Tours
Plan Your Adventure on the Ruta del Sillar with Dreamy Tours
Ready to discover the Ruta del Sillar and its mysteries? At Dreamy Tours, we offer a tour Ruta del Sillar Arequipa of half a day, with pick-up at your hotel and passionate guides. Book via WhatsApp – we adapt to you for a personalized experience. Come to Arequipa and touch the stone that built a city. We’ll be waiting for you in the quarries!
Written by the Dreamy Tours team, fascinated by the magic of Arequipa’s sillar.
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