The Birthplace of the White City
No journey to Arequipa is truly complete without discovering the geological origins of its UNESCO-listed architecture. The "White City" owes its name and luminous aesthetic to sillar (ignimbrite)—a white volcanic tuff stone formed millions of years ago by pyroclastic eruptions from the Chachani volcano. This exclusive half-day private Sillar Route tour takes you outside the city limits into the district of Cerro Colorado to explore the towering, surreal landscapes of the volcanic quarries.
Accompanied by your private guide, you will walk along the monumental 30-meter-high cliffs of the Añashuayco Quarry, where you will meet master stonemasons and even try your hand at carving the volcanic ashlar that built the Santa Catalina Monastery and Plaza de Armas. The expedition then delves into the dramatic Culebrillas Ravine, an untouched slot canyon where you will hike between undulating white walls to uncover pre-Inca Wari petroglyphs. Pair this half-day experience with our Arequipa Cooking Masterclass or our 12-Day Colca Canyon to Machu Picchu Package.
Expedition Highlights
Añashuayco Megaliths
Stand before towering vertical cliffs of brilliant white volcanic stone. Explore monumental sillar sculptures, colonial facades, and coats of arms carved directly into the rock face.
Interactive Carving
Watch master artisans skillfully extract and shape massive blocks of sillar. Complete the experience by taking up the hammer and chisel to try carving the volcanic stone yourself.
The Culebrillas Ravine
Embark on a captivating 40-minute walk through a narrow, winding slot canyon forged by ancient volcanic flows and water erosion, untouched by modern quarrying.
Ancient Petroglyphs
Discover mysterious pre-Columbian petroglyphs engraved into the undulating walls of the Culebrillas ravine, revealing the canyon's ancient ceremonial significance.
Detailed Sillar Route Itinerary
Volcanoes, Canyons & Stonemasons
Duration: 4 Hours · Flexible Morning or Afternoon Departures
1. Private Pick-up & Scenic Drive
Your private chauffeur and historian guide will collect you from your hotel in Arequipa. We embark on a comfortable 45-minute (14 km) drive northwest to the district of Cerro Colorado, transitioning from the colonial center into rugged volcanic landscapes framed by Mount Chachani and Misti.
2. Añashuayco Quarry Exploration
Our first major stop is the active Añashuayco quarry. Walking along the base of towering white sillar cliffs, you will be amazed by the scale of the amphitheater. Your guide will show you monumental carvings—including a full-scale replica of the Church of the Society of Jesus facade—sculpted directly into the cliff walls by local quarrymen.
3. Master Stonemason Demonstration
Here, you will meet the master stonemasons (cortadores) who keep this UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage alive. Observe up close the traditional process of splitting and shaping sillar blocks by hand, and receive a live carving demonstration where you are invited to try shaping the volcanic stone yourself.
4. Hiking the Culebrillas Ravine
Next, we drive to our second destination: the virgin ravine of Culebrillas. Unlike Añashuayco, this natural slot canyon has not been exploited for stone extraction. Embark on a 40-minute walk between narrow, 20-meter-high undulating sillar walls, where your guide will point out pre-Inca petroglyphs of camelids and sacred symbols etched into the rock.
5. Private Return to Arequipa
After an active and highly photogenic half-day of geological discovery, board your private vehicle for a relaxing drive back to the city, dropping you off at your hotel or a restaurant of your choice.
Inclusions & Prices
What's Included
- Private pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Arequipa.
- Private transportation in a comfortable SUV or luxury van.
- Professional English-speaking private guide.
- All entrance tickets to the Añashuayco and Culebrillas Quarries.
- Interactive stone-carving demonstration with local stonemasons.
Not Included
- Meals or snacks.
- Optional souvenir purchases or voluntary tips for the local stonemasons.
- Gratuities for your private guide and driver (optional).
Essential Recommendations
- Proper Footwear: The tour includes a 40-minute walk over uneven, dusty, and rocky terrain inside the Culebrillas ravine. Supportive walking or hiking shoes are required.
- Sun & Glare Protection: The towering white sillar stone reflects sunlight intensely. Polarized sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable layers, as daytime temperatures inside the sunny quarry can be warm.