Exploring Ruta del Sillar: A Day Tour From Arequipa

Arequipa is nicknamed the “White City” for a reason: the stunning colonial buildings, churches, and plazas are all built from sillar, a soft, white volcanic stone found in the nearby quarries. But did you know you can actually visit the source of this iconic material? Enter the Ruta del Sillar tour — a unique, hands-on way to explore Arequipa’s history, geology, and culture in one adventure-filled day. I went on this day tour and it was such a pleasant surprise with a visit to the quarry, opportunities to take fun pictures with stone carvings plus a visit to a nearby canyon which we walked through!)

Girl walking through canyon in Arequipa, Peru

What is the Ruta del Sillar?

The Ruta del Sillar (Sillar Route) is a guided tour that takes you to the quarries of Añashuayco, just outside Arequipa. Here, skilled local workers have been extracting and shaping sillar for centuries, crafting the very stones that built the city’s stunning architecture.

Think of it as a mix of geology lesson, cultural immersion, and fun picture ops, all rolled into one. Along the way, you’ll see incredible rock formations, sculpted landscapes, and maybe even try your hand at chiseling your own stone!

Stone cliffs with volcano in background at Ruta del Sillar in Arequipa, Peru

Why Take the Ruta del Sillar Tour?

See Arequipa’s iconic stone up close – The white volcanic stone is beautiful, and the quarries have some seriously Instagrammable scenery.
Learn about local craftsmanship – Watch artisans at work and discover how centuries-old techniques are still used today.
Experience dramatic landscapes – The rock formations around Arequipa are surreal, with natural arches, jagged cliffs, desert vistas and volcanos in the backdrop!
Support local communities – Many tours are run by locals, so your visit contributes directly to the area.

What to Expect on the Tour

Pick-Up & Transport: Most tours depart from central Arequipa in a small van or bus. The ride itself is scenic, offering views of the surrounding volcanoes and desert.
Arrival at the Quarries: Your guide will walk you through the Añashuayco quarries, explaining the geology, history, and techniques used to carve sillar.
Hands-On Demonstration: Some tours let you try chiseling the stone, carving your own small piece to take home as a unique souvenir.
Photo Opportunities: Between the rock formations, stone carvings and panoramic views of Arequipa, you’ll find endless spots for epic photos.
Return to Arequipa: Most tours end in town after a few hours, leaving plenty of time to explore the city’s plazas and cafés afterward.

Girl sitting on carved stone throne at Ruta del Sillar in Arequipa, Peru

Girl standing in front of tall cliff of sillar stone at Ruta del Sillar in Arequipa, Peru

Visiting Cañón de Culebrillas

After visiting Ruta Del Sillar, the tour will take you to the Culebrillas Canyon – an old canyon that you can walk through and spot ancient drawings on the stone! This was a really cool part of the tour – it almost felt like a movie set!

Canyon with narrow walkway in Arequipa, Peru

Tips for a Great Ruta del Sillar Experience

Wear sturdy shoes – The quarry terrain can be uneven and rocky.
Bring sun protection – Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential.
Carry water – It’s a desert environment and extremely hot in the sun, so hydration is key.
Camera ready – From the carved stones to the desert cliffs to the canyon walk, every angle is photo-worthy.
Go with a guide – Local guides provide fascinating insights you won’t get on your own.
Try Queso Helado – to cool down from the heat, try Arequipa’s local ice-cream (which is apparently not made from cheese even though that’s what it’s name suggests haha!)

Hand holding Queso Helado with stone carvings in background at Ruta del Sillar in Arequipa, Peru

The Ruta del Sillar is one of those experiences that adds a whole new layer to your Arequipa adventure. It’s not just about seeing the White City – it’s about understanding the stones that built it, the people who shaped it, and the dramatic landscapes that surround it.

If you’re looking for a great acclimatisation activity from Arequipa, this tour is a must-do. And bonus: it’s a little more of a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience compared to the more crowded city sights, making it perfect for travelers who love discovering hidden gems.

Check out my full 3-Week Peru Itinerary here!

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