Jess at Sea

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!)

Check out this Ruta del Sillar day tour:
4-hour excursion: Sillar Route with Hiking in Culebrillas

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!

Where to stay in Arequipa:
Luxury: Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas
Mid-Range: Plaza Central
Budget: Viajero Arequipa Hostel

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

1. 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.
2. Arrival at the Quarries: Your guide will walk you through the Añashuayco quarries, explaining the geology, history, and techniques used to carve sillar.
3. Hands-On Demonstration: Some tours let you try chiseling the stone, carving your own small piece to take home as a unique souvenir.
4. Photo Opportunities: Between the rock formations, stone carvings and panoramic views of Arequipa, you’ll find endless spots for epic photos.
5. 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.

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!

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!)

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.

Planning a trip to Peru? Check out my 3-Week Peru Itinerary here!

Peru Helpful Links

Where to stay in Arequipa:
Luxury: Katari Hotel at Plaza de Armas
Mid-Range: Plaza Central
Budget: Viajero Arequipa Hostel

Top Tours from Arequipa
– 4-hour excursion: Sillar Route with Hiking in Culebrillas
– From Arequipa: Colca Canyon Full-Day Guided Tour with Meals
– 2-Day Tour Colca Canyon in Arequipa with end in Puno
– Tour to the Salinas Lagoon and National Reserve in Arequipa
– Arequipa: Chili River White Water Rafting with Hotel Pickup

How to Get Around Peru
Getting around Peru can be an adventure in itself, but it’s very doable with a little planning. For longer distances, domestic flights are a huge time-saver, while comfortable long-distance buses connect most major cities and tourist routes.

One of the easiest and most popular options for first-time visitors is Peru Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus service designed specifically for travellers. It connects destinations like Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, and Cusco, with flexible stops, local guides, and hotel pick-ups included making it a stress-free way to see the country.

For shorter trips or exploring at your own pace, taxis, uber, and car rentals round out the options nicely.

Peru SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Peru is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling lomo saltado near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Peru data plan before you even land.

There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.

👉 Get your Peru eSIM with Airalo here

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