Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon
Explore the Origins of the "White City": Ancient Quarries, Master Stonemasons, and Mystical Canyons.
Your Private Tour, At a Glance:
- Duration: ~4 Hours (Half Day).
- Start Time: Flexible (Morning: 07:00 AM | Afternoon: 02:00 PM).
- Strategic Focus: Geology, Craftsmanship, Photography & History.
- Key Note: A visually stunning journey into the white volcanic stone that built Arequipa.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (Walking on uneven terrain in the quarry and canyon).
- Group Size: 100% Private (Your family/pod only).
- Languages: Native English & Spanish.
- Highlights: Añashuayco Quarry, Stone Carving Demo, Culebrillas Canyon Petroglyphs.
Highlights
Focus
Overview:
The DNA of Arequipa
Arequipa is famous worldwide as the "White City," but few travelers venture to the source of its splendor. This Private Sillar Route Tour takes you behind the scenes to the active quarries of Añashuayco, where the blindingly white volcanic stone (sillar) has been harvested for centuries.
This isn't just a geological tour; it's a living history lesson. You will meet the master stonemasons who still carve the rock by hand using ancestral techniques, giving you a personal connection to the craft. Unlike crowded bus tours, our private service allows you to interact with the artisans, ask questions, and even try your hand at carving.
The adventure continues into the Culebrillas Canyon, a natural wonder of winding rock walls and ancient petroglyphs that feels like stepping onto another planet. With a private guide to lead the way, you can explore these narrow gorges at your own pace, capturing incredible photos without the pressure of a group.
Detailed tour information
Detailed Itinerary
From Quarry to Canyon
Step 1: Private Hotel Pickup
Your private driver and guide collect you from your Arequipa hotel. We drive north of the city (approx. 35 mins) towards the volcanic zone near Chachani.
Step 2: The White Canyon (Añashuayco Quarry)
We arrive at the massive Añashuayco Quarry. The sheer walls of white ignimbrite (volcanic stone) rise up around you, creating a dramatic, sun-drenched landscape.
- The Craft: Watch live demonstrations by local stonemasons who extract and carve the sillar blocks. Learn how they split the rock without modern machinery.
- The Art: Admire intricate carvings and sculptures created directly into the quarry walls, including replicas of the Church of the Company of Jesus façade.
Step 3: The Mystical Canyon (Quebrada de Culebrillas)
A short drive takes us to Culebrillas, a completely different landscape. This narrow, unworked canyon was formed by water and wind erosion.
- The Hike: We take a gentle walk through the winding, curving walls of the canyon. The light and shadow play here is a photographer's dream.
- The History: Discover ancient Wari petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls, evidence that this was a sacred path long before the Spanish arrived.
Step 4: Return to Arequipa
After exploring the natural and cultural roots of the city, your private transport returns you to your hotel, leaving you with the rest of the day free.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- 100% Private Service: Exclusive vehicle and driver.
- Expert Guide: Professional English/Spanish speaking guide.
- Entrance Fees: Tickets to Añashuayco Quarry and Culebrillas Canyon.
- Door-to-Door: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
- Cultural Interaction: Direct meeting with local stone carvers.
Not Included
- Gratuities: Tips for your guide, driver, and the stonemasons (optional but appreciated).
- Meals: Snacks and drinks are not included.
- Souvenirs: Small stone carvings are available for purchase from the artisans.
What to bring
Recommendations
- Sun Glare: The white stone reflects the sun intensely. High-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are mandatory to avoid sunburn and eye strain.
- Footwear: The ground in the quarry is dusty and uneven (loose gravel). Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots; avoid open-toed sandals.
- Best Time: The morning tour (7:00 AM) avoids the strongest heat and often has clearer skies for volcano views. The afternoon tour (2:00 PM) offers beautiful warm light for photography in the canyon.
- Dust Protection: It can be dusty, especially if it's windy. A light scarf or buff is useful.
Pricing
Private Tour Pricing
Frequently asked questions
Clearing Your Doubts
Q: Is there a lot of hiking involved?
A: The walking is rated "Easy to Moderate." In the quarry, it's mostly flat but on uneven, rocky ground. In Culebrillas, we walk through a narrow canyon for about 20-30 minutes. It is not a strenuous hike, but good balance is helpful.
Q: Can children do this tour?
A: Yes, kids love it! The quarry feels like a giant sandbox, and Culebrillas feels like an adventure maze. It's very interactive and visual.
Q: Is it safe to visit the quarry?
A: Yes, we visit safe, designated areas for tourists. The stonemasons are professionals and accustomed to visitors.
Q: Can I buy art from the masons?
A: Absolutely. Many carvers sell small replicas of bulls, churches, or mortars made of sillar. It’s a great way to support their traditional livelihood directly.
Terms & Conditions
Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.
1. Reservations and Payment Policy
- Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
- Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
- Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].
2. Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
- [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
- [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
- Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
- No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
- Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
- Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- Inca Trail permits.
- Train tickets.
- Domestic flights.
3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)
- Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
- Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
- Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.
4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)
- Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
- Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
- Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
- Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon
Don’t just take our word for it
Discover why our travelers love their stories. We craft bespoke journeys that trade crowds for connection and reveal the true soul of Peru.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Con True Perú Experience, más que un viaje al Valle Sagrado
¡Una experiencia única en el Valle Sagrado! el mercado artesanal y la zona arqueológica fueron verdaderas vivencias gracias a la labor del guía y un transporte cómodo y sin contratiempos. ¡Gracias a True Perú Experience por haber convertido este viaje en un goce total! Esperamos tomar otros destinos con la guía de ellos.
Comodidad, seguridad y puntualidad
Fueron muy atentos e hicieron mi experiencia de viaje muy agradable, me dieron información precisa de cada sitio al que visité, recomiendo usar los servicios que ofrecen.
Tour a Machupicchu
El tour a Machu Picchu en un día está bien organizado y el tren panorámico es lindo. El guía fue amable y explicó bien durante la visita. Me pareció que el tiempo dentro de Machu Picchu fue un poco justo para recorrer todo con tranquilidad pero entiendo que hay un tiempo determinado para los visitantes. En general, cumplió con lo esperado.
excelente sevicio
Fue una experiencia renovadora poder explorar la historia y los paisajes en estos cuatro días, cada destino desde Moray hasta Ollantaytambo nos dejó con ganas de aprender más. Machu Picchu fue sin duda lo más resaltante, aunque en algunos momentos hubo bastante gente, lo que dificultó un poco la tranquilidad para disfrutar, aunque todo se hizo llevadero. Valió la pena!
Gran experiencia.
El tour de 5 días fue realmente genial en general. Los guías eran expertos y amables, y el tour privado por la ciudad de Cusco fue una buena manera de orientarse. Visitar Moray y Maras con el picnic fue una experiencia única, y ver Machu Picchu fue definitivamente un punto culminante. La caminata de un día completo a Vinicunca fue difícil pero gratificante, aunque desearía que hubiera un poco más de tiempo para descansar después. Aun así, el viaje fue bien organizado y cómodo, y sin duda lo recomendaría.
Una experiencia diferente y relajante🙂↕️
Tomamos el tour al valle con picnic al aire libre y las vistas fueron impresionantes!. La tranquilidad del lugar hizo que todo se sintiera tan diferente y especial! Lo único fue que el tiempo pasó volando, nos hubiera gustado quedarnos un poco más para disfrutar del paisaje con la luz de la noche. Igual, valió mucho la pena y lo recomendaría para quienes quieren algo diferente y tranquilo cerca de Cusco.
Servicio 10/10
La experiencia fue tranquila y muy enriquecedora ya que me acompañaron desde el principio, sentí que podía contar con ellos en todo momento. Valió mucho la pena este viaje a Cusco y Machu Picchu, volveré con toda la familia y tomaré sus servicios nuevamente!
Sacred Valley
I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.
The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.
The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!
If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.
