Arequipa – Colca Canyon
Description
La Ruta del Sillar is a fascinating experience that invites you to explore the origin of the material that gives Arequipa its iconic nickname “Ciudad Blanca” (White City). This tour takes visitors to the sillar quarries, located on the outskirts of the city, where this volcanic stone, used since colonial times to build churches, mansions and monuments, is extracted.
The route usually includes stops at the most emblematic quarries, such as Añashuayco and Culebrillas. In Añashuayco, visitors can watch the master stonemasons at work, carving the ashlar with traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. This quarry offers.
an impressive landscape, with gigantic white stone walls that contrast with the blue sky, creating a unique environment for photographs. In addition, there are modern sculptures and reliefs that tell stories of the region.
At Culebrillas, the experience is more intimate and natural. Here, a narrow sillar canyon invites you to hike while admiring the beauty of the geological formations and learning about the volcanic origin of the material. This place also holds pre-Hispanic vestiges, such as cave engravings, which connect the visit with the ancestral history of the area.
The Sillar Route combines nature, culture and history, offering an in-depth look at one of Arequipa’s most important traditions. It is an ideal activity for those who want to learn more about the architectural soul of the city while enjoying unique landscapes.
2 Days, 1 Nights
Private and shared tour
Cultural and Historical
2 Travelers
2400 m.s.n.m. (7968 feet)
Daily
Our Itinerary
Arequipa Colca Canyon Tour | Discover the Wonder of Peru’s Colca Canyon
[lightweight-accordion title=”DAY 1 CITY TOUR – THE ROUTE OF THE SILLAR AND THE WOKES” accordion_open=true]
- When you arrive to the white city of Arequipa by bus or flight we organize the pick up according to your requirements and transfer you to the hotel reserved for your accommodation.
- Our first day activity for the City tour starts at 9:00 AM until 12:00 AM. We will go to your hotel with our tourist transportation.
- We will visit the viewpoint of Yanahuara to have an incredible view of the surrounding volcanoes and the city itself. It has particular characteristics with its traditional cobblestone streets and colonial arches. Then we will go to the viewpoint of Carmen Alto from where we have the view of the agricultural terraces and the valley of Chilina.
- We will continue the tour in the city, the main square, declared as Cultural Patrimony of the Nation. The cathedral built entirely in sillar material – volcanic stone. Also: the different portals that surround the square.
- Then, we will visit the church of the Company of Jesus built in the XVI century, it has a series of arts in the interior.
We will also pass by the Tristán del Pozo house, with its facade very characteristic of the colonial architecture of Arequipa. - Finally, we headed to the monastery of Santa Catalina. The Monastery has more than 20,000 square meters and you will also find up to 22 rooms, (both open and closed), the Patio del Silencio, the Claustro de los Naranjos (Orange Cloister) or the Claustro Mayor, etc. Finally we return to the hotel. You will have enough time to walk on your own or choose a restaurant option for lunch.
- 2:00 PM we pick you up to continue with the scheduled activity for the afternoon. With our tourist transportation we head to the first point – volcanoes viewpoint, the panoramic view from this place is magnificent of the mountains and volcanoes that surround Arequipa.
- Then we will arrive to the quarries of Añashuayco is in full exploitation of ashlar stone, by this action has become a canyon with its very high white walls of about 30 meters to more. Also: the workers – Alarifes explain us the use and techniques of carving and naturally show us their different works. Our next place to visit is the Quebrada de Culebrillas. It is a huge ashlar quarry that is not yet in the process of extraction, with a walk of about 20 minutes we will see the impressive petroglyphs engraved on the walls of these passages.
- Finally, we return to the city of Arequipa, arrival time 6:00 PM.
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[lightweight-accordion title=”DAY 2 COLCA CANYON CLASSIC FULL DAY”]
- The Colca Canyon tour is an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking scenery, culture and nature. This majestic canyon, one of the deepest in the world, offers viewpoints such as the Cruz del Condor, where you can observe the flight of condors in their natural habitat. During the tour, you will visit picturesque Andean villages such as Chivay and Yanque, famous for their traditions and craft markets. You can also relax in hot springs, admire pre-Inca agricultural terraces and enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes and snow-capped mountains. It is a perfect trip to connect with the natural and cultural beauty of Arequipa.
FULL DAY ITINIRARY
- Our tour starts very early in the morning. 3:00 AM we will pick you up from your hotel with our tourist transportation, to go to the town of Chivay to have breakfast.
- Then continue our trip and observe the flora and fauna, landscapes of this region and the pre-Inca agricultural terraces.
- Then we arrive to the Condor Cross to appreciate the wonderful view of the Colca Canyon and also to see the flight of the Andean
- Condors, considered the largest bird in the world, spiritual messenger of the Andes.
- On the way back, we will have some stops at the viewpoints of Huayra Punko in Pinchollo and Antahuilque viewpoint, to observe some models and pre-Inca hanging tombs. The next stop will be in the traditional village of Maca, in this place we will taste the characteristic drink of Colca Sour.
- Next place for a super relax is the thermo-medicinal baths with their healing properties. Then we have time to enjoy a delicious lunch in Chivay.
- On the way back we will pass through the Colca Valley with a stop at the viewpoint of the Volcanoes which is the highest part of our excursion.
- Another stop will be in Tocra, where we will observe the camelids, birds, ducks and Andean flamingos of this region.
- Finally, we will stop in Patahuasi, from this point we have the panoramic view of the Misti Volcano, Chachani are its very curious rock formations.
- Finally we return to Arequipa, end of the tour 5:00 PM.
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Includes
✓ Pick up from hotel
✓ Tourist Transportation
✓ Breakfast in Chivay (second day)
✓ Folkloric show and lodging in Chivay
✓ Professional English and Spanish bilingual tour guide
✓ Permanent advising
Not Included
✗ Tourist Ticket to Colca Valley
︎✗ Extra activities: Kayaking, Zipline, ATVs
︎✗ Food not mentioned in the program
︎✗ Entrance to the thermal baths (S/. 15.00)
︎✗ Personal expenses
Recommendations
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses, Cap or hat
- Comfortable shoes
- Comfortable and warm clothing
- Bathing clothes, towels and sandals
- Camera or cell phone with available space
- Waterproof clothing (November to April)
- Extra cash (soles – for personal expenses)
- Carry only necessary things.
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