Ruta del Sillar
Open-air quarries where white volcanic stone is cut, plus Culebrillas Gorge, where you can watch stonemasons carve by hand and see rock art.
The white volcanic stone known as sillar is the building material behind Arequipa's “White City.” This route is about 30 minutes' drive northwest of the city, in Añashuayco Canyon, where you can watch stonemasons cut blocks with traditional tools, see enormous quarry walls and stone carvings, and walk into Culebrillas Gorge to view ancient rock art. Most visitors take the half-day tour, which lasts about 4 hours and includes transport and commentary. The sun here is intense, so bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
Opening hours
About 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Mirador de Yanahuara
- Mirador de Carmen Alto
- Recoleta Monastery
- Casa del Moral
- Santa Catalina Monastery
- Museo Santuarios Andinos
- Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
- Plaza de Armas of Arequipa