Route of the Sillar | Quarries of Añashuaycos | Half Day

The "Route of the Sillar | Quarries of Añashuaycos | Half Day" tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Arequipa’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding volcanoes, enjoy the traditional art of ashlar stone carving, and uncover the mysteries of ancient petroglyphs. Led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, this 5-hour excursion promises an engaging and educational experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s remarkable history and traditions. What awaits beyond the quarries and canyons of this remarkable tour?

Key Points

• 5-hour guided tour exploring the Sillar Route and Añashuaycos Quarry near Arequipa, showcasing the traditional ashlar stone carving process.
• Tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a professional bilingual guide, with entrance fees covered for the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon.
• Moderate activity level with a 20-minute walk through the Culebrillas Canyon to view petroglyphs, not suitable for those with limited mobility.
• Tour available in English and Spanish, but mixed reviews on guide’s language skills and knowledge, with suggestions for improvement.
• Flexible booking and cancellation policy, with no upfront payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Route of the Sillar | Quarries of Añashuaycos is a 5-hour guided tour that takes visitors through the Añashuaycos Quarry and the Quebrada de Culebrillas canyon. Priced from $20 per person, the tour is available in English and Spanish. Guests can conveniently reserve their spot in advance without any upfront payment. Free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours prior to the tour. The excursion includes hotel pick-up, transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon. However, meals and travel insurance are not included.

Detailed Itinerary

The tour begins with hotel pickup near the historical center of Arequipa at 8:50 a.m.

The first stop is a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanoes.

Next, visitors explore the Aña-shuayco Quarry, where they’ll learn about the unique process of carving ashlar stone.

The route then leads to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a canyon with 20-meter high walls.

Guests enjoy a 20-minute walk through the canyon, discovering intriguing petroglyphs along the way.

The tour wraps up by 1:00 p.m., with the return to Arequipa.

Included and Excluded

This tour includes a hotel pickup, tourist transportation, and a professional bilingual guide.

Entrance fees to the Sillar Route and Culebrillas Canyon are also covered, totaling $10 per person.

However, the cost of meals and travel insurance aren’t included. It’s recommended to bring cash for any additional expenses, as well as essential items like a passport, sun hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, insect repellent, and sports shoes.

Please note that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Suitability and Recommendations

This tour may not suit all travelers. It isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Participants should be prepared for a moderately active day, including a 20-minute walk in the Culebrillas Canyon. It’s essential to bring comfortable clothing, proper footwear, and sun protection. Visitors should also have some cash on hand to cover the entrance fees.

While the tour provides a unique glimpse into the quarrying history of the region, those with limited mobility or health concerns may find the activities challenging. Careful consideration of individual abilities is advised before booking this excursion.

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Customer Feedback

Travelers’ reviews of the Route of the Sillar Quarries tour offer a mixed perspective.

While some praise the knowledgeable guide and the unique opportunity to explore the quarries, others express concerns about the tour’s execution.

Several reviewers note issues with the transportation, citing problems with the air conditioning and the overall vehicle maintenance.

Plus, a few customers comment on the guide’s language skills, suggesting room for improvement in catering to non-Spanish speaking participants.

Despite these concerns, the tour generally receives positive ratings for its educational value and the chance to witness the centuries-old tradition of ashlar stone carving.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can easily reserve their spot on the Route of the Sillar Quarries tour through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their customer service.

The booking process is straightforward, allowing visitors to secure their place with no upfront payment. Flexibility is also a key feature, as the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows travelers to adjust their plans without penalty.

The tour’s reserve now and pay later policy further enhances convenience, enabling visitors to lock in their spot with ease. The booking experience is designed to provide a hassle-free start to this engaging quarry exploration.

• No upfront payment required to reserve
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Reserve now and pay later option available

Price and Duration

The Route of the Sillar Quarries tour offers a 5-hour experience, providing visitors ample time to explore the region’s unique geological and cultural heritage.

Priced at $20.00 per person, the tour is accessible to a wide range of travelers.

The tour operates in both English and Spanish, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans as needed.

The pay-later option further enhances the tour’s flexibility, allowing visitors to secure their spot without an upfront payment.

Language Options

Although the tour is offered in both English and Spanish, the quality of the language services has received mixed reviews from previous participants.

While some report knowledgeable and fluent guides, others have noted communication issues, with guides struggling to fully convey information in their non-native language.

Participants have suggested:

• Providing training for guides to improve their language proficiency and ability to effectively share insights.
• Offering audio guides or transcripts in multiple languages to supplement the live commentary.
• Clearly communicating the language abilities of each guide prior to booking to set appropriate expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t include any meals, so bringing snacks and beverages is allowed and recommended to keep energy levels up during the 5-hour activity.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the tour provider. It’s best to check with the guide before taking photos in certain areas.

Do I Need Any Special Permits or Licenses to Participate?

No special permits or licenses are required to participate. The tour operator handles all necessary arrangements. However, participants must follow the tour guidelines and bring their own personal identification documents, such as a passport, as specified.

Is There an Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement?

There’s no age limit or minimum age requirement for this tour. It’s suitable for most participants, but it’s not recommended for wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private or customized tour. The tour operator offers flexible options to accommodate individual preferences and group sizes. Travelers should inquire about availability and pricing for private or tailored tour experiences.

Recap

The Route of the Sillar | Quarries of Añashuaycos | Half Day tour offers an immersive exploration of Arequipa’s natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can experience breathtaking landscapes, learn about traditional stone carving techniques, and discover ancient petroglyphs, all led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide. This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and stunning natural wonders that make Arequipa a remarkable destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: