Sillar Route, Arequipa: Visitor Guide, Quarries & Prices
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Arequipa is nicknamed the “White City” thanks to its beautiful white buildings made from sillar, a white volcanic stone found in the region. Because of its unique beauty, a special route was created to learn about this stone: the Sillar Route.
What is the Sillar Route and the Añashuayco quarries?
Located on the outskirts of the city, the Sillar Route stretches for more than 2 km in the Cerro Colorado district. At the base of the inactive Chachani Volcano, this area is divided into three main sites: Añashuayco, Cortadores, and Virgen de Culebrillas. Each site has its own sillar quarries, formed thousands of years ago due to volcanic activity. Since then, sillar has played an important role in the construction of the city.
Along the Sillar Route, you’ll walk through the quarries and learn more about the importance of white sillar. Some of the reasons this material became so essential in building Arequipa include its light weight, softness, and porosity. In addition to white sillar, you can also find pink and yellowish sillar around the city. These different shades come from the minerals present in the stone, giving each one a unique and distinctive pigmentation.
During the colonial era, white sillar was used in most major buildings—one of the most famous is the Santa Catalina Monastery, dating back to the late 16th century. Santo Domingo Church and La Merced Church are also among the main structures made of sillar, along with the arches at the Yanahuara Viewpoint (as shown in the image below).
Along the route, you can also see—in real time—the traditional processes of extraction and production, as well as sillar carvings made by local craftsmen.
How to get to the Sillar Route
You can reach the quarries by public or private transportation, but for many travelers it can be challenging. If you choose public transportation, it usually involves combining different buses or shared vans (combis) until you get to the closest point. From there, you’ll need to walk about 5 km to reach the site. Getting back to Arequipa can also become a headache, since there aren’t many buses returning to the city—sometimes it can feel almost impossible to get back.
The best way to truly visit the Sillar Route is with a guided tour that starts in Arequipa. Below, we share detailed information about it.
Sillar Route tour options
The biggest benefit of taking a guided tour is round-trip transportation from the Sillar Route straight to your hotel/hostel. An experienced guide will lead the way and teach you about the history of the quarries and the volcanic stone. Daily departures are available in two different time slots, and the affordable price has made it one of the most popular tours in Arequipa—along with the classic city tour or a visit to Colca Canyon.
Tour itinerary
This is the usual itinerary for a Sillar Route tour. Keep in mind this schedule corresponds to the morning departure.
- 08:30am – 09:00am: Hotel/hostel pick-up.
- 09:00am: Drive to the quarries.
- 10:10am: Stop at the Zamacola viewpoint, where you’ll see three volcanoes.
- 10:30am: Arrival at the quarries and start of the guided exploration.
- 10:50am: Hands-on interaction with sillar and learning about the stone.
- 11:50am: Visit to the Virgen de Culebrillas Quarry, where you’ll see wall carvings.
- 12:20pm: Return to the city center.
Prices
The price of a Sillar Route tour typically ranges from $13 to $23 USD, making it one of the most budget-friendly tours in Arequipa. The final cost depends on whether you choose a shared or private tour.
Frequently asked questions about the Sillar Route
How much does a taxi cost from downtown to the quarries?
The approximate cost of a taxi from Arequipa’s Historic Center to the Añashuayco quarries is S/ 30 to S/ 50 per ride, depending on your pick-up point, traffic, and whether it’s a licensed taxi or an app-based ride. On organized tours, transportation is already included.
Is it suitable for kids and seniors?
Yes. The Sillar Route is suitable for kids and seniors, since the walk is short and easy.
Can you visit the Sillar Route and Misti Volcano on the same day?
It’s not the most recommended option.
The Sillar Route takes about 3 to 4 hours, while a visit or climb to Misti Volcano requires half a day or even 1–2 days, depending on the type of tour.
Are there restaurants near the quarries?
There are no tourist restaurants inside the quarries.
However, in nearby areas like Cerro Colorado or back in Arequipa you’ll find local and traditional restaurants. On organized tours, the guide usually recommends lunch options after the visit.
We’ll be happy to see you on your next stop in Peru!
