What exactly is sillar and why is it important to Arequipa?

Sillar is a white or cream-colored volcanic stone quarried near Arequipa. It's the primary building material for the city's colonial-era monuments, temples, mansions, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, earning Arequipa the nickname 'the White City.'

Will I see artisans actively working during the tour?

Yes, the tour includes visits to working workshops and quarries where master stonemasons hand-cut and shape sillar. The level of activity depends on the day, but you'll see the traditional techniques and tools used in the craft.

How long is the tour and what's the pace?

The tour runs 4 hours. You'll travel by minivan between sites, with stops for walking and observation at quarries, workshops, and scenic viewpoints. It's moderately paced, suitable for most fitness levels.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven quarry ground. Bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a light jacket for early morning or shade, and a camera. Water is recommended due to the desert environment.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, though children should be comfortable walking on rocky terrain and spending time in an open, hot environment. Quarries are generally safe for visitors, but supervision is advised near active work areas.

Will the tour help me understand Arequipa's architecture better?

Absolutely. By seeing where and how sillar is extracted and crafted, you'll gain insight into the material and labor behind Arequipa's famous colonial buildings. Many guides reference specific landmarks visible from the tour route.

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The Sillar Route in Arequipa

(5)

Arequipa, Peru

Cultural ToursBus & Minivan Tours

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About this activity

Explore the volcanic quarries and artisan workshops that have supplied the iconic white sillar stone to Arequipa's colonial architecture for centuries. This 4-hour route takes you beyond the city to meet master stonemasons and witness how this distinctive material shapes the 'White City's' UNESCO heritage.

The Sillar Route Day Tour is a fantastic opportunity to know where the sillar comes from, and is the main material of monuments, temples and mansions of Arequipa city, also known as the White City. We will visit impressive streams, admiring unique desert landscapes, and we will have the opportunity to see how the expert masters process this material of volcanic nature. Do not miss the opportunity to take a different tour!

Highlights

✓Visit active sillar quarries in the desert landscape surrounding Arequipa
✓Watch expert craftspeople hand-cut and shape volcanic stone
✓Learn how sillar became the defining material of Arequipa's monuments and mansions
✓See dramatic desert scenery and geological formations
✓Understand the cultural and architectural significance of this unique building material

Insider tips

★Bring a camera with good zoom—the quarry work and desert vistas are photogenic from a distance
★Go in the morning to avoid intense afternoon heat in the open quarry landscape
★Ask artisans about specific commissions; many have worked on Arequipa's famous landmarks
★Wear sturdy shoes; quarry ground is uneven and can be rocky

Good to know

•Tour duration is 4 hours; bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
•Operated by minivan; suitable for most mobility levels, though quarry sites involve some walking on uneven terrain
•Pickup and drop-off details (including hotel pickup) typically confirmed after booking
•Lunch not included; light snacks or water recommended

Who it's for

Architecture and heritage enthusiastsCultural explorers interested in traditional craftsPhotography-focused travellersVisitors wanting an off-the-beaten-path perspective on Arequipa

Best time to visit

Visit in the dry season (May–September) for clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Early morning departures offer the best light for photography and cooler conditions in the open quarries.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

Hugo N.

Jun 2026

our guide Hana was brilliant and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and ideal with kids (ours are 6 and 9), and 6 stops in about 3 hours, no joke

Lucy L.

Sep 2025

our guide Nadia couldnt do enough for us and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight. Booked it for my birthday so it wasnt too busy. Good as a half-day option, and ran the full 4 hours promised, and ran the full 4 hours promised. Would book again no question.

Alex R.

Aug 2025

our guide Sofia was brilliant and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and booked it for my birthday.

Sofia J.

Aug 2025

our guide Jonas really knew their stuff and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight, and blew our Bali one out of the water.

Zoe E.

Jul 2025

our guide Jonas had so many stories and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and for our anniversary.

from€20.51/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

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