Discover the ancient art of sillar stone quarrying on the Ruta de Sillar + Culebrillas tour. This journey takes you through the volcanic stone quarries that have been crucial in building the iconic white city of Arequipa. Learn about the traditional methods still used today and explore the historical and cultural significance of this unique craft.

What to expect on the Ruta de Sillar + Culebrillas tour

The Ruta de Sillar and Culebrillas tour is a fascinating excursion that gives insight into the traditional stone quarrying that has shaped Arequipa’s architecture. The tour offers a mix of cultural history, hands-on demonstrations, and natural beauty. You’ll see skilled artisans at work, carving the sillar stone that is a hallmark of the region’s colonial buildings.

The Ruta de Sillar are deeply intertwined with the history and culture of Arequipa, known as the “White City” due to its many buildings made from sillar stone. This pale volcanic rock is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides excellent insulation, keeping buildings cool under the fierce Andean sun. The quarries themselves are fascinating, with vast walls of white stone that have been carved into for centuries. Each quarry tells a story of traditional techniques passed down through generations, preserving the cultural heritage of Arequipa.

Artisans working in these quarries use methods that have changed little over time, demonstrating skill and precision with basic tools. The Ruta de Sillar also offers a glimpse into the natural forces that created this landscape, with the area around Arequipa rich in volcanic activity. Exploring the quarries provides a connection to the earth’s power and the human ingenuity that has shaped it into a symbol of regional identity.