All you need to know about the Sillar Route in Arequipa

There are few cities in the world like Arequipa that have the privilege of providing an architectural landscape as unique as it is impressive. The construction of its mansions, monuments, temples and, in general, the vast majority of buildings that surround the historic center have the sillar as their main protagonist: white lava stone from the volcanoes whose special shine has given this city the distinctive of ' White City'.

Nowadays, there is a tourist circuit called the Sillar Route where you can witness the entire process of extraction and carving in detail of this mineral. The tour is complemented by visits to amazing natural settings whose geological formation is also due to this precious rock. An experience that, without a doubt, you cannot miss.

The quarries of sillar

With an extension of 2 km in length, the Sillar Route  is one of the greatest attractions of the region. The visit is organized by the Center for Investigation, Education and Development of Arequipa (CIED) and includes walks to the quarries of Añashuayco, Cortadores and Culebrillas, located on the outskirts of the city. The tour includes continuous walks up to 40 minutes long.

In these places, the visitor will be amazed by the number of sculptures, shields, utensils and many other pieces of sillar. One of the most visited sites is the Sillar Rosado, a canyon that, thanks to the particular combination of sand, rock, sillar and the effects of sunlight, reflects a captivating pink color on its structures. Because of its narrow ground, the experience of crossing it makes one feel like the character of Indiana Jones. The walk is complemented by a demonstration of cutting and carving of sillar blocks by local sculptors.

Another spot is the Culebrillas Quarry. Here, travelers will take a walk through the interior of the ravine and will contemplate figures engraved on cliffs over 30 meters high belonging to the Wari culture. At the end of the tour, it is possible to buy the precious artistic works made of sillar.

How to get there?

The cost of a land ticket from Lima to Arequipa is 80 soles and the trip lasts approximately 16 hours. To get to the Sillar Route, you must take a bus in La curva, located in front of the Plaza Norte shopping center, in the White City. The price is 15 soles per person. The entrance to this route has a cost of 5 soles.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes to take the walks calmly and without difficulties. Most of the trails are rocky and steep, so wear slip-resistant shoes.

Detail:

Sillar stone is a volcanic sediment made up of ash and lapilli, which are small fragments of lava expelled during volcanic eruptions. The use of this material dates back to pre-Inca times and lasted over time thanks to its lightness, softness and plasticity. These characteristics inspired men to sculpt Hispanic and indigenous figures.

Sources: Andina / La República / Redbus / El Comercio

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