Sillar Route (Ruta del Sillar)

The basics

Most people visit the Sillar Route on half-day tours from Arequipa, which include guide services and transportation between sites. Tours typically visit sillar quarries to see stonemasons at work and the massive carvings they create, often directly into the cliffs, plus learn about the extraction and production for sillar blocks. Some tours also visit local towns where you can see how sillar has been used in local buildings; itineraries vary between tours, so it’s worth checking what is included before booking.

Things to know before you go

• The Sillar Route is a must for those interested in geology and architecture.

• Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.

• The Ruta de Sillar is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How to get there

Most travelers visit the Sillar Route with a guided tour that starts in Arequipa; most tours offer round-trip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The drive from Arequipa to the sillar quarries is typically around 30 minutes.

When to get there

The best time to visit the Sillar Route is first thing in the morning, when temperatures are a bit cooler—this is especially important if you visit during the summer months. Avoid visiting between January and March, when Arequipa gets a lot of rain.

Yanahuara

A short drive north from the historic center of Arequipa, the residential neighborhood of Yanahuara is a lovely place to take in views of the surrounding countryside, particularly from its popular viewpoint. You'll also find lots of great examples of sillar structures here. If you’re into architecture, it’s worth spending some time wandering around the area on foot.