Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon

Explore the Origins of the "White City": Ancient Quarries, Master Stonemasons, and Mystical Canyons.

From $39 per person · Full Day
5.0 · 8 reviews on TripAdvisor Official agency · ESNNA Code “Everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.”
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 1
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 2
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 3
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 4
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 5
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 6
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 7
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 8
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 9
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 10
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 11
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 12
Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon — photo 13
Activity Level
Easy
Tour Type
Adventure

Your Private Tour, At a Glance:

  • Duration ~4 Hours (Half Day).

  • Start Time Flexible (Morning: 07:00 AM | Afternoon: 02:00 PM).

  • Strategic Focus Geology, Craftsmanship, Photography & History.

  • Key Note A visually stunning journey into the white volcanic stone that built Arequipa.

  • Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate (Walking on uneven terrain in the quarry and canyon).

  • Group Size 100% Private (Your family/pod only).

  • Languages Native English & Spanish.

  • Highlights ‍ Añashuayco Quarry, Stone Carving Demo, Culebrillas Canyon Petroglyphs.

Highlights

  • Arequipa

Focus

  • Living Culture & Traditions

Overview:

Detailed tour information

Detailed Itinerary

Private Sillar Route Tour: Añashuayco Quarry & Culebrillas Canyon

Day 1

From Quarry to Canyon

Step 1: Private Hotel Pickup

Your private driver and guide collect you from your Arequipa hotel. We drive north of the city (approx. 35 mins) towards the volcanic zone near Chachani.

Step 2: The White Canyon (Añashuayco Quarry)

We arrive at the massive Añashuayco Quarry. The sheer walls of white ignimbrite (volcanic stone) rise up around you, creating a dramatic, sun-drenched landscape.

  • The Craft: Watch live demonstrations by local stonemasons who extract and carve the sillar blocks. Learn how they split the rock without modern machinery.
  • The Art: Admire intricate carvings and sculptures created directly into the quarry walls, including replicas of the Church of the Company of Jesus façade.

Step 3: The Mystical Canyon (Quebrada de Culebrillas)

A short drive takes us to Culebrillas, a completely different landscape. This narrow, unworked canyon was formed by water and wind erosion.

  • The Hike: We take a gentle walk through the winding, curving walls of the canyon. The light and shadow play here is a photographer's dream.
  • The History: Discover ancient Wari petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls, evidence that this was a sacred path long before the Spanish arrived.

Step 4: Return to Arequipa

After exploring the natural and cultural roots of the city, your private transport returns you to your hotel, leaving you with the rest of the day free.

Pricing
From $39 per person · Full Day

Group Size

Travelers Price* (USD)
1 Pax $131/ person
2 Pax $71/ person
3 Pax $55/ person
4 Pax $43/ person
5 Pax $39/ person
6+ Pax $39/ person
Inclusions
What's Included
  • 100% Private Service: Exclusive vehicle and driver.
  • Expert Guide: Professional English/Spanish speaking guide.
  • Entrance Fees: Tickets to Añashuayco Quarry and Culebrillas Canyon.
  • Door-to-Door: Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.
  • ‍Cultural Interaction: Direct meeting with local stone carvers.
Not Included
  • Gratuities: Tips for your guide, driver, and the stonemasons (optional but appreciated).
  • Meals: Snacks and drinks are not included.
  • ‍Souvenirs: Small stone carvings are available for purchase from the artisans.
What to bring
Recommendations
  • Sun Glare: The white stone reflects the sun intensely. High-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are mandatory to avoid sunburn and eye strain.
  • Footwear: The ground in the quarry is dusty and uneven (loose gravel). Wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots; avoid open-toed sandals.
  • Best Time: The morning tour (7:00 AM) avoids the strongest heat and often has clearer skies for volcano views. The afternoon tour (2:00 PM) offers beautiful warm light for photography in the canyon.
  • Dust Protection: It can be dusty, especially if it's windy. A light scarf or buff is useful.
Frequently asked questions

Clearing Your Doubts

Is there a lot of hiking involved?

The walking is rated "Easy to Moderate." In the quarry, it's mostly flat but on uneven, rocky ground. In Culebrillas, we walk through a narrow canyon for about 20-30 minutes. It is not a strenuous hike, but good balance is helpful.

Can children do this tour?

Yes, kids love it! The quarry feels like a giant sandbox, and Culebrillas feels like an adventure maze. It's very interactive and visual.

Is it safe to visit the quarry?

Yes, we visit safe, designated areas for tourists. The stonemasons are professionals and accustomed to visitors.

Can I buy art from the masons?

Absolutely. Many carvers sell small replicas of bulls, churches, or mortars made of sillar. It’s a great way to support their traditional livelihood directly.

Terms & Conditions

Please read the following Terms and Conditions carefully, as they constitute a legal agreement between you and True Peru Experience.

1. Reservations and Payment Policy

  • Booking Confirmation: A reservation is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit (e.g., 50%).
  • Transaction Fees: Our prices do not include transaction fees (e.g., credit card, PayPal, bank transfers). The client is responsible for covering these fees (e.g., a 5% surcharge may apply for card payments).
  • Final Payment: The remaining balance must be paid [e.g., 30 days before the tour start date, or in cash (USD or Soles) during the pre-tour briefing].

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy

  • Cancellation by the Client: Cancellations must be submitted in writing. The following penalties apply:
  • [e.g., 30+] days before the tour: Refund minus non-refundable items and transaction fees.
  • [e.g., 15-29] days before the tour: 50% penalty of the total tour cost.
  • Less than [e.g., 14] days before the tour: 100% penalty (Non-refundable).
  • No-Show: If the client fails to appear at the agreed time and location (a "No-Show"), the service is considered rendered, and no refund will apply.
  • Non-Refundable Items: Certain items are 100% non-transferable and non-refundable under any circumstances. These include:
  • Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
  • Inca Trail permits.
  • Train tickets.
  • Domestic flights.

3. Force Majeure (Uncontrollable Events)

  • Definition: True Peru Experience assumes no responsibility for itinerary changes, delays, or cancellations caused by events outside of our control.
  • Events Included: These include, but are not limited to: strikes, social protests, road blockades, extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, or unexpected changes in government regulations.
  • Our Commitment: In such events, our team will make all reasonable efforts to adapt the itinerary or find safe alternatives. However, monetary refunds will not be provided for services lost due to these events.

4. Responsibility and Insurance (Liability)

  • Travel Insurance (Required): We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and baggage loss. Our prices do NOT include insurance.
  • Health and Fitness: The client declares they are in adequate physical and health condition for the tour purchased.
  • Assumption of Risk: For adventure tours (trekking, Via Ferrata, etc.), the client acknowledges the inherent risks and participates at their own risk.
  • Itinerary Modification: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary for operational, climatic, or safety reasons, always in the best interest of the client.
Email us at:
sales@trueperuexperience.com
Phone:
+51 951 779 027
WhatsApp
+51 951 779 027
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Machu Picchu Tour

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The one-day tour to Machu Picchu is well organized and the scenic train is lovely. The guide was friendly and explained everything well during the visit. I felt the time inside Machu Picchu was a bit tight to take it all in calmly, but I understand there's a set time limit for visitors. Overall, it met my expectations.

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Excellent service

Date of experience:September 2025

It was a refreshing experience to explore the history and landscapes over these four days — every destination, from Moray to Ollantaytambo, left us wanting to learn more. Machu Picchu was without a doubt the highlight, though at times it was quite crowded, which made it a little harder to enjoy peacefully — still, everything was made easy to manage. Totally worth it!

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With True Peru Experience, more than just a trip to the Sacred Valley

Date of experience:September 2025

A unique experience in the Sacred Valley! The artisan market and the archaeological site were truly memorable thanks to our guide's work and comfortable, hassle-free transport. Thank you to True Peru Experience for turning this trip into pure enjoyment! We look forward to taking other destinations with their guidance.

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The experience was calm and very enriching, since they were with me from the very beginning — I felt I could count on them at every moment. This trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu was completely worth it; I'll be back with the whole family and will use their services again!

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5 out of 5 stars

A different and relaxing experience🙂‍↕️

Date of experience:August 2025

We took the valley tour with an outdoor picnic and the views were stunning! The peacefulness of the place made everything feel so different and special! The only thing was that time flew by — we would have liked to stay a bit longer to enjoy the scenery in the evening light. Still, it was totally worth it and I'd recommend it for anyone looking for something different and peaceful near Cusco.

valerhy c

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Eric Gardener
5 out of 5 stars

Great experience.

Date of experience:July 2025

The 5-day tour was really great overall. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the private city tour of Cusco was a great way to get oriented. Visiting Moray and Maras with the picnic was a unique experience, and seeing Machu Picchu was definitely a highlight. The full-day hike to Vinicunca was tough but rewarding, though I wish there had been a bit more time to rest afterward. Still, the trip was well organized and comfortable, and I would definitely recommend it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Sacred Valley

Date of experience:July 2025

I just returned from an incredible 7-day private tour with this agency, and I can’t recommend them highly enough! From the very first moment, everything was perfectly organized, professional, and personalized.The itinerary included the City Tour of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray — each destination was breathtaking and our guide made the history and culture come alive in such an engaging way. Every detail was taken care of, which made the whole trip stress-free and enjoyable.The highlight for me was definitely the Andean picnic. It was such a unique and magical experience, surrounded by stunning landscapes while enjoying delicious local food. Truly unforgettable!If you are looking for a private, top-quality, and memorable experience in Cusco, this is the agency to book with. Their passion for what they do really shows, and they made my trip one I’ll never forget.

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Chicago, Illinois

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