Sillar Route

At A&R Peru Travel, we design experiences that reveal not only landscapes but also the stories carved into them. Just outside of Arequipa lies the Sillar Route, a fascinating journey into the quarries where the city’s iconic white volcanic stone—known as sillar—has been extracted and worked for centuries.

This half-day adventure takes you into the birthplace of the “White City.” Here, among towering walls of volcanic rock, you will walk through quarries that are still active today, witnessing the enduring techniques of local stonemasons. With skill passed down through generations, they transform raw blocks of sillar into arches, columns, and intricate carvings that have given Arequipa its distinctive architectural identity.

Each block of stone carries within it a story: the story of volcanoes that once erupted with fire and ash, shaping the valley’s geology; the story of craftsmanship, where patience and precision breathe life into rock; and the story of Arequipa itself, a city whose UNESCO-recognized beauty has been molded by both nature and human creativity.

But the Sillar Route is far more than a quarry—it is also an open-air museum. As you explore, you will encounter monumental carvings, artistic reliefs that blend history and myth, and striking walls that reveal the layers of volcanic eruptions from thousands of years ago. All of this is framed by the magnificent silhouettes of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes, guardians of the valley that remind visitors of the land’s powerful origins.

This tour is more than a glimpse into geology or architecture—it is an encounter with identity, offering a perspective of Arequipa that goes beyond its streets and plazas. By visiting the Sillar Route, you will uncover the essence of the White City, where every stone speaks of resilience, artistry, and the timeless dialogue between humans and nature.