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Machu Picchu is consistently the #1 travel destination in the world, why? The answer is simple: the experience is fascinating and unique.
You're not just driving up to the overlook, getting out of the car, and taking some pictures; you are traveling deep into South America, into the heart of the Andes. Stumbling upon the lost city of the Incas is only part of the journey.
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu is a dream for many people, but the planning can be a bit overwhelming. We've created some sample itineraries to give you a starting point for planning, and we're here to help with whatever you need. From booking hotels or airport transfers, let FLY CUSCO PERU TRAVEL AGENCY take care of all your logistics. They cover routes we've found to work particularly well and feature some of our favorite places to stay.
The former capital of the mighty Inca empire, the Peruvian city of Cusco, is a fabulous base from which to explore fascinating archaeological and historical sites, as well as enjoy time in nature. While the city has much to be proud of, much of the area's charm can be found beyond the city limits.
Here are some of the best day trips to do from Cusco for a fabulous Peruvian adventure.
4 hours
US$30
Arequipa/Arequipa
Start / End:
Traditional/Cultura
Travel Style:
Accommodation:
Easy
Activity level:
15-20
Group size:
Start / End:
Travel Style:
Accommodation:
Activity level:
Group size:
Enjoy a very entertaining and detailed tour of the sillar quarries and explore the origin of the white stone that gives Arequipa its unique appearance, known as the white city.
SEE HOW IT IS
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
Discover the origin of Arequipa’s impressive architecture with this half-day tour of the sillar route. The Añashuayco quarries are located northeast of the city of Arequipa. The place originated more than three million years ago thanks to the intense pyroclastic and volcanic activity in the area. During the tour, you will see the place where hundreds of men extracted the white volcanic rock with which most of the most important buildings in Arequipa are built, including the cathedral and old mansions. Explore the site and learn about the process of extracting the white stone. This site also presents evidence of the presence of the Wari civilization, whose members carved various petroglyphs into the stone. The workers of the local quarry have inherited the knowledge of techniques of cutting, carving, and draw from their ancestors. At the end of the tour, you will be able to buy handmade crafts and souvenirs made from the white ashlar of Añashuayco. After the visit, you will be taken back to your accommodation in the city.
Quality and safety service
Transportation
What is the Sillar Route?
The Ruta del Sillar is a tourist route that takes place in the city of Arequipa. In this tourist tour, quarries are visited where these white blocks called Sillares are formed. The tour has been taking place since 2014, the year in which the stonemasons with the help of the NGO CIED inaugurated the tour with the elaboration of a carving made on the walls of the quarry in representation of the Church of the Company of Jesus
What is the ashlar?
The ashlar is a rectangular block carved on all sides with artisan instruments such as barrettes, chisels, combos, etc. The average dimensions of an ashlar are 50cm x 30cm x 20cm. The ashlar is composed of an igneous material called Ignimbrite (which means Rain of Fire) or Volcanic Tuff, this material was produced millions of years ago as a product of volcanic eruptions, but initially the Ignimbrite was made of a viscous compound similar to foam, that with the passage of millions of years hardened until it became a rock with which the ashlars are currently made.
Is the ashlar volcanic lava?
No, the ashlar is composed of volcanic tuff or ignimbrite, which is a very different compound from volcanic lava. It must be taken into account that volcanic tuff, like many other compounds, is produced by the effect of volcanic eruptions, which are often confused with volcanic lava.
What is the origin of Sillar?
At this point we have to talk about 2 things: 1.- Where the term Sillar comes from and 2.- Where Sillar began to be used. However, these questions you can ask our guide on the tour.
Does sillar only exist in Arequipa?
Sillar is composed of volcanic tuff, this tuff exists in many parts of Peru and the world, but only in Arequipa was it used to carve ashlars and build an entire city with them.
Will the sillar route tour visit all the sillar quarries?
In Arequipa we have more than 15 sillar quarries, on the tour we only visit the most important ones: La centara de cortadores (also called the Añashuayco quarry) and the Culebrillas quarry (which we will see from the upper part).
How many quarries are visited on the route to the sillar route?
We visited 2 of the more than 15 quarries that are in operation. The ones we visited are: Cantera de Cortadores (Añashuayco) and Cantera de CUlebrillas (we only see the quarries at the top because the main attraction of this quarry are the petroglyphs and the walk through a small canyon before reaching the petroglyphs).
Since when are Sillar quarries visited?
Since 2014, visits to this route have been promoted, however, the Sillar quarries have existed for a long time. We are talking about more than 100 years of ashlar exploitation, but only in the Añashuayco area. Previously, Sillar was formed in other quarries that are already populated in the districts of Mariano Melgar and Miraflores.
How far are the sillar quarries from the center of Arequipa?
The Añashuayco quarry is 30 minutes away. The Culebrillas quarry is located 1 hour from downtown Arequipa.
Who is a stonemason?
He is the person who carves the stone (volcanic tuff) to form the ashlars. Currently we can observe the work close to him in the Sillar quarries, they are the still alive culture of the area and probably the generation that we have in the quarries is one of the last. It is a task that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Does the sillar route tour include food?
Does not include food. However, in the place you can find a small kiosk where you can buy a snack such as a sandwich, cookies, water, etc. At the end of the tour, back to the center of Arequipa, we can leave you near a restaurant, we go down Army Avenue, near this avenue are the restaurants:
La Capitana: 2 blocks
La Nueva Palomino: 7 blocks
Sol de Mayo : 3 blocks
Are there restrooms on the Sillar route?
In the main quarry that is Añashuayco (which we will arrive 1 hour after the start of the tour) you can find bathrooms for men and women. Only in this place can you find hygienic services, because in Culebrillas, which we visited in the second part of the tour, the bathrooms are not enabled.
Is it very hot on the Sillar Route?
Yes, because of the white color of the ashlars, the heat feels strong in the quarries. We recommend you bring a hat, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In rainy seasons (January, February and part of March) the heat is greatly reduced.
Is it too high on the Sillar Route?
No, the height is practically the same as the one in the center of Arequipa. It has some elevation but not too much.
Is it advisable to go with children to the Ruta del Sillar?
Yes, the children will have a lot of fun in the quarries, there are many sculptures where they can take fun pictures.
Where do you pay for the entrance to the Ruta del Sillar?
The entrance is paid when you arrive at the Quarries in a control booth. However, to expedite our guide collects the tickets in the transport before arriving to be able to do the entry process quickly.
Where can I get crafts made in Sillar?
In the quarries there is a small kiosk where you can find a lot of handicrafts made in Sillar: Key rings, cigarette cases, glasses, sculptures, paper weights and even the replica of the Arequipa cathedral carved in Sillar.
PRICE: US$ 25 per person
All fees and charges are included
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with only two guests.
We like to think that we do tours a little differently than our competitors. We are up to our clients and we guarantee that we comply 100% with our prices and our departure dates in all our trips.
SEE HOW IT IS
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
Discover the origin of Arequipa’s impressive architecture with this half-day tour of the sillar route. The Añashuayco quarries are located northeast of the city of Arequipa. The place originated more than three million years ago thanks to the intense pyroclastic and volcanic activity in the area. During the tour, you will see the place where hundreds of men extracted the white volcanic rock with which most of the most important buildings in Arequipa are built, including the cathedral and old mansions. Explore the site and learn about the process of extracting the white stone. This site also presents evidence of the presence of the Wari civilization, whose members carved various petroglyphs into the stone. The workers of the local quarry have inherited the knowledge of techniques of cutting, carving, and draw from their ancestors. At the end of the tour, you will be able to buy handmade crafts and souvenirs made from the white ashlar of Añashuayco. After the visit, you will be taken back to your accommodation in the city.
Quality and safety service
Transportation
What is the Sillar Route?
The Ruta del Sillar is a tourist route that takes place in the city of Arequipa. In this tourist tour, quarries are visited where these white blocks called Sillares are formed. The tour has been taking place since 2014, the year in which the stonemasons with the help of the NGO CIED inaugurated the tour with the elaboration of a carving made on the walls of the quarry in representation of the Church of the Company of Jesus
What is the ashlar?
The ashlar is a rectangular block carved on all sides with artisan instruments such as barrettes, chisels, combos, etc. The average dimensions of an ashlar are 50cm x 30cm x 20cm. The ashlar is composed of an igneous material called Ignimbrite (which means Rain of Fire) or Volcanic Tuff, this material was produced millions of years ago as a product of volcanic eruptions, but initially the Ignimbrite was made of a viscous compound similar to foam, that with the passage of millions of years hardened until it became a rock with which the ashlars are currently made.
Is the ashlar volcanic lava?
No, the ashlar is composed of volcanic tuff or ignimbrite, which is a very different compound from volcanic lava. It must be taken into account that volcanic tuff, like many other compounds, is produced by the effect of volcanic eruptions, which are often confused with volcanic lava.
What is the origin of Sillar?
At this point we have to talk about 2 things: 1.- Where the term Sillar comes from and 2.- Where Sillar began to be used. However, these questions you can ask our guide on the tour.
Does sillar only exist in Arequipa?
Sillar is composed of volcanic tuff, this tuff exists in many parts of Peru and the world, but only in Arequipa was it used to carve ashlars and build an entire city with them.
Will the sillar route tour visit all the sillar quarries?
In Arequipa we have more than 15 sillar quarries, on the tour we only visit the most important ones: La centara de cortadores (also called the Añashuayco quarry) and the Culebrillas quarry (which we will see from the upper part).
How many quarries are visited on the route to the sillar route?
We visited 2 of the more than 15 quarries that are in operation. The ones we visited are: Cantera de Cortadores (Añashuayco) and Cantera de CUlebrillas (we only see the quarries at the top because the main attraction of this quarry are the petroglyphs and the walk through a small canyon before reaching the petroglyphs).
Since when are Sillar quarries visited?
Since 2014, visits to this route have been promoted, however, the Sillar quarries have existed for a long time. We are talking about more than 100 years of ashlar exploitation, but only in the Añashuayco area. Previously, Sillar was formed in other quarries that are already populated in the districts of Mariano Melgar and Miraflores.
How far are the sillar quarries from the center of Arequipa?
The Añashuayco quarry is 30 minutes away. The Culebrillas quarry is located 1 hour from downtown Arequipa.
Who is a stonemason?
He is the person who carves the stone (volcanic tuff) to form the ashlars. Currently we can observe the work close to him in the Sillar quarries, they are the still alive culture of the area and probably the generation that we have in the quarries is one of the last. It is a task that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Does the sillar route tour include food?
Does not include food. However, in the place you can find a small kiosk where you can buy a snack such as a sandwich, cookies, water, etc. At the end of the tour, back to the center of Arequipa, we can leave you near a restaurant, we go down Army Avenue, near this avenue are the restaurants:
La Capitana: 2 blocks
La Nueva Palomino: 7 blocks
Sol de Mayo : 3 blocks
Are there restrooms on the Sillar route?
In the main quarry that is Añashuayco (which we will arrive 1 hour after the start of the tour) you can find bathrooms for men and women. Only in this place can you find hygienic services, because in Culebrillas, which we visited in the second part of the tour, the bathrooms are not enabled.
Is it very hot on the Sillar Route?
Yes, because of the white color of the ashlars, the heat feels strong in the quarries. We recommend you bring a hat, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In rainy seasons (January, February and part of March) the heat is greatly reduced.
Is it too high on the Sillar Route?
No, the height is practically the same as the one in the center of Arequipa. It has some elevation but not too much.
Is it advisable to go with children to the Ruta del Sillar?
Yes, the children will have a lot of fun in the quarries, there are many sculptures where they can take fun pictures.
Where do you pay for the entrance to the Ruta del Sillar?
The entrance is paid when you arrive at the Quarries in a control booth. However, to expedite our guide collects the tickets in the transport before arriving to be able to do the entry process quickly.
Where can I get crafts made in Sillar?
In the quarries there is a small kiosk where you can find a lot of handicrafts made in Sillar: Key rings, cigarette cases, glasses, sculptures, paper weights and even the replica of the Arequipa cathedral carved in Sillar.
PRICE: US$ 25 per person
All fees and charges are included
This small group tour is guaranteed to operate with only two guests.
We like to think that we do tours a little differently than our competitors. We are up to our clients and we guarantee that we comply 100% with our prices and our departure dates in all our trips.
From: USD 30
Our 2-day tour of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with Fly Cusco Peru was an experience that exceeded all our expectations...
Travel as I want
October 08, 2023
Very good service and attention. Impeccable and very comfortable logistics. The company's guide was very knowledgeable and allowed me to observe many things that I would have missed if I had not gone with him...
David G
October 04, 2023
This experience has been unmatched, the service they gave us was more than great and professional and the guides, not to mention super good and professional, I always recommend this place, pure life!!...
Natho F
September 25, 2023
