Visit to Yanahuara

The tour will begin with a pick-up from your hotel in Arequipa or the Plaza de Armas at 9:00am. We will head to Yanahuara, one of the most picturesque districts in the city.

Once there, we are going to explore the main square and admire the stunning panoramic views of Arequipa. The 19th-century stone arches are made of Sillar, offering a great photo spot with the Misti volcano in the background. The peaceful environment and colonial architecture will give us a glimpse of the city’s past.

Travel to Cerro Colorado

From Yanahuara, we will drive to Cerro Colorado at 10:00am, home to the renowned Añashuayco Quarries. These quarries are still in use today, providing Sillar for construction projects. At the quarries, skilled artisans will demonstrate the ancient techniques of Sillar extraction and carving. We will observe how Sillar blocks are extracted using simple tools like chisels, hammers, and picks.

We are going to have the chance to witness the impressive carved facade of the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. This monumental sculpture, created directly on a cliff face, showcases remarkable skill and precision.

Walk Through Quebrada de Culebrillas

Next, we will take a short 20-minute walk through the Quebrada de Culebrillas, a narrow and mysterious ravine. The canyon, shaped by wind and water erosion, offers breathtaking views of untouched rock formations. As we walk, we will admire the petroglyphs that line the walls of the canyon. 

These ancient carvings are believed to date back more than 1,000 years. The combination of natural beauty and history will leave you with a sense of awe and wonder.

Return to Arequipa

After exploring Quebrada de Culebrillas, we will return to Arequipa. The journey back will give us time to reflect on the amazing sites and experiences of the day. We will arrive at the city center or your hotel by 2:00 PM.

Day’s Statistics

• Total Distance Covered: 30 km (18.6 miles)
• Highest Altitude: 2,800 m (9,186 ft) – Añashuayco Quarries
• Lowest Altitude: 2,300 m (7,546 ft) – Arequipa City
• Route Type: Circular (Hotel – Yanahuara – Cerro Colorado – Quebrada de Culebrillas – Arequipa)
• Difficulty Level: Easy – Short walks on uneven terrain in the quarry and canyon