This Colca Canyon & Sillar Route | full-day tour | lets you explore two of Arequipa’s main attractions in a single day. It starts early with a trip to the imposing Colca Canyon, where you can admire the majestic flight of the Andean condor from the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint and visit charming towns like Chivay, Yanque, and Maca.
Then, in the afternoon, we explore the fascinating Sillar Route, touring active quarries in Añashuayco and the mystical Culebrillas Canyon, where you’ll discover Arequipa’s volcanic history carved in stone. An experience that combines nature, living culture, and Arequipa’s architectural heritage in a single, exciting day.
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ITINERARY
🗺️ Detailed Itinerary: Colca Canyon & Sillar Route Tour | Full Day
1. Pickup from your hotel in Arequipa
We start the day with an early pickup from your accommodation. We depart for the Colca Canyon, crossing unique Andean landscapes and picturesque villages.
2. Breakfast in Chivay (3,600 m above sea level)
We stop to enjoy a traditional Andean breakfast and prepare for a visit to the valley’s most famous viewpoint.
3. Cruz del Cóndor Viewpoint
We arrive at this emblematic point in the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. We observe the majestic flight of the Andean condor and admire the landscape of pre-Inca terraces.
4. Tour of traditional villages
We visit the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, where you can appreciate colonial churches, typical plazas, and learn more about the local culture.
5. Return to Chivay and visit to hot springs (optional)
Before returning, you can relax in the hot springs of La Calera (optional entrance). Then, lunch is free in Chivay.
6. Return to Arequipa
We begin the return journey, passing by the volcano viewpoint (Patapampa – 4,900 m above sea level) and the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, where you can observe vicuñas and alpacas.
🪨 Second part of the tour: Sillar Route
1. Start of the Sillar Route from Arequipa
We continue with the second part of the tour heading to the Sillar Route, in the Añashuayco area.
2. Canyons and Sillar Quarries
We explore the living quarries where the white sillar that shaped Arequipa’s historic center is still extracted. You’ll learn about the ancient carving process and see impressive sculptures carved from volcanic rock.
3. Culebrillas Canyon
We visit this narrow natural sillar canyon with pre-Hispanic petroglyphs and a stunning setting. A magical place that blends history, geology, and landscape.
4. Return to downtown Arequipa
End of the tour. We’ll drop you off at your hotel or in the historic center.
INCLUDES
✅ What’s included in the tour?
- Pickup from your hotel in Arequipa
- Tourist transportation throughout the tour
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Breakfast in Chivay
- Sillar Route
- First aid kit
DOES NOT INCLUDE
❌ What’s not included?
- Admission to hot springs (optional)
- Lunch in Chivay
- Entrance to the Colca Canyon (Tourist Ticket – BTC)
- Tips or personal expenses
RECOMMENDATIONS
📝 Recommendations
- Bring warm, light clothing (the weather varies greatly)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Camera or cell phone with a good battery
- Cash for local purchases
- Adjust to the altitude (altitudes exceed 4,800 m above sea level)
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is it tiring to do both routes in one day?
The tour is designed for active travelers. It covers long distances, but with breaks and stunning scenery that make it bearable.
Can I do only one of the two routes?
Yes, there are options for just the Colca Canyon or just the Sillar Route. This tour combines both for a more complete experience.
Is the condor flight guaranteed?
Sightings depend on weather and seasonal factors, but the chances are high in the early morning hours.
