Discover the origin of the White City on a fascinating experience through the Ashlar Route. Tour the impressive volcanic stone quarries that gave life to the architecture of Arequipa, learn about the work of the master stonemasons, and venture into the mysterious Culebrillas Canyon, where ancient petroglyphs and spectacular natural landscapes will transport you to the history of the Andes.
The experience begins at our meeting point, from where we will depart for the traditional Yanahuara Vantage Point, one of the most iconic places in Arequipa. From here, you'll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, the guardians of the White City.
We will continue to the Añashuayco Quarry, an impressive ashlar quarry that is still in activity. Its huge walls of white volcanic rock, up to 30 meters high, form a spectacular natural canyon where you'll learn about the process of extracting and carving the ashlar from the master stonemasons, who keep a centuries-old tradition alive.
We'll then head to the Culebrillas Canyon, a former natural quarry where we'll take a hike of approximately 20 minutes. During the tour, we'll admire its geological formations and discover mysterious petroglyphs carved into the rock walls, a legacy of ancient cultures that inhabited the region.
Before returning to the city, we'll make a short stop to see the traditional Apachetas, stone mounds built as an offering to the Pachamama by travelers since pre-Inca times. These structures represent one of the most important ancestral customs of the Andes and convey a unique atmosphere of spirituality and connection with nature.
Enjoy a different experience and discover why Arequipa is known worldwide as the White City, exploring the landscapes, history, and traditions that gave rise to its architectural heritage.
