Sixty-year-old Eusebio Nunez a master quarryman smiles. His weathered hands hold a chisel. He’s shaping a block of sillar. Welcome to the Ruta del Sillar Arequipa’s stunning volcanic rock route.
This isn’t just any quarry. It’s a journey through history. The sillar the whitish-pink volcanic rock you see building Arequipa is sourced right here. For centuries Arequipa the White City has stood proud. Its buildings are testaments to the sillar’s strength and beauty. The sillar’s lightness softness and porosity made it the perfect building material for the region’s frequent earthquakes.
The Ruta del Sillar a project by CIED showcases these quarries. It’s a way to increase tourism and share the sillar’s story. The route spans several districts. It includes Añashuayco ravine home to seven of Arequipa’s seventeen active quarries.
Notice the replica of the Church of the Company of Jesus carved into the ravine wall. It’s a breathtaking sight a tribute to Arequipa’s architectural heritage. Master quarrymen like Eusebio continue the tradition. They use basic tools to shape the sillar by hand. Each large slab earns him just 6 soles a testament to the dedication and skill involved. The demand for sillar though reduced by factory production still exists. New towns in the Arequipa region require this unique material.
Beyond the quarries lies the Quebrada de Culebrillas. This otherworldly path winds through volcanic rock. Water and wind have sculpted these formations over time. Here you won’t find sillar extraction. The area’s purity preserves petroglyphs. These ancient carvings dating back to the Wari period offer a glimpse into the past. They show snakes and condors evidence of the region’s rich biodiversity.
The Ruta del Sillar is more than just a tour. It’s a journey through time. It’s a tribute to skilled artisans. It’s a connection to Arequipa’s unique identity. Take a moment to appreciate the sillar’s story. Feel the weight of history under your feet.