Sillar Quarry Tour – Arequipa

"Crafts are the voice of a people, the echo of their history, and the magic of their hands."

From:

45 $

/ per person

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Sillar Quarry Arequipa

Discover the Sillar Route in Arequipa and immerse yourself in a unique experience that combines history, culture, and adventure. Explore the origin of Arequipa's nickname as "The White City" and learn about the ancestral use of sillar, a volcanic stone known as ignimbrite, in the construction of iconic houses, churches, and mansions. This tour will take you through the sillar extraction process, showing you how these blocks are carved and allowing you to get up close to the stonemasons who keep this tradition alive from generation to generation.

Capture stunning photographs at the sillar quarries, where the region’s unique landscapes will take your breath away. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unforgettable adventure. Book your spot on our Sillar Route tour and enjoy a journey filled with learning and natural beauty, exclusive to this part of Peru.

AVAILABILITY & BOOKING

Book your Humantay Lake trip online through our availability calendar. We offer daily departures, and you can reserve your spot up to one day in advance.
The tour includes hotel pickup between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and return to downtown Cusco at around 6:30 p.m. Vegetarian, vegan, and special diet options are available upon request.
For changes or cancellations, please contact us directly.

Route map showing the one-day hike to Humantay Lake from Cusco

Duration: Full day

Min group: 2 passengers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Period:

All year round

Short itinerary – Sillar Quarries – Arequipa

Day 1: Arequipa – Sillar Route.

Complete itinerary – Sillar Quarries – Arequipa

Day 1

Sillar Quarries

Arequipa – Sillar Route

Discover the iconic Sillar Route, a tourist itinerary full of history and living traditions. This tour begins with a stop at the historic main square of the Cayma district, perfect for capturing memorable photographs alongside the majestic local church.

The journey continues to the Añashuayco Quarry, which we will reach after a 35-minute drive. This active site allows us to observe the stonemasons working from early morning, extracting sillar that forms impressive cliffs several meters high. Here, you will learn about the history and process of sillar production, as well as its continued use over time. Notable is an impressive Megatallado of the Church of the Company, a masterpiece created by the stonemasons themselves.

Next, we will head to the Quebrada de Culebrillas, located just 20 minutes from Añashuayco. From there, we will embark on a 20-minute walk through a canyon formed by the watercourse, with walls reaching 15 to 20 meters in height that rise as we advance. The trek culminates with the discovery of ancient petroglyphs left by the Wari culture over a thousand years ago. Before returning, we will have the chance to admire the Apachetas, stone stacks symbolizing gratitude to nature and attracting good fortune, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled mysticism.

Join our Sillar Route tour and experience an unforgettable adventure where history and culture come to life before your eyes. Book now and immerse yourself in a journey through time and tradition.

Arequipa (2350 m)

Shared vehicle for the group
Spanish-speaking guide
Entrance to the places visited

Accommodation is guaranteed for most travel dates, but it may be replaced by another hotel of the same category.

What does your trip with Tierras de los Andes include?

The price includes:

1. Shared vehicle for the tour:
Travel comfortably and safely, with the punctuality that defines us, in authorized vehicles driven by experienced drivers and complying with all safety measures throughout the journey.

2. Hotel pick-up:
We will pick you up directly from your accommodation at a previously scheduled time, which will be communicated to you in advance for greater comfort and punctuality, avoiding unnecessary transfers and travel inconveniences.

3. Entrance to Humantay Lake:
The official entrance ticket is included, so you can enjoy this impressive natural destination without additional costs or procedures.

4. Spanish-speaking guide:
Permanent assistance from a specialized guide who will accompany you throughout the entire route, sharing the history, culture, and secrets of the Andean path.

5. All activities mentioned in the program:
Participate in each of the activities described in the program, with no hidden costs or surprises.

6. Breakfast and lunch:
Our chef prepares each meal in the mountains. We respect all dietary preferences (vegetarian or vegan). If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform us in advance so we can avoid those ingredients and ensure you enjoy carefully prepared meals made with local and natural products—perfect for recharging your energy during the adventure.

The price does not include:

1. Beverages:
Drinks not specified in the program.

2. Travel insurance:
We recommend having personal travel insurance for greater peace of mind during the tour.

3. Tips and recommendations:
Please remember to bring only the necessary personal belongings for the trip and leave what you do not need at the hotel.
Do not forget to avoid leaving any trash at the archaeological site.

Before you Go

Prepare for an unforgettable experience in the Andes. Before beginning your adventure, please take a moment to review the essential details below. These recommendations will help ensure a smooth, safe and enjoyable journey to lake Humantay and the surrounding region.

Travel Preparation & Briefing

The evening before your tour, our team will contact you to reconfirm pick-up times, meeting points and any last-minute updates. We will also provide a short briefing with practical recommendations on altitude, hydration, clothing and safety during the hike.

If you need assistance coordinating transportation to your hotel or arranging additional services, please let us know in advance — we are here to support your entire travel experience.

Health, Altitude & Physical Condition

The Humantay hike reaches high elevations, so we recommend arriving in Cusco 1–2 days before the tour to acclimatize properly.

Stay hydrated before and during the excursion.
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol the day prior to the hike.
If you take altitude medication, follow your doctor’s instructions.
The hike requires a moderate physical effort; take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Should you feel unwell at any point, inform our guide immediately. Our team is trained in first response and will assist you with care.

Luggage & Personal Items

Please bring only the essentials for the day:

Small backpack (water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, extra layers).
Warm clothing for early morning hours and lightweight clothing for the hike.
Cash for optional expenses (toilets, horse rentals, snacks in local communities).
Personal identification and travel insurance information.

Larger luggage can be safely stored at your hotel in Cusco. If you require special storage, please coordinate with us.

Pick-Up & Return to Cusco

Pick-ups begin early in the morning (between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m.) due to the travel distance.
For hotels located in the historic center, we offer direct pick-up.
For accommodations outside the center or in narrow streets, we will assign the nearest safe meeting point.

At the end of the tour, you will be transported back to Cusco and dropped off near your hotel or at a central location depending on traffic conditions.

Weather & Mountain Conditions

The Andean climate can vary throughout the day. We recommend bringing:

Waterproof jacket or poncho
Hat and gloves (especially in dry season)
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)

In case of severe weather, our team may adjust the itinerary for your safety.

Support for Local Communities

By traveling with us, you contribute to the sustainable development of Andean families. Many services along the route — breakfast, rest stops, horse assistance — are offered by local communities who maintain and protect the trail.

Group Travel Experience

Humantay is a shared group tour; however, our guides ensure personalized attention for every traveler. If you prefer a private experience, we can arrange it upon request for an additional fee.

Final Recommendations

Charge your electronic devices the night before.
Bring reusable water bottles to reduce environmental impact.
Respect wildlife and natural areas; leave no trace behind.
Enjoy the journey — the landscapes you will see are among the most spectacular in the Andes.

When would you like to visit Peru?

Discover Peru on one of our scheduled departures. Unique and cultural experiences await you in this incredible destination.

Price
For Adventurers

Humantay Lake • Cusco

34 USD

per person

1 day (Full day)
Places visited: Cusco, Mollepata, Soraypampa
Hike / Day Tour
Difficulty: Intermediate
Total distance: 6 km (round trip)
Humantay Lake hike: 4,200 m
Up to 12 people - Minimum 2

Choose your date and group

Date —

Adults

18+

Children

0–17

Total 2 people

Estimated USD —

    
        
                Price based on
for 2 people
              Price based on
for 3 people
              Price based on
for 4 people
              Price based on
for 5 people
              Price based on
for 6 people

            

        
                75 USD
              65 USD
              58 USD
              50 USD
              45 USD

            

    

Price based on for 2 people	Price based on for 3 people	Price based on for 4 people	Price based on for 5 people	Price based on for 6 people
75 USD	65 USD	58 USD	50 USD	45 USD

Reservation Policies

Reservations must be made in advance, especially during holidays and high season. Reservations are only accepted through the established methods.

Payment Methods:

PayPal (credit or debit card payment)
We Travel (credit or debit card payment)

Transaction Fees:

Travel packages and programs include transaction fees for the first two credit or debit card payments via PayPal. Please check other payment methods for no additional charge.

Change and Cancellation Policies:

Tour rescheduling is allowed with proper advance notice, except for tours to Machu Picchu. No-shows will result in the total loss of the service. Cancellation or withdrawal of the service will not be entitled to a refund.

Route to lake humantay

Humantay Lake during a trekking tour in Cusco

Cusco Cathedral located in the Main Square

Road to Mollepata surrounded by Andean landscapes

Sky Domes campsite in the Peruvian Andes

Hiking trail to Soraypampa camp sign in the Peruvian Andes

Packing List

Valid passport or ID

Required for checkpoints and tour controls. Keep it safe but accessible.

Extra money (soles)

Useful for optional expenses like toilets, snacks or horse rentals.

Personal medication

Bring what you normally use (and altitude meds only if prescribed).

Water bottle / CamelBak

Stay hydrated before and during the hike (high altitude).

Sunscreen (high SPF)

Strong sun exposure in the Andes—protect your skin.

Insect repellent

Recommended for comfort, especially in warmer periods.

Personal care products

Hand sanitizer, tissues, lip balm, wipes—small but useful.

Frequently asked questions

1. how far is humantay lake from cusco?

Humantay Lake is located about 120 km (75 miles) from Cusco by road.
The journey usually takes 3 to 4 hours by vehicle to reach Soraypampa, followed by a hike of approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) to reach Humantay Lake.

This distance makes Humantay Lake an ideal full-day trip from Cusco, combining scenic driving and high-altitude trekking.

2. What is the Humantay Lake elevation and how does it affect visitors?

The Humantay Lake elevation is approximately 4,200 meters (13,778 feet) above sea level.
At this altitude, some visitors may experience mild effects of altitude, so it is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for at least one or two days before the hike. Despite the elevation, the trek is accessible for most travelers with a moderate fitness level and offers stunning views of the Andes and the surrounding mountains.

3. How long is the hike to Humantay Lake?

The hike to Humantay Lake is approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) one way from Soraypampa. On average, it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to hike up and about 1 hour to descend, depending on your pace and acclimatization.

4. Lake Humantay hike difficulty?

The Humantay Lake hike is considered moderate to challenging. While the distance is short, the main difficulty comes from the high altitude (4,200 m / 13,778 ft) and the continuous uphill trail. A basic level of fitness and prior acclimatization in Cusco are highly recommended.

5. How long does the hike to Humantay Lagoon take?

The hike to Humantay Lake usually takes between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on the visitor’s pace, physical condition, and level of acclimatization. Weather conditions and trail traffic can also influence the hiking time. Although the distance is relatively short, the continuous uphill trail and high altitude make the ascent more demanding, so it is recommended to walk at a steady pace and take short breaks along the way.

6. How far in advance should I book the tour with Tierras de los Andes?

We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, especially during the high season when demand is higher. Departures to Humantay Lake operate daily, making it easy to choose a date that fits your travel plans. Reserving ahead of time ensures availability and allows you to enjoy a smooth and well-organized experience.