Overview:

is a trekking/hiking route that goes up the Sillar Valley and follows the paths used by locals to reach the summit of Sillar, the highest mountain in the Arequipa region at 4,720 m. It is a unique experience where you will encounter stunning landscapes and get acquainted with the local culture, seeing firsthand how local people make a living from their land and the animals they bring up. It offers picturesque views of glaciers, breathtaking peaks, and a unique experience to get to know the beauty, history, and traditions of Arequipa. You can also visit archaeological sites that date back to the pre-Hispanic times. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Peru
Prominent Features:

1. Yanahuara: Yanahuara is a small town located in the historic center of Arequipa. This neighborhood is renowned for its sillsar rocado, an intricate system of sculptures, monuments, and arches built from the volcanic rock sillar. 2. La Merced Church: This beautiful church sits atop a hill in the El Mosqueado district. It was built in 1764 and features a highly ornate illar façade embellished with several sculptures. 3. Plaza de Armas: Located in the heart of downtown, this magnificent plaza was designed in the 1700s and has since become a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. The plaza is surrounded by colonial buildings that are made of sillar. 4. La Compañía Convent: This monumental complex was constructed in the 17th century and is considered to be one of the most impressive and opulent Baroque-style constructions in Latin America. It was built with white sillar stone that offered a regal touch to the entire structure. 5. San Agustín Monastery: Located just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, this monastery is a major tourist attraction in Arequipa thanks to its stunning sillar stone. It was built between 1540 and 1550 and stands as a reminder of the colonial era of the city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Peru.

History:

The history of the Sillar Route in Arequipa, Peru dates back centuries. The area had been used by the Inca Empire for trading, but the route gained real prominence during the Colonial era. In the 16th century the route became known as the “Strait of Doña Beatriz”. It was used by the Spanish from Lima to Arequipa, allowing them to have a much needed water and food supply route. The route wasn’t given it’s current name until the 19th century, after the discovery of white sillar stones in the area. The route is now known as “the sillar route” because in times of need, the route can be used to transport goods from one area to another. The Sillar Route has become one of the most important routes in Arequipa, connecting it to several cities in the region. It has been improved to accommodate the needs of modern transportation, but is still used as a route for trading and transportation goods. It is now known as a historical route since it has preserved a lot of the aspects of the colonial era in its design and infrastructure. Today, the Sillar Route can be used by people to explore the surrounding areas of Arequipa and it is considered to be one of the must-see attractions of the city. Visit one of the famous monuments of Peru with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Sillar Route is an alternative, cultural and gastronomic route in Arequipa, Peru that starts from the ancient city center and ends in the old suburbs of Yungay, Palomar, Paucarpata, and Alto Selva Alegre. 2. It is an 11km route divided into 8 unique stages which provide an overview of the history, art and culture of Arequipa. 3. Along the route, visitors can admire the beautiful sillar buildings, churches, alleys, balconies, squares and breathtaking landscapes of Arequipa, as well as participating in activities such as cookery and handicrafts workshops. 4. The distinctive white stone of Arequipa, sillar, is used to build the houses making them resilient to seismic activity. 5. The Sillar Route is an effort to preserve, spread and promote the culture and heritage of Arequipa through this route. 6. The Sillar Route has become very popular among tourists visiting Arequipa as it provides an insight into the local culture and history. One of the historical monuments of Peru, it tells the story of a bygone era