What to Do in Arequipa in 3 Days: Sillar Route, Pillones Waterfall & Colca Canyon
Wondering what to do in Arequipa in 3 days? The answer is straightforward: the Sillar Route, the Pillones Waterfall and the Colca Canyon form the perfect trio covering nature, culture and history in a single itinerary. With tours starting from S/. 45 per person, this is the itinerary most international visitors choose when exploring Arequipa in 2026.
At Turismo Liberty we have been running these three tours for years — hotel pickup, certified bilingual guide and comfortable transportation included. This guide breaks down what to see at each destination, how much it costs, what to pack and how to build your itinerary without wasting a single day.
🪨 Day 1 — Sillar Route: the origin of the White City
Starting your Arequipa visit with the Sillar Route is the smartest move. In just 4 hours you will understand why Arequipa is called the “White City”: all its colonial architecture was born in the Añashuayco quarries, 30 minutes from the historic centre. You will see stonemasons still shaping sillar using centuries-old techniques, walk through a 20-metre-high white rock canyon, and discover Wari petroglyphs that very few tourists know about.
4 hours · Easy level · From S/. 45
Hotel pickup — 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. from Arequipa Historic Centre.
Añashuayco Quarry — The main active quarry. Watch artisans carve sillar in real time and admire the canyon carved by centuries of extraction.
Culebrillas — The most photogenic white-rock corridor on the circuit. Ignimbrite walls framing the Andean landscape.
Wari Petroglyphs — Rock carvings over 1,000 years old. One of Arequipa’s least-known archaeological treasures.
Return to the centre — Drop-off near the Plaza de Armas. Free afternoon to explore the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre.
💧 Day 2 — Pillones Waterfall: the secret cascade at 4,600 masl
Day 2 takes you to one of the least-known but most impressive corners of the region: the Pillones Waterfall, located at 4,600 metres above sea level near Imata, about 150 km from Arequipa city centre. The tour departs early (6:00 a.m.) because the journey is long — but every kilometre is worth it.
On the way to the waterfall, the road crosses the Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve, where vicuñas graze freely. Then comes the Imata Stone Forest, a collection of natural rock columns sculpted by erosion that looks like it belongs on another planet. The final stop is the waterfall itself: a cascade surrounded by rock and mist that justifies every minute of the trip.
Full day · Moderate level · Max altitude 4,600 masl
6:00 a.m. pickup — Early departure from Arequipa towards the Arequipa–Puno highway.
Pampa de Arrieros — First stop at this historic village with an old train station. Good spot for breakfast (not included).
Salinas and Aguada Blanca Reserve — Vicuña viewpoint and high-altitude puna landscape. Vicuña sightings are almost guaranteed.
Imata Stone Forest — Natural rock formations thousands of years old. 1h30 walk among stone columns with the guide sharing history and legends.
Pillones Waterfall — 20-minute descent on a rocky trail to the base of the falls. Free time for photos and relaxation.
Return to Arequipa — Estimated arrival 5:00–6:00 p.m.
🏔️ Day 3 — Colca Canyon: condors and one of the world’s deepest canyons
Day 3 saves the most spectacular for last: the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons on earth at over 3,000 metres in some sections, and home to the Andean condor. It is the most-booked tour from Arequipa and, without question, one of the most memorable experiences in southern Peru in 2026.
The Full Day departs at 3:00 a.m. to reach the Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint before sunrise, when thermal currents lift condors to soar just metres above visitors. The tour also includes the Chivay hot springs, Andean villages with pre-Inca terraces and a local buffet lunch.
Full day · From USD 25 · Departure 3:00 a.m.
3:00 a.m. pickup — Pre-dawn departure from Arequipa to make the most of the morning in the canyon.
Patapampa Viewpoint (4,900 masl) — Panoramic view of the volcanic chain: Misti, Chachani, Ampato, Sabancaya and Hualca Hualca.
Yanque and Maca villages — 17th-century colonial churches, pre-Inca agricultural terraces and living Andean culture.
Cruz del Cóndor — The highlight of the tour. Watch Andean condors soar freely above the canyon.
Buffet lunch in Chivay — Traditional local dishes at a regional restaurant.
Chacapi hot springs — Natural thermal baths to relax before the return trip.
Return to Arequipa — Estimated arrival 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📅 Full Itinerary: Arequipa 3 Days Step by Step
| Day | Tour | Duration | Departure | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 🪨 Sillar Route & Culebrillas | 4 hours | 9:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. | From S/. 45 |
| Day 2 | 💧 Pillones Waterfall + Stone Forest | Full day (~11h) | 6:00 a.m. | On request |
| Day 3 | 🏔️ Full Day Colca Canyon | Full day (~15h) | 3:00 a.m. | From USD 25 |
If you arrive in Arequipa the day before, we recommend spending the afternoon on an Arequipa City Tour: Santa Catalina Monastery, the Plaza de Armas and the Yanahuara viewpoint. It is the perfect introduction to the White City before the excursions begin.
🔍 Tour Comparison: Which One Suits Your Profile?
| Tour | Fitness Level | Max Altitude | Best For | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🪨 Sillar Route | Easy | 2,335 masl | Families, culture, photography | 4 hours |
| 💧 Pillones Waterfall | Moderate | 4,600 masl | Nature, adventure, unique photos | Full day |
| 🏔️ Colca Canyon (1 day) | Easy–Moderate | 4,900 masl | Wildlife, scenery, relaxation | Full day |
| 🏔️ Colca Canyon (2 days) | Moderate | 4,900 masl | Trekking, immersion, condors | 2 days |
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Arequipa
| Month | Season | Sillar | Pillones | Colca |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr – Nov | ☀️ Dry | ✅ Ideal | ✅ Ideal | ✅ Ideal (condors active) |
| Dec – Mar | 🌧️ Rainy | ✅ Fine | ⚠️ Check | ✅ Fine (fewer tourists) |
| Jul – Aug | 🔥 Peak season | ✅ Book early | ✅ Book early | ⚠️ Book 1 week ahead |
Arequipa enjoys over 300 sunny days a year with pleasant temperatures year-round (18–24°C daytime, 8–12°C at night). For the Colca Canyon tour, the dry season guarantees better condor sightings thanks to clearer skies and stronger thermal updrafts.
🎒 What to Pack for These 3 Tours
For all tours:
- Valid passport or ID (required for the Colca Tourist Ticket)
- Layered clothing (cold mornings, warm midday)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (UV radiation is intense at altitude)
- Sunglasses
- Camera or smartphone with good battery
- Water (minimum 1.5L per person)
- Cash (for entrance fees and tips)
Specific for Pillones and Colca:
- Warm jacket or fleece (sub-zero temperatures possible)
- Trekking shoes or sturdy non-slip footwear
- Altitude sickness tablets or coca tea
- Energy snacks for the road
- Light rain jacket (unpredictable weather at altitude)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Knowing what to do in Arequipa in 3 days is only the first step — the second is booking in time, especially during peak season. The Sillar Route, Pillones Waterfall and Colca Canyon perfectly complement each other and form the most complete itinerary you can experience in the White City. At Turismo Liberty we organise all three tours with hotel pickup, certified guide and no hidden costs.
Ready to Experience Arequipa in 3 Days?
Book the Sillar Route, Pillones Waterfall and Colca Canyon now with Turismo Liberty — hotel pickup included, bilingual guide and personalised service.
