Archaeological Excursion to the Sillustani Chullpas
Our Sillustani tour reveals the imposing funerary towers built by the Collas and the Incas on the shores of Lake Umayo, in one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Altiplano.
Stone towers guarding the Altiplano
Summary
Sillustani is a pre-Hispanic necropolis located on a peninsula of Lake Umayo, about 30 kilometers from Puno. Here stand the chullpas, stone funerary towers where the Collas and, later, the Incas buried their rulers and noble families.
On the Sillustani tour, you explore the archaeological complex to see chullpas from different periods and building techniques, from the most rustic to those of fine Inca stonework, such as the so-called Lizard Chullpa, one of the largest at the site.
The excursion also includes a visit to a traditional Altiplano home, where you learn about the customs of local families. Then, at sunset, the light over the lake creates a landscape of great beauty. You can complement it with the Uros and Taquile islands; also, Chucuito offers another side of Andean spirituality.
Highlights
Itinerary
14:00 - 14:30
Hotel pickup
We pick you up at your hotel in Puno before the drive.
Our team picks you up at your hotel. Then we begin the drive to Sillustani by tourist transportation.
14:30 - 15:15
Transfer to Sillustani
Drive through the landscapes of the Altiplano while your guide explains them.
We drive across the Altiplano, among grasslands and small villages, until we reach the Sillustani archaeological complex.
15:15 - 16:45
Sillustani archaeological complex
Funerary chullpas on the shores of Lake Umayo.
Then we explore the archaeological complex with our guide, while we observe the chullpas of different periods, their building techniques and their meaning in the Andean worldview, with views of Lake Umayo.
16:45 - 17:30
Traditional Altiplano home
Customs of a local family.
Later, we visit a traditional home in the area, where you learn about the daily life of Altiplano families, their animals and their products, including a small tasting.
17:30 - 18:15
Return to Puno
Return by tourist transportation to your hotel when the visit ends.
Finally, we return to Puno and drop you off at your hotel.
Include
What does it include?
- Pickup from hotels in central Puno
- Round-trip tourist transportation
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- Entrance to the Sillustani archaeological complex
- Visit to a traditional home
- Permanent assistance during the tour
What's not included?
- Meals
- Drinks and snacks
- Handicraft purchases
- Tips for the guide
- Travel insurance
Important information
What to bring
Warm layered clothing, beanie and gloves
Windbreaker jacket for the boat trip
Comfortable sneakers
Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat
Water and snacks
Cash in soles for purchases and community contributions
Passport or identification document
Weather
Puno has a cold, dry climate, with temperatures between -2 and 17 °C. During the day the sun is intense due to the altitude, while nights are very cold. Also, rain is common from December to March.
Best season
The tour operates all year. However, from May to October sunsets are clear and the light over the lake is ideal for photography.
Recommendations
In the late afternoon the temperature drops quickly, so it is important to bring warm clothing. Also, the complex has gentle slopes at almost 4,000 meters, so walk slowly.
Gallery
FAQ
What is a chullpa?
It is a stone funerary tower built by Altiplano cultures to bury their rulers and important figures, together with their belongings.
Who built Sillustani?
Mainly the Collas, an Altiplano culture that predates the Incas. Later, the Incas continued to use the site and built some chullpas with their fine stonework technique.
How demanding is the tour?
The Sillustani tour is easy, with short walks and gentle slopes, although at high altitude.
Why is the tour in the afternoon?
The afternoon departure lets you enjoy the sunset light over Lake Umayo, so it is one of the most beautiful moments of the day at Sillustani.
Can I visit Sillustani on the way to Juliaca airport?
Yes. We can coordinate the Sillustani tour with your transfer to Juliaca airport, because Sillustani is on the way.
Can I book this tour as a private service?
Yes. The tour is available as a group or private service, so you can choose the option that suits you.
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