Sillustani Puno – Sillustani Archaeological Site

Sillustani Archaeological Site is home to a Pre Incan Burial site. It nestles around the shores of Lake Umayo. Sillustani Puno Tombs or Burial Towers were once a cylindrical Necropolis. 

The Chullpas of Sillustani were built during the Pre Inca civilization by the Aymara Speaking Qulla People. To them the region was home until the 1500s. When the Inca empire took over Lake Titicaca Area, they left behind a trail of the Sillustani Tombs. 

These spires or “chullpas” comprises of large blocks of carved stones. Each tower was designed to house a large (often noble) family within its round walls.

Some stone towers have fallen or are partially squatted. The highest tower is 40 feet high. It looks like a forgotten civilization’s sandstone house.

The stones are a reflection of the exact stonework that the Inca later created. Although the Collas were popular for using symmetrical rectangles, the Incas ways of carvings were with irregular corners. The towers’ blocks still have the primitive animal symbols that were added centuries ago.

There are many ways to bury corpses. However, it’s unlikely that many of them will live to such an extent.

Join us on a half day tour from Puno. Our English speaking local tour guides have extensive knowledge about the history and vulture. You will discover the marvels of this lesser known attraction of South America.

Check out our Full Day Lake Titicaca Tour to Uros Floating Islands and Taquile. 

Discover more about Sillustani in our detailed post.