From Puno. Sillustani Inca Cemetery ( Half Day Tour )

Exploring the ancient Inca Cemetery of Sillustani is a captivating opportunity to uncover the rich cultural heritage of Peru’s Puno region. This half-day tour provides an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the impressive funerary towers and offering insights into the Kolla civilization. With a reasonable price point and flexible cancellation policies, the tour presents a hassle-free chance to witness the stunning lakeside setting and engage with local craftsmanship. What secrets might these ancient structures hold, waiting to be discovered?

Key Points

• A half-day tour from Puno to the Sillustani Inca Cemetery, an archaeological site featuring ancient funerary towers and insights into the Kolla culture.
• The tour is priced from $19.50 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, entrance ticket, and a bilingual guide.
• The 4-hour tour departs at 2:00 p.m. and allows visitors to explore the Sillustani site, take photos at Lake Umayo, and visit the community of Hatuncolla.
• The Sillustani cemetery, built in the 12th century, is an important cultural heritage site showcasing the beliefs, practices, and social structure of the Kolla people.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, providing booking confidence and flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This half-day tour to the Sillustani Inca Cemetery starts from Puno and is priced from $19.50 per person.

The tour lasts 4 hours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, entrance ticket, and a bilingual guide. However, water and food aren’t included.

Pickup isn’t available from distant hotels, and the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Itinerary Details

The tour starts at Plaza Mayor de Puno, with departure at 2:00 p.m. either from the hotel (Central) or Plaza de Armas.

It’s a 40-minute bus/coach ride to Sillustani. Upon arrival, the guided tour begins, allowing visitors to explore the archaeological site and take photos by Lake Umayo.

The tour also includes a visit to the community of Hatuncolla, where travelers can observe South American camelids like alpacas and llamas, as well as local crafts.

Travelers can observe South American camelids like alpacas and llamas, as well as local crafts, in the community of Hatuncolla.

The tour returns to Plaza Mayor de Puno at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Historical Significance

Sillustani is an archaeological complex built in the 12th century by the Kolla culture, who inhabited the region from 1200 to 1450.

This site features imposing funerary towers, known as chullpas, which were constructed as burial chambers for important chiefs and priests.

The chullpas at Sillustani were considered sacred sites, where ongoing ceremonial activities and rituals took place.

This Inca cemetery complex holds great historical significance, as it provides insights into the beliefs, practices, and social structure of the Kolla people during their rule in the region.

• Kolla culture inhabited the region from 1200-1450

• Imposing funerary towers (chullpas) for chiefs and priests

• Chullpas were sacred sites for ceremonies and rituals

• Archaeological complex built in the 12th century

• Offers insights into Kolla beliefs, practices, and society

Guided Tour Experience

During the guided tour, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish) provides historical context and information about the Sillustani archaeological site.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the impressive funerary towers built for important Kolla chiefs and priests. Along the way, they can stop for photos by the serene Lake Umayo.

Visitors can explore the impressive funerary towers of Kolla chiefs and priests, and stop for photos by serene Lake Umayo.

The tour also includes a visit to the nearby community of Hatuncolla, where travelers can observe South American camelids like alpacas, suris, and llamas, as well as browse local crafts.

The guided experience allows visitors to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this ancient Inca cemetery.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, entrance ticket, and a bilingual guide.

However, some items aren’t covered:

• Water

• Food

• Pickup from distant hotels (a meeting point is provided instead)

• Not suitable for wheelchair users

Hotel Pickup and Meeting Point

Although the tour includes hotel pickup, it’s important to note that this service is not available from distant hotels. Instead, there is a designated meeting point located at the Plaza Mayor de Puno. From there, the group will depart for the Sillustani Inca Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

| Meeting Point | Time | Transport |

|—————-|——–|————|

| Plaza Mayor de Puno | 2:00 PM | Bus/Coach |

| Hotel (Central) | 2:00 PM | Bus/Coach |

| Plaza de Armas | 2:00 PM | Bus/Coach |

The return to the Plaza Mayor de Puno is scheduled for approximately 5:00 p.m., completing the 4-hour tour.

Tour Suitability

The Sillustani Inca Cemetery tour may not be suitable for all visitors.

While it offers a unique glimpse into Peru’s rich history, certain factors should be considered:

• The site features uneven terrain and steep staircases, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

• The tour involves a 40-minute bus ride, which could be uncomfortable for some.

• Visitors should be prepared for the high altitude of the site, as it may cause discomfort for those unaccustomed to it.

• Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic vistas, but those seeking a more passive experience may find the tour to be physically demanding.

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Cancellation Policy and Refund Options

As with many tour operators, Sillustani Inca Cemetery tour offers a flexible cancellation policy. Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing them with peace of mind and flexibility. The tour also offers a convenient "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, allowing guests to secure their spot without having to pay upfront.

| Cancellation Policy | Refund Amount |

| — | — |

| 24+ hours before tour | 100% refund |

| Less than 24 hours | No refund |

| "Reserve Now & Pay Later" | No upfront payment required |

This user-friendly approach ensures travelers can book with confidence and adjust their plans if needed.

Things To Know

Is Photography Allowed at the Sillustani Site?

Photography is allowed at the Sillustani archaeological site. Visitors can take pictures during the guided tour and have free time to explore and capture the impressive funerary towers and scenic views around Lake Umayo.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though not recommended for wheelchair users due to the nature of the archaeological site. Children are welcome to join the guided tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Water?

The tour does not include water or food, but you’re welcome to bring your own. However, there are no restrictions on bringing your own provisions for the half-day excursion to the Sillustani Inca Cemetery.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Dressing in layers is recommended as temperatures can vary at the archaeological site.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the tour duration. The half-day tour is fixed at 4 hours, including travel time to and from Sillustani. It doesn’t offer any flexibility to lengthen the experience.

Sum Up

This half-day tour to the Sillustani Inca Cemetery from Puno offers a chance to explore the impressive Inca funerary towers and learn about the ancient Kolla culture. The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, entrance fees, and a bilingual guide, making it a convenient and affordable way to experience this rich cultural heritage. With flexible cancellation policies, travelers can book with confidence.

You can check availability for your dates here: