From Puno: Sillustani Half Day Tour

Nestled on the shores of Lake Umayo, the ancient necropolis of Sillustani boasts an impressive array of chullpas, or pre-Incan funerary towers. This half-day tour from Puno offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, exploring the architectural wonders that showcase the ingenuity of bygone civilizations. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, travelers can uncover the secrets of this remarkable site and gain a deeper understanding of the beliefs and practices that shaped this enigmatic landscape.

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Key Points

3.5-hour tour of ancient pre-Incan necropolis near Puno, Peru, featuring over 90 stone chullpas (mausoleums) up to 40 feet high.
Starts at $20 per person, limited to 8 participants, and available in Spanish and English.
Includes round-trip transportation from downtown Puno hotels and guided exploration of the Sillustani Archaeological Site.
Offers insights into the burial practices and architectural styles of ancient civilizations, as well as scenic views of Lake Umayo.
Provides an engaging and memorable experience with a professional tour guide, as reflected in positive customer feedback on value and quality.

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Tour Overview

The Sillustani Half Day Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient necropolis of Sillustani, located near the city of Puno in Peru.

Priced from $20 per person, the 3.5-hour tour is limited to just 8 participants and is available in both Spanish and English.

Travelers will be picked up from their downtown Puno hotels and taken to the Sillustani Archaeological Site, one of the largest necropolises in the world.

Here, they’ll marvel at over 90 stone chullpas, or mausoleums, reaching up to 40 feet high and enjoy scenic views of Lake Umayo and the surrounding mountains.

Looking for more options in Puno? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights

Explore ancient tombs of Sillustani, a pre-Incan necropolis.

Witness over 90 stone chullpas (mausoleums) reaching over 40 feet (12 m) high.

Marvel at the scenic views of Lake Umayo and surrounding mountains.

Majestic views of Lake Umayo and the surrounding towering peaks captivate visitors to the ancient necropolis of Sillustani.

This half-day tour offers a glimpse into the burial practices of ancient civilizations, showcasing the architectural styles and significance of the cemetery.

Visitors can expect to learn about:

The history and cultural importance of the Sillustani site.
The unique design and construction of the towering chullpas.
The relationship between the landscape and the ancient necropolis.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from accommodation in downtown Puno.

Participants are transported to the Sillustani Archaeological Site, one of the largest necropolises globally. At the site, the guide explains the burial practices of ancient civilizations, the significance of cemeteries, and the architectural styles of the chullpas (stone towers).

Visitors have the opportunity to explore over 90 stone chullpas, some reaching over 40 feet (12 m) high, and take in the scenic views of Lake Umayo and the surrounding mountains.

The tour concludes with the return to the starting point in downtown Puno.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Sillustani Half Day Tour includes round trip transportation from downtown Puno hotels, a professional tour guide, and admission to the Sillustani Archaeological Site.

However, the tour excludes:

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Souvenirs and personal expenses

Visitors should also note that sales tax may apply if staying in Peru over 60 days.

The tour has a strict policy against pets, oversized luggage, smoking, unaccompanied minors, and alcohol/drugs.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Important Information

Cancellation of the Sillustani Half Day Tour is permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing and sunglasses. The tour doesn’t allow pets, oversized luggage, smoking, unaccompanied minors, or alcohol/drugs.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors staying in Peru over 60 days may be subject to sales tax.

The tour receives an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 5 reviews, with highlights including enjoyable driving and informative guides.

There's plenty more to explore in Puno

Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Sillustani Half Day Tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews.

Ratings highlight positive experiences, with the tour guide and transportation both earning 4.5 out of 5. Reviewers praised the enjoyable driving and informative guide.

The tour’s value for money also scored 4.5 out of 5, indicating customers felt the experience was well worth the price.

With glowing feedback, the Sillustani Half Day Tour seems to provide an engaging and memorable exploration of this ancient necropolis.

Getting to Sillustani

Getting to Sillustani is a straightforward process for tour participants. The tour includes round-trip transportation from downtown Puno hotels.

You’ll be picked up by a professional driver in a comfortable vehicle. The drive to the archaeological site takes about 30 minutes, providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your knowledgeable tour guide who’ll lead you through the ancient necropolis. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, you can focus on exploring Sillustani’s remarkable stone chullpas without the hassle of navigating on your own.

Exploring the Necropolis

What awaits visitors as they explore the ancient necropolis of Sillustani?

Towering stone structures, known as chullpas, rise majestically against the backdrop of Lake Umayo and the surrounding mountains. These pre-Incan mausoleums provide a glimpse into the burial practices of the region’s ancient civilizations:

Elaborately constructed stone towers, some reaching over 40 feet high, showcase the architectural prowess of the past inhabitants.
Carvings and symbols adorn the chullpas, hinting at the cultural significance and beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife.
The scale and grandeur of the necropolis impart a sense of the importance placed on honoring the deceased.

Things To Know

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

While the tour has a set itinerary, the guide can tailor the experience to accommodate specific interests like archaeology, history, or photography. Travelers can request adjustments to the tour’s focus prior to or during the excursion.

How Much Time Is Spent at the Archaeological Site?

The tour spends approximately 2 hours exploring the Sillustani Archaeological Site, allowing visitors to wander among the ancient stone tombs and learn about the burial practices of the pre-Incan civilizations that once inhabited the area.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography at Sillustani?

The tour has no restrictions on photography at the Sillustani archaeological site. Visitors are free to take photos of the impressive 40-foot-tall stone chullpas and scenic surroundings during the guided exploration of this ancient necropolis.

What Is the Dress Code Recommended for the Tour?

The tour recommends comfortable, sturdy shoes and layering with warm clothing, as the weather can be cool at the high-altitude Sillustani site. Bringing sunglasses is also advised to protect against the sun’s glare.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, the overall price of $20 per person is quite reasonable for the tour’s inclusions and experiences.

Sum Up

The Sillustani Half Day Tour from Puno offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the impressive stone chullpas of the ancient necropolis. Visitors can explore the site’s architectural marvels, learn about ancient burial practices, and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Umayo, all while delving into Peru’s rich heritage. This guided tour provides a memorable and insightful exploration for those interested in the region’s history and pre-Incan civilizations.