Puno: Tour to the Chullpas of Sillustani

Puno, a captivating destination in Peru, beckons travelers with its rich cultural heritage. The "Tour to the Chullpas of Sillustani" offers an opportunity to explore the remarkable archaeological complex of Sillustani, where ancient burial sites of the Kolla and Inca cultures await. This excursion promises breathtaking views, traditional Andean cuisine, and encounters with llamas and alpacas, inviting visitors to explore the fascinating history and natural beauty that Puno has to offer.

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Key Points

The tour offers a 1.5-hour guided walk through the archaeological complex of Sillustani, featuring impressive cemeteries of the Kolla and Inca cultures.
Visitors can observe the Waruwaru and potential wildlife sightings during the tour, as well as visit Lako Umayo lake and a local house for a cultural experience.
The tour includes a 40-minute trip to Sillustani with a viewpoint of Puno city, and an opportunity to take pictures with llamas and alpacas.
The tour is priced at $25.00 per person, with live tour guides available in Spanish and English, and flexible booking with no upfront payment required.
The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a professional bilingual guide, with no hidden costs, but service may vary due to uncontrollable factors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour to the Chullpas of Sillustani is priced from $25.00 per person and lasts for 1 day.

Live tour guides are available in Spanish and English. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Live tour guides are available in Spanish and English. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking is flexible, allowing visitors to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The itinerary includes a 40-minute trip to Sillustani, a 1 hour and 30-minute walk in the archaeological complex, and a visit to Lako Umayo lake.

Highlights feature impressive cemeteries, Umayo lake, stunning views, and an opportunity to experience local lifestyle and cuisine.

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

Itinerary Details

According to the tour itinerary, the pickup from the hotel occurs at 2:00 p.m.

The 40-minute trip to Sillustani includes a viewpoint to appreciate the city of Puno. Visitors then embark on a 1.5-hour walk through the archaeological complex.

They’ll observe the Waruwaru, artificial mounds designed to protect crops, and may spot wildlife like wild pigs and flamingos.

The tour also includes a visit to Lako Umayo lake in front of the site.

The return trip features a stop at a local house to experience the area’s lifestyle and cuisine.

Highlights

Explore impressive cemeteries of the Kolla and Inca cultures on this tour.

Observe Umayo lake and its surrounding flora and fauna, including potential sightings of wild pigs, flamingos, and other high Andes wildlife.

Enjoy stunning views of the city of Puno during the 40-minute trip to Sillustani.

Taste typical Andean foods and take pictures with llamas and alpacas at a local house.

This comprehensive tour showcases the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

Inclusions

This tour includes transportation throughout the tour, entrance fees to the archaeological site, and a professional guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish. The inclusions for this tour are as follows:

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Transportation | Personal expenses |

| Entrance fees | – |

| Professional bilingual guide | – |

While the itinerary may change due to unforeseen circumstances, the core tour experience and inclusions remain consistent. Travelers can expect a well-rounded exploration of the Chullpas of Sillustani without any hidden costs.

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Important Notes

Service may vary without prior notice due to weather conditions, strikes, or other events affecting the itinerary.

Service may change without warning due to weather, strikes, or other factors that impact the itinerary.

Cancellations due to indicated reasons don’t qualify for refunds. No-show on the day of service is considered completed without claims or refunds.

The itinerary may change at the operator’s discretion to ensure traveler safety and service quality.

Uncontrollable factors like weather or strikes can impact the tour.
Customers won’t get refunds for cancellations due to these factors.
Failure to show up means no refunds, even if the tour goes ahead.

There's plenty more to explore in Puno

Exploring the Chullpas of Sillustani

As visitors arrive at the archaeological site of Sillustani, they are immediately captivated by the impressive chullpas, or funerary towers, that dot the landscape. These ancient structures, built by the Kolla and Inca cultures, offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Ranging from 3 to 12 meters in height, the chullpas were designed to house the remains of important community members. Visitors can explore the towers, learn about their construction, and admire the stunning views of the nearby Umayo Lake.

| Chullpa Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Height | 3 to 12 meters |

| Purpose | Funerary towers to house remains |

| Builders | Kolla and Inca cultures |

| Location | Sillustani archaeological site |

| Surrounding Area | Umayo Lake |

Appreciating the Natural Surroundings

The tranquil Umayo Lake and the surrounding high Andean flora and fauna captivate visitors during the Sillustani tour.

The tour offers the chance to spot:

Majestic flamingos gracefully gliding across the lake
Lively wild pigs scurrying through the underbrush
Diverse Andean wildlife thriving in the rugged landscape

Amidst the serene natural setting, the tour also provides an opportunity to experience the local lifestyle and cuisine at a nearby house.

The stunning vistas and immersion in the region’s ecology make for an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Connecting With the Local Culture

While exploring the archaeological wonders of Sillustani, the tour also provides an opportunity to take in the local culture.

Participants visit a nearby house to experience traditional lifestyles and cuisine. They can interact with locals, learn about their daily routines, and taste typical Andean dishes.

The tour also includes stops to interact with llamas and alpacas, allowing visitors to take memorable photos.

This cultural exchange enriches the overall experience, giving travelers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s heritage and way of life.

Things To Know

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the tour individually or in a group. The tour is flexible and allows for private tours as well as larger group bookings.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements for the Local Cuisine?

The tour doesn’t mention any special dietary requirements for the local cuisine. Travelers can likely enjoy a typical local meal, though it’s best to inform the guide of any dietary restrictions in advance.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to include additional activities. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who’ll accommodate requests if possible within the tour duration and logistics.

Is There a Discount Available for Children or Senior Citizens?

The tour operator offers discounts for children and seniors, typically around 10-20% off the regular price. Customers should inquire about specific child and senior rates when booking the tour.

Can We Arrange Private Transportation Instead of the Group Shuttle?

Yes, private transportation can be arranged for this tour. Travelers can request a private transfer instead of the group shuttle, which may incur an additional fee. This option offers more flexibility and personalized service.

Sum Up

The "Tour to the Chullpas of Sillustani" in Puno offers an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the ancient burial sites, admire the breathtaking lake, and engage with the local Andean culture. At just $25, this tour provides exceptional value, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking to uncover the rich history and natural beauty of the region.