From Puno || Excursion to Cutimbo – Half Day ||

Discover the ancient wonders of Cutimbo on this captivating half-day excursion from Puno, Peru. For just $55, you’ll explore the pre-Columbian heritage of the region, exploring impressive chullpas adorned with intriguing animal carvings. With convenient transportation, an expert English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees included, this tour offers a chance to learn about the historical significance of this remarkable archaeological site. But what secrets and surprises await those who venture to Cutimbo?

Key Points

• Cutimbo is an archaeological site located near Puno, Peru, dating back 8000 years with architectural features from ancient Inca, Lupaca, and Qolla civilizations.
• The half-day excursion to Cutimbo includes hotel pickup, transportation, an English-speaking guide, and in-depth exploration of the chullpas (funerary towers) and ushno (ceremonial temple).
• The tour showcases the strategic importance and ritual significance of the site, with opportunities to observe enigmatic animal figures and calcined bones.
• The excursion is priced from $55.00 per person, with a limited group size of 10 participants and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Inclusions cover hotel pickup and return, transportation, English-speaking guide, and entrance fees, while travelers should budget for additional costs like meals or souvenirs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

The Cutimbo excursion is a half-day tour that takes visitors to the archaeological site situated in Puno, Peru.

Priced from $55.00 per person, the 5-hour tour has a limited group size of 10 participants. Live tour guides provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

Reservations can be made with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes hotel pickup and return, transportation, entrance fees, and travel insurance.

Extra expenses may apply. This excursion offers an opportunity to explore the ancient ruins and learn about the site’s historical significance.

Historical Significance

Cutimbo was a ceremonial and ritual center occupied for centuries by Incas and other civilizations, including Lupaca and Qolla, dating back 8000 years. Its strategic location contributed to its value among pre-Columbian cultures.

The site’s historical significance is evident in:

The site’s historical significance is evident in its occupation by successive ancient civilizations and Inca architectural additions.

1. Its occupation by successive ancient civilizations over millennia.

2. The Inca’s recognition of Cutimbo’s ritual importance, indicated by their architectural additions.

3. The presence of diverse cultural influences reflected in the architectural features.

4. The site’s enduring legacy as a testament to the region’s rich pre-Columbian heritage.

Architectural Features

While the site of Cutimbo is characterized by chullpas (funerary towers) of various shapes, including circular, rectangular, and square, the architectural richness of the site reflects the diversity of cultures that have occupied the region over the centuries.

These structures, built with stone, showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Incas and their predecessors.

Archaeologists have uncovered enigmatic animal figures, such as monkeys, felines, and snakes, adorning the chullpas, offering insights into the symbolic and ritual significance of these ancient constructions.

The ushno, or ceremonial temple, built with volcanic rock, further underscores the site’s ceremonial and ritual importance.

Itinerary Highlights

After exploring the architectural wonders of Cutimbo, the excursion takes visitors on a journey through the site’s highlights.

The tour includes:

1. Hotel pickup in Puno and transportation via bus or minibus to the archaeological complex.

2. An in-depth exploration of the ancient stone constructions on two plateaus at the Cutimbo site.

3. Visits to the chulpas, or funerary towers, featuring enigmatic animal figures that experts theorize about.

4. Observation of the ushno, a ceremonial temple built with volcanic rock, and the cremation altar with calcined bones.

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Inclusions and Extras

The Cutimbo excursion includes hotel pickup and return, transportation via bus or minibus, an English-speaking guide, and entrance fees. Travel insurance is also provided. Any extra expenses, such as meals or souvenirs, are not included.

| Service | Details |

| — | — |

| Hotel Pickup | Included |

| Transportation | Bus or minibus |

| Guide | English-speaking |

| Entrance Fees | Included |

| Travel Insurance | Included |

While the core excursion is comprehensive, visitors should budget for any additional costs beyond the listed inclusions.

Getting to Cutimbo

Visitors begin their excursion to Cutimbo with a hotel pickup in Puno. The journey to the archaeological site takes approximately 30 minutes via bus or minibus.

Along the way, travelers enjoy scenic views of the Andean landscape. Upon arrival, the group explores the ancient site located on two plateaus.

The excursion includes:

1. Viewing the diverse chulpas (funerary towers) with enigmatic animal carvings.

2. Examining the ushno (ceremonial temple) built with volcanic rock.

3. Observing the cremation altar containing calcined bones.

4. Learning insights from the expert English-speaking guide about the site’s significance.

What to Expect at the Site

As visitors explore the archaeological complex of Cutimbo, they’ll be captivated by the diverse array of chullpas, or funerary towers, that punctuate the site.

These structures come in a variety of shapes, including circular, rectangular, and square, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Plus, the site features an ushno, or ceremonial temple, built with volcanic rock, as well as a cremation altar where calcined bones can be observed.

Experts offer theories about the enigmatic animal figures, such as monkeys, felines, and snakes, adorning the chullpas, further intriguing visitors.

Important Information

Guests should arrive at the pickup location in Puno punctually, as the excursion departs on time.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. The tour is offered in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse audience.

Reservations can be made with a flexible payment option, allowing guests to pay later and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes:

1. Hotel pickup and return

2. Transportation via bus or minivan

3. Entrance fees to the archaeological site

4. Services of an English-speaking guide.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Excursion?

There are no age restrictions for the Cutimbo excursion. The tour is open to participants of all ages, with no minimum or maximum age requirements. However, parental supervision is recommended for young children on the walking portions of the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Site?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks to the Cutimbo archaeological site. However, there may not be designated eating areas, so visitors should be mindful of preserving the site during their visit.

Is There Any Opportunity for Photography During the Tour?

The tour offers excellent opportunities for photography. Visitors can take pictures of the ancient chullpa towers, ceremonial structures, and the stunning natural landscape. Photography is encouraged throughout the guided exploration of the Cutimbo archaeological site.

What Type of Clothing and Footwear Is Recommended?

The tour recommends wearing comfortable and appropriate clothing, such as layered clothing and proper walking shoes, to allow for easy movement and protection from potential changes in weather conditions during the archaeological site exploration.

Is There a Limit on the Amount of Luggage I Can Bring?

There’s no mentioned luggage limit for this excursion. Participants are advised to pack light, bringing only essential items they’ll need during the 5-hour tour. Larger bags or suitcases aren’t recommended as there may be limited storage space on the transportation.

The Sum Up

This captivating half-day excursion to Cutimbo from Puno, Peru, offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich pre-Columbian heritage. The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, an expert English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience. With limited participant numbers, visitors can expect personalized attention and ample time for individual exploration of the ancient chullpas and their intriguing animal carvings.

You can check availability for your dates here: