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

Explore the captivating ancient site of Cutimbo on a half-day excursion from Puno. This affordable tour provides a glimpse into the rich historical and architectural significance of the region. With knowledgeable guides, discover the ceremonial temple and cremation altar while enjoying the cultural heritage. The convenient logistics and flexible booking options make this an enticing opportunity to uncover the fascinating secrets of Cutimbo.

Key Points

• Half-day excursion from Puno to the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Cutimbo, known for its ceremonial chullpas and ritual structures.
• Cutimbo was an important ceremonial and ritual center occupied by Incas and pre-Columbian civilizations dating back up to 8000 years.
• The architectural diversity of the chullpas and the presence of a ceremonial temple and cremation altar highlight the cultural significance of the site.
• Tours are offered in both Spanish and English, with knowledgeable local guides providing insights into the site’s history and features.
• The comprehensive tour package includes hotel pick-up, entrance fees, meals, and travel insurance coverage, providing a convenient and hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

The excursion to Cutimbo departs from Puno, offering a half-day adventure. Priced from $45.00 per person, the tour lasts around 5 hours.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There’s also a reserve now and pay later option available.

The highlight of the tour is visiting the archaeological site of Cutimbo, an important ceremonial and ritual center occupied for centuries by pre-Columbian civilizations.

Knowledgeable guides provide commentary in both Spanish and English, ensuring an enriching experience for all.

Historical Significance

Cutimbo was a ceremonial and ritual center occupied for centuries by Incas and other civilizations, dating back up to 8000 years, such as the Lupaca and Qolla.

Its strategic location contributed to its significance among pre-Columbian cultures. For centuries, Cutimbo served as an important site for religious and social gatherings, as evidenced by the numerous chullpas, or funerary towers, scattered across the plateau.

These structures, characterized by their circular, rectangular, and square shapes, demonstrate the architectural richness and diversity of the site’s pre-Columbian inhabitants.

Architectural Features

Chullpas, or funerary towers, characterize Cutimbo’s architectural features, scattered across the plateau in circular, rectangular, and square shapes. This demonstrates the site’s architectural richness.

Chullpas, or funerary towers, characterize Cutimbo’s architectural features, scattered across the plateau in circular, rectangular, and square shapes.

Among the chullpas, some feature enigmatic animal figures, including:

• Monkeys

• Felines

• Snakes

• Other mystical creatures

The variety of chulpa shapes and the presence of these intriguing animal carvings suggest the profound cultural and ritual significance of Cutimbo for the pre-Columbian civilizations that occupied the site over centuries.

Ceremonial Temple

Among the architectural features at Cutimbo, visitors can explore the ushno, or ceremonial temple, made of volcanic rock.

This sacred structure was used by the Inca and other pre-Columbian cultures for important rituals and ceremonies. The temple’s location on the plateau suggests its strategic significance in the region’s cultural and religious landscape.

Visitors can wander through the site, marveling at the temple’s impressive stone construction and imagining the ancient rituals that once took place here.

The ushno offers a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the Andean civilizations that called Cutimbo home.

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Cremation Altar

The cremation altar at Cutimbo is a significant archaeological feature that offers insights into the ritual practices of the region’s pre-Columbian cultures.

Excavations at the site have uncovered calcined bones of both humans and animals, suggesting this was a place of ceremonial cremation. The altar’s strategic location on the plateau further emphasizes its importance within the broader ceremonial complex of Cutimbo.

Key features include:

• Remains of calcined bones from human and animal cremations

• Evidence of a sophisticated ritual process involving fire and offerings

• Proximity to the ushno or ceremonial temple

• Unique window into pre-Columbian funerary and religious practices

Tour Languages

The excursion to Cutimbo offers tour options in both Spanish and English, catering to the diverse interests of visitors.

Knowledgeable local guides lead the tours, providing insights into the site’s rich history and architectural features.

Whether you’re fluent in Spanish or prefer English, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the ceremonial and ritual significance of Cutimbo.

The guides skillfully navigate the tour, ensuring visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of this important pre-Columbian cultural site.

With tour options in multiple languages, the Cutimbo excursion caters to a wide range of travelers.

Inclusions and Logistics

The Cutimbo excursion includes a comprehensive package of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The tour includes:

• Hotel pick-up and return transportation by bus or minibus

• Entrance fees to the archaeological site

• Meals during the tour

• Travel insurance coverage

On top of that, the tour allows for flexibility, as guests can check availability for starting times and select the preferred date and number of participants.

With these inclusions and logistical considerations, travelers can focus on seeing the rich cultural and historical significance of the Cutimbo site.

Availability and Booking

Travelers can check availability and reserve their spot on the Cutimbo excursion through the booking platform. The tour operates daily, with multiple start times to choose from.

Interested parties can select their preferred date and number of participants. Once availability is confirmed, travelers can secure their reservation with a simple click or tap.

The platform offers a convenient "reserve now, pay later" option, allowing maximum flexibility. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, booking this half-day tour from Puno is easy and risk-free.

Since You Asked

Are There Any Fitness Requirements for the Excursion?

No specific fitness requirements are mentioned for the Cutimbo excursion. It’s a half-day tour that involves some walking, so participants should be able to comfortably walk on uneven terrain. No strenuous activities are included.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks for the Cutimbo excursion. However, the tour package includes meals, so participants don’t necessarily need to pack their own. It’s up to individual preferences.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the Cutimbo tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. The tour’s inclusions cover all participants, regardless of their age.

Can I Take Photographs During the Visit?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs during the tour of Cutimbo. The tour guide will provide guidance on areas where photography is permitted to ensure the preservation of the archaeological site.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Visitors can choose to add more time at Cutimbo to explore the archaeological site in greater detail for an additional fee.

The Sum Up

Cutimbo offers a captivating half-day excursion from Puno, providing an opportunity to explore the rich historical and architectural significance of this ancient site. Priced at $45.00 per person, the tour includes hotel pick-up, entrance fees, meals, and knowledgeable guides who offer insights in both Spanish and English. Flexible booking and a generous cancellation policy make this excursion an attractive option for visitors to the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: