Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour

The Sillustani Inca Cemetery in Puno, Peru, offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history. This half-day tour provides travelers with the opportunity to explore the site’s distinctive funeral towers and learn about the cultural significance of this ancient burial ground. With a professional guide, visitors can discover the intriguing stories behind the Inca’s funerary practices and gain a deeper understanding of the archaeological marvels that continue to fascinate scholars and travelers alike.

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Key Points

A 5-hour excursion to the Sillustani Inca Cemetery near Puno, including hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees.
A 2-hour guided exploration of the Inca cemetery with over 30 distinctive funerary towers, followed by visits to Lake Umayo and a local indigenous house.
Scenic views of the Andean landscape and interaction with iconic Andean animals like llamas and alpacas during the tour.
Immersion in the rich history and cultural heritage of the Puno region, with insights into the pre-Columbian significance of the Sillustani site.
Potential for mixed reviews on the pickup experience and overall tour quality, with recommendations to ensure a smooth and enhanced tour experience.

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Tour Overview

The Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour offers a 5-hour excursion that takes visitors to explore the most significant Inca cemetery in the region.

Priced from SEK 175 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees to the Sillustani archaeological site.

Conducted in Spanish and English, the tour features a 2-hour guided visit to the Inca cemetery, home to over 30 funeral towers.

Visitors will also enjoy 30 minutes of free time to take in the breathtaking views of Lake Umayo and a 20-minute stop to explore a local indigenous house and products.

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

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from Plaza Mayor de Puno, the main square in the city.

After a 40-minute van ride, visitors arrive at the Sillustani archaeological site, an Inca cemetery with over 30 distinctive funerary towers.

For 2 hours, a bilingual guide leads a tour, providing insights into this significant pre-Columbian site.

Next, guests enjoy 30 minutes of free time to take in the views of Lake Umayo.

The tour then proceeds to Atuncolla, where visitors explore a local indigenous house and products for 20 minutes before returning to Puno by 6:00 PM.

Highlights

Exploring the most significant Inca cemetery is a highlight of this tour.

Visitors can:

Witness the breathtaking views of Lake Umayo, providing a stunning backdrop to the Sillustani ruins.
Learn about local indigenous culture and products during the 20-minute visit to Atuncolla, a nearby community.
Interact with llamas and alpacas, iconic Andean animals, during the tour.

This half-day excursion offers a well-rounded experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the rich history and cultural heritage of the Puno region.

Inclusions

This tour includes several key components to provide a comprehensive experience.

Pickup and drop-off at the hotel or designated meeting point are included for convenience. A professional bilingual guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, will lead the tour and provide insights.

Pickup and drop-off at the hotel, and a bilingual guide providing insights throughout the tour, are included for convenience.

Entrance fees to the Sillustani archaeological site are covered, allowing visitors to explore the Inca cemetery without additional costs.

However, items not explicitly mentioned in the program’s inclusions are excluded, so travelers should be aware of any potential extra expenses.

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Important Information

Two key pieces of important information for this tour are the recommended items to bring and potential extra costs.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing, as the tour involves walking and the Andean climate can be chilly.

Plus, some hotels may require additional fees or prior coordination for pickup, so it’s important to check with the tour operator in advance.

These details will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour.

Key items to bring:

Comfortable shoes
Warm clothing
Any personal items needed

There's plenty more to explore in Puno

Customer Reviews

According to the information provided, the Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 10 customer reviews.

The feedback on the tour is mixed, with some reviewers praising the stunning scenery and informative guide, while others noted issues with the pickup experience and tour quality.

Some customers reported difficulties coordinating the hotel pickup, while others felt the tour lacked depth or felt rushed.

Getting to Sillustani

The tour departs from Plaza Mayor de Puno, the main square in the city of Puno.

The journey to Sillustani takes approximately 40 minutes by van.

Along the way, passengers will:

Witness the stunning Andean landscape, with snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Spot local wildlife, such as alpacas and llamas, grazing on the hillsides.
Catch glimpses of traditional Aymara and Quechua communities, with their distinctive architectural styles and agricultural practices.

Arriving at the Sillustani archaeological site, visitors will embark on a guided tour to explore the Inca cemetery and its impressive funeral towers.

Exploring the Inca Cemetery

Arriving at the Sillustani archaeological site, visitors embark on a guided tour to explore the Inca cemetery and its impressive funeral towers.

The guide leads the group through the sprawling site, providing insights into the history and significance of the chullpas, or funerary towers. Towering up to 12 meters high, these structures were used to entomb the remains of Inca nobility and elite.

Visitors marvel at the intricate stonework and impressive scale of the chullpas, learning about the Inca’s sophisticated burial practices.

Visitors are awestruck by the chullpas’ intricate stonework and grand scale, gaining insights into the Inca’s advanced funerary rituals.

The tour also includes a stop at Lake Umayo, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Things To Know

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, you can take pictures during the tour. The tour overview indicates that visitors are free to interact with the llamas and alpacas, and explore the Inca cemetery and indigenous house, providing ample photo opportunities.

Is There a Dress Code for the Site Visit?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. The site is outdoors, so closed-toe shoes and layers are recommended to stay comfortable during the tour. Visitors can take photos freely at the archaeological site.

Are There Any Opportunities to Purchase Local Crafts?

The tour includes a 20-minute stop at Atuncolla where visitors can explore a local indigenous house and purchase handcrafted products. This provides an opportunity to interact with the local community and support their traditional arts and crafts.

Will There Be Time for a Bathroom Break During the Tour?

The tour includes a stop at Atuncolla where visitors will have 20 minutes to explore a local indigenous house and products, likely providing an opportunity for a bathroom break. However, specific details on scheduled breaks are not mentioned in the provided information.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Water on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and water on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t mention any scheduled food or drink breaks, so having personal provisions is recommended to stay hydrated and energized throughout the 5-hour excursion.

Sum Up

The Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour offers a captivating exploration of the remarkable Sillustani archaeological site. Travelers can expect a guided visit, scenic views, and a cultural stop, all while learning about the rich history and heritage of the Puno region. At SEK 175 per person, this 5-hour tour is a great opportunity to discover the striking funeral towers and take in the area’s cultural treasures.