Sillustani Chullpas Tour

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the architectural marvels and cultural history of an ancient necropolis. Visitors can explore towering stone towers, some over 12 meters high, built by the Collas and Incas. This immersive experience promises to transport you back in time, revealing the significance of these remarkable structures. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique adventure, the Sillustani Chullpas Tour promises to leave you intrigued and eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• The Sillustani Chullpas Tour explores the largest necropolis in the world, featuring gigantic stone towers built by the Collas and Incas.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees, with a duration of approximately 4 hours.
• The chullpas, or stone towers, are unique architectural marvels, standing over 12 meters tall with a larger diameter at the top.
• The chullpas were originally constructed by the Collas as tombs for their noble leaders, and later incorporated by the Incas.
• Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection, and have a camera to capture the stunning views of the lagoon and chullpas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of the largest necropolises in the world, set against a stunning landscape just north of Puno.

Explore one of the world’s largest necropolises, set against a stunning landscape just north of Puno.

This one-day tour is priced from $45 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour runs from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees.

Visitors will marvel at the gigantic stone towers, known as chullpas, built by the Collas and Incas.

Sillustani: A Unique Necropolis

Why does Sillustani stand out as a unique necropolis? Situated just north of Puno, this ancient site boasts a stunning landscape and the serene Umayo lagoon.

What makes Sillustani truly remarkable are its gigantic stone towers, known as chullpas. These towering structures, built by the Collas and Incas, exceed 12 meters in height and feature a larger diameter at the top than the base, defying gravity.

The chullpas served as tombs for Colla nobility, showcasing their architectural prowess and influences from the Temple of the Sun in Cusco.

• Colossal stone towers up to 12 meters tall

• Unique inverted design challenges gravity

• Served as tombs for Colla nobility

• Situated near the tranquil Umayo lagoon

• Part of a larger necropolis in the Andes

Architectural Marvels of the Chullpas

Sillustani’s chullpas stand as architectural marvels, their towering stone structures defying gravity and captivating visitors. These gigantic tombs, built by the Collas and Incas, range over 12 meters in height, with a greater diameter at the top than at the base. This unique design showcases the engineering prowess of these ancient civilizations, as the chullpas appear to defy the laws of physics through their balance and precision.

| Chullpa Characteristics |

| — | — | — |

| Height | Over 12 meters |

| Diameter | Greater at the top |

| Influences | Temple of the Sun in Cusco |

The chullpas also reflect the cultural and spiritual significance of the site, serving as tombs for the Colla nobility and incorporating design elements from the revered Temple of the Sun in Cusco.

The Collas and Incas: Builders of the Chullpas

Although the chullpas of Sillustani stand as architectural marvels, they weren’t built solely by the ingenuity of the Collas and Incas. The Collas, an indigenous Andean civilization, first constructed the chullpas as tombs for their noble leaders.

The chullpas of Sillustani were first constructed by the Collas as tombs for their noble leaders, predating the Incas’ influence.

The Incas later incorporated the structures into their own cultural practices, adding their unique design elements and influences. The chullpas reflect the shared heritage and blending of these two great civilizations:

• The Collas’ expertise in masonry and monumental construction

• The Incas’ reverence for the Sun and celestial alignments

• The fusion of Colla and Inca architectural styles

• The chullpas’ symbolic significance as tombs and repositories of ancestral power

• The enduring legacy of these structures as cultural touchstones.

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Exploring the Umayo Lagoon

After exploring the towering chullpas, visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of Umayo Lagoon.

This tranquil body of water offers a peaceful respite, surrounded by rolling hills and the ancient tombs. Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore, taking in the calm reflections on the water’s surface.

The lake’s calm waters provide an ideal setting for contemplation and relaxation after the guided tour of the necropolis.

With its stunning natural scenery, Umayo Lagoon complements the rich cultural heritage of the Sillustani archaeological site, creating a well-rounded experience for visitors.

What to Expect on the Tour

Visitors can expect an engaging and immersive experience on the Sillustani Chullpas Tour. The guided excursion showcases the region’s stunning natural beauty and ancient Inca architecture.

Highlights include:

• Exploring the gigantic stone towers, or chullpas, standing over 12 meters tall

• Admiring the unique design that defies gravity and balance

• Learning about the tombs of noble Collas and Inca influences

• Enjoying the serene views of the Umayo lagoon and surrounding landscapes

• Gaining insight into the cultural significance of this important archaeological site.

The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s rich history and allows visitors to connect with the country’s remarkable past.

Important Information for Visitors

To make the most of the Sillustani Chullpas Tour, visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection.

The tour starts and ends around Puno, so it’s wise to bring cash for any extra expenses. While food isn’t included, visitors can purchase snacks and drinks from local vendors near the site.

The Umayo lagoon offers a serene setting, so a camera is recommended to capture the stunning views.

Visitors should also be prepared for the high elevation, as Sillustani sits over 3,800 meters above sea level.

Following these tips will ensure a memorable and comfortable tour experience.

Booking and Reservation Details

How does one go about booking and reserving the Sillustani Chullpas Tour? The process is straightforward.

Visitors can select the desired number of participants and tour date, then check availability and starting times. The meeting point is available on Google Maps.

To reserve, no upfront payment is required – visitors can book their spot and pay later.

Noteworthy inclusions are:

• Hotel pick-up in Cusco

• Round trip transportation

• Bilingual guide (Spanish, English)

• Entrance fee (20 soles)

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund

Since You Asked

Can I Book the Tour With a Credit Card?

Yes, you can book the tour with a credit card. The tour provider offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing you to secure your spot without upfront payment.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can opt for a longer excursion that includes additional sites or activities. This flexibility allows them to customize their experience based on their interests and schedule.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can request a private Sillustani Chullpas tour instead of a group tour. Private tours provide a more personalized experience and allow you to customize the itinerary to your preferences. Just inquire with the tour operator about availability and pricing for a private tour option.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors, typically around 10-15% off the regular price. Travelers should inquire about these discounts when booking to take advantage of the savings.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the tour. Photography is encouraged to capture the stunning landscapes and architectural wonders of the Sillustani chullpas. Just be mindful of any restrictions or guidance from the tour guide.

The Sum Up

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the architectural wonders and cultural significance of this ancient necropolis. Visitors can explore the towering chullpas, marvel at the Collas and Incas’ engineering prowess, and enjoy the picturesque landscape surrounding the Umayo Lagoon. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and affordable pricing, this tour provides an enriching experience for those seeking to uncover the mysteries of Peru’s pre-Columbian heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: