Sillustani Chullpas Tour

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of the world’s largest necropolises, featuring over 30 impressive chullpas that tower over 12 meters high. Priced at $49 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide who provides insights into the rich history of the ancient Colla civilization. Visitors can also marvel at the serene beauty of the Umayo lagoon, making it a unique blend of culture and nature. What secrets do these ancient tombs hold, and what can they reveal about the Colla people?

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Key Points

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour offers a one-day experience from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at a cost of $49.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour highlights the Chullpas de Sillustani, a necropolis with over 30 circular stone towers housing funerary remains of the ancient Collao settlers.
The architectural marvels of the Chullpas, standing over 12 meters high with a larger diameter at the top than at the base, defy gravity and showcase the engineering prowess of the Collas.
The tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco, round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees, allowing travelers to explore the rich history and cultural significance of the site.
The serene waters of the Umayo lagoon and the surrounding natural landscape provide a stunning backdrop for the Sillustani Chullpas, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour is priced at $49.00 per person, with no upfront payment required as visitors can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s a one-day experience, starting around 2:00 p.m. and concluding around 6:00 p.m.

This tour features the Chullpas de Sillustani, the circular stone towers housing funerary remains of ancient Collao settlers.

Included in the tour are hotel pickup in Cusco, round trip transportation to Sillustani, a bilingual guide, and entrance fees.

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Historical Significance of Sillustani

Sillustani is one of the largest necropolises globally, showcasing over 30 chullpas exceeding 12 meters in height.

These circular stone towers housed the funerary remains of ancient Collao settlers. The architectural design of the chullpas bears similarities to the Temple of the Sun in Cusco, reflecting the cultural influence of the Collas and Incas.

The unique chullpas exhibit a greater diameter at the top than at the base, challenging gravity and balance. The tombs served as the eternal resting place for noble Collas, referred to as "Children of the Sun," showcasing the significance of this ancient necropolis.

Architectural Marvels of the Chullpas

Towering above the landscape, the chullpas of Sillustani showcase an architectural marvel that defies gravity.

These circular stone towers, rising over 12 meters high, feature a unique design with a larger diameter at the top than at the base. This seemingly precarious structure stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the ancient Collas.

The chullpas’ structural integrity is a fascinating study in balance and load distribution, challenging the very laws of physics.

Visitors can marvel at these engineering feats, which served as the final resting place for noble members of the Collas civilization.

Exploring the Sillustani Landscape

As visitors approach the Sillustani site, they’ll be captivated by the serene waters of Umayo lagoon, which mirror the surrounding landscape.

The tranquil lake provides a stunning backdrop to the towering chullpas, ancient Colla funerary structures.

The tranquil lake provides a stunning backdrop to the towering chullpas, ancient Colla funerary structures.

Beyond the lakeside, the rolling hills and rugged terrain showcase the site’s natural beauty.

Exploring this picturesque setting allows travelers to fully enjoy the site’s rich history and cultural significance.

The panoramic vistas and peaceful ambiance create an unforgettable experience, complementing the architectural wonders of the famous Sillustani chullpas.

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Significance of the Chullpas for the Collas

Though the chullpas of Sillustani stand as impressive architectural marvels, their true significance lies in their role as the eternal resting place for the noble Colla people.

These circular stone towers were constructed to house the funerary remains of the Colla elite, referred to as the "Children of the Sun." The sophisticated design and placement of the chullpas reflect the cultural influence and spiritual beliefs of the Collas, who viewed these structures as a gateway to the afterlife.

Visitors can gain insight into the ancient Colla civilization by exploring the towering chullpas and the sacred landscape of Sillustani.

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Inclusions and Logistics of the Tour

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour includes several key amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour includes several key amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The package includes:

Hotel pickup in Cusco and round-trip transportation to the Sillustani site.
A bilingual guide (English and Spanish) to provide historical context and insights.
Entrance fees to access the Sillustani archeological site.
Ample time to explore the stunning landscape, including the serene Umayo lagoon.

While food expenses aren’t included, the tour’s scheduling from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. allows ample time for participants to enjoy the highlights of this ancient necropolis.

Advance reservations are recommended to secure availability.

Additional Considerations for Visitors

Along With the tour’s included amenities, visitors should consider a few other factors when planning their Sillustani Chullpas experience. Food expenses are not covered, so guests should budget accordingly. Plus, participants should check availability for their desired dates to ensure tour spots are open. The meeting point is accessible via Google Maps, making it easy to find the starting location.

| Considerations | Details |

| — | — |

| Food Expenses | Not included in tour package |

| Tour Availability | Check dates for openings |

| Meeting Point | Accessible via Google Maps |

| Attire | Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing |

| Photography | Permitted, but use caution |

Unlocking the Mysteries of Sillustani

Sillustani’s towering chullpas, circular stone funerary towers, stand as silent witnesses to the ancient Collas’ sophisticated architectural prowess.

These colossal structures, some exceeding 12 meters in height, offer glimpses into the Collas’ spiritual beliefs and cultural practices:

The chullpas’ tapered design, wider at the top than the base, defies gravity and showcases the Collas’ engineering mastery.
The tombs served as eternal resting places for noble Collas, referred to as "Children of the Sun," reflecting their reverence for the solar deity.
Architectural similarities to the Temple of the Sun in Cusco suggest the Collas’ cultural influence on the Inca Empire.
Exploring the serene Umayo lagoon and surrounding landscape completes the mystical experience of Sillustani.

Since You Asked

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The recommended attire for the tour includes comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or sweater, and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. Dressing in layers is advised to account for the varying temperatures throughout the day.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

You can bring your own food and drinks for the tour. The tour package doesn’t include meals, so you’re free to pack a picnic or snacks to enjoy during the visit to Sillustani.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, though young ones may find the chullpas and long walk challenging. Parents should consider their child’s abilities and bring any necessary supplies to ensure a comfortable experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour doesn’t require any special equipment. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy the stunning landscape and historical sites during the tour.

Are There Any Restrictions on Taking Photographs?

Photography is generally allowed at Sillustani, but visitors shouldn’t disturb any archaeological remains. Tripods and flashes may be restricted. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific rules before taking pictures.

The Sum Up

The Sillustani Chullpas Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating history and stunning architecture of one of the world’s largest necropolises. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and the chance to explore the serene Umayo lagoon, this tour provides a comprehensive cultural experience that’s not to be missed by anyone seeking to unlock the mysteries of the ancient Colla civilization.

You can check availability for your dates here: