Sillustani Tour
The Experience
Discover with our guide Sillustani Tour, an Inca burial site on the edge of Lake Umayo. The tombs of Sillustani are built above the ground in tower-like structures, also called Chullpas. Sillustani Tour is located just over half an hour’s drive from the city of Puno. From the site, you have a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Umayo.
Tour Overview
Discover the ancestral magic of the highlands with the Sillustani Tour, a unique cultural experience in Puno. This journey takes you to the impressive Sillustani chullpas, ancient funerary towers built by the Kolla culture and later perfected by the Incas, located on the mystical shores of Lake Umayo. Enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes, learn about local history and traditions, and connect with the spiritual energy of this archaeological site that preserves the eternal legacy of pre-Hispanic civilizations.
What's Included
- Round-trip transportation from Puno to Sillustani
- Bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Entrance ticket to the Sillustani archaeological site
- Guided tour of the Chullpas and Lake Umayo viewpoint
What's Not Included
- Meals or drinks
- Tips for the guide or driver
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Pick-up from hotels outside central Puno (may incur extra charge)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
With the Sillustani Tour, you visit the Inca burial ground next to Lake Umayo. Sillustani is located near the city of Puno, which lies on Lake Titicaca.
The Sillustani tombs are built above ground in tower-like structures and are also known as Chullpas. These Chullpas contain remains of the Aymara, a population group conquered by the Incas in the 14th century . The Incas subsequently copied the customs of the Aymara and built their version of the tombs on the same site. The tombs were likely intended only for the nobility. Remains of entire family groups have been found in the tombs. Due to the dry climate and the enclosed tomb, the mummies were (unintentionally) mummified. Many mummies have been found in a fetal position. The openings of the structures were built facing east. It was believed that the sun was reborn by Mother Earth every day.
The chhullpas can be found in several places in the highlands and are not necessarily unique to Sillustani. However, Sillustani is considered the best-preserved example.
Many of the tombs were blown up by grave robbers, and a number were never completed. From the cemetery, you have a beautiful, panoramic view of Lake Umayo.
The Sillustani Tour lasts half a day, and the tombs can be visited in the morning or in the afternoon.
