Sillustani Tombs Half Day Tour from Puno
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the wonders of Puno visiting the mysterious funerary towers or also known as Chullpas of Sillustani. The tombs of Sillustani are incredible stone towers surrounded by the beautiful Umayo lagoon and it is the most important pre Inca and Inca burial site in Peru. You will explore this fantastic place and we are going to visit a local family to learn about their customs.
Available options
Pick up from City center hotels
Pick up City Center Hotels: Pick up from centrally located downtown Puno hotels<br/>Pickup included
Pick up from Lake hotels
Pick up Lake Hotels: Departure from hotels located on the shores of Lake Titicaca: José Antonio, Sonesta Posada Del Inca, Xima, Casa Andina Premium<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Professional guide
Round trip transfers to and from your hotel
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We will pick you up from your hotel located in the city of Puno to go towards the archaeological site of Sillustani Puno. This amazing complex is located on the top of a peninsula on the shores of Lake Umayo, 22.3 miles from the city of Puno and Lake Titicaca.
This place has circa 90 funerary towers built by the Kolla culture, an Aymara community developed before the Inca Empire. A lot of mummies have been found inside these towers, including important people as priests, leaders and nobles. They were previously mummified and were places as fetal position, along with all their belongings such as gold, silver and ceramics.
The state of conservation of these burial towers is impressive, all of them were made with stones with varying shapes that fix each other perfectly. The architecture and engineering used by the Kolla culture was quite advance for its time. Some of them are 12 meters’ high, where the Lagarto Chullpa is the tallest and most representative tower.
2
The Sillustani tour continues with the visit to a local family that breeds Alpacas and they will show us how they process and cook their own food, their lifestyle, their looms and how they maintain ancestral customs.
At the end of the visit, you will be transferred back to the hotel.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You should bring hat, sunglasses, coat, sunscreen
Puno has an average altitude of 3,800 M.A.S.L., so we recommend prior acclimatization to start the excursion.
Important notes
If you have any question, do not hesitate to contact us!
OFFICE NUMBER: (+54 11) 3221-84000 (Mon to Sat from 9 to 18 Hs and Sundays from 10 to 19 Hs)
EMERGENCY MOBILE: (+54 911) 6224-2222 (After office hours)
About Puno
Puno is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and stunning natural beauty, Puno is a must-visit destination for those exploring Peru's cultural heartland. The city is the gateway to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
Top Attractions
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and unique islands like the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.
Nature
Full day
Budget to Moderate (Boat tours range from 50-150 PEN)
Sillustani
Sillustani is an archaeological site featuring ancient burial towers called 'chullpas.' These towers were built by the Colla people and offer a glimpse into pre-Inca history.
Historical
Half day
Budget (Entrance fee around 10 PEN)
Plaza de Armas
The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Puno, surrounded by colonial-era buildings, churches, and vibrant local life. It's a great place to relax and soak in the city's atmosphere.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Cathedral of Puno
The Cathedral of Puno is a beautiful colonial-era church located on the Plaza de Armas. It features a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture and houses several religious artifacts.
Religious
30-60 minutes
Free (donations welcome)
Puno Museum of Art and Culture
This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Puno region, featuring artifacts, textiles, and art from the Aymara and Quechua cultures, as well as pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.
Museum
1-2 hours
Budget (Entrance fee around 10 PEN)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Trucha a la Plancha (Grilled Trout)
Fresh trout from Lake Titicaca, grilled and served with local potatoes and vegetables. A must-try for seafood lovers.
Main Course
Gluten-free, but may contain allergens like fish.
Chairo
A hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes, corn, and quinoa, flavored with local herbs and spices. A traditional dish of the Puno region.
Soup
Contains meat and gluten.
Sopa de Quinoa (Quinoa Soup)
A nutritious and flavorful soup made with quinoa, vegetables, and sometimes meat. A staple in the Andean diet.
Soup
Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.
Pique a la Puneña
A spicy and flavorful dish made with diced beef, potatoes, onions, and aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper). A popular appetizer in Puno.
Appetizer
Contains meat and gluten.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Boating
Cultural tours
Lakefront walks
Spa treatments
Coffee shop visits
Visiting museums
Attending festivals
Best Time to Visit
May to October (Dry Season)
This is the best time to visit Puno as the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the attractions. The temperatures are cool but comfortable.
5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F)
41°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: Aymara, Quechua, English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution
Puno is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Use reputable taxi services or apps to avoid scams.
- • Be cautious with street food and drink only bottled or purified water.
Getting there
By air
- Puno International Airport (JUL) • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center
By train
Puno Station
By bus
Puno Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Public buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Puno. They cover most of the city and surrounding areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Beat, Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Alto de la Alameda
El Mirador
Day trips
Uros Floating Islands
1-2 hours by boat • Half day to full day
The Uros Floating Islands are a unique attraction in Lake Titicaca, made entirely of totora reeds by the Uros people. Visitors can learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.
Taquile Island
3-4 hours by boat • Full day to overnight
Taquile Island is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional textiles, and unique culture. The island is home to a close-knit community that preserves its ancient customs and way of life.
Sillustani
35 km (22 miles) from Puno • Half day
Sillustani is an archaeological site featuring ancient burial towers called 'chullpas.' These towers were built by the Colla people and offer a glimpse into pre-Inca history.
Festivals
Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria • February
Puno Week • November 5-12
Carnaval de Puno • February or March (depending on the lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Acclimate to the high altitude by taking it easy for the first day or two.
- Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season and festivals.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
- Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures throughout the day.
- Try local dishes and support local businesses to get an authentic experience.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
