4h Tour to Sillustani Inca Tombs from Puno
Description
Step back in time on this half-day adventure to Sillustani, just 45km from Puno. You’ll explore the ancient chullpas, towering funerary towers built by the Kolla and Inca cultures. As you walk through this archaeological site, you’ll learn about the fascinating rituals and construction techniques that made these structures so impressive. Along the way, you’ll also have a chance to visit rural homes, where you can chat with locals and get a true feel for the area’s culture. The tour ends with stunning views of Lake Umayo before returning to Puno. In just 4 hours, you’ll experience the perfect mix of history, nature, and local life. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey—book now and step into a world of ancient wonders and living traditions!
Tour Options
Itinerary
On the way to Sillustani, we stop at Puma Uta, a hilltop viewpoint just north of Puno. From up here, the city spreads out below and Lake Titicaca stretches toward the horizon — on clear days, you can even spot the distant islands. It's a great moment to take it all in, feel the highland breeze, and grab some wide-angle photos before heading deeper into the altiplano. The viewpoint takes its name from the large puma sculpture at the summit, honoring one of the most powerful symbols in Andean tradition: strength, protection, and connection to the earth.
Before reaching Sillustani, we stop at the community of Atuncolla, home to descendants of the ancient Qolla culture. You'll step into a traditional family home where guinea pigs scurry around the kitchen — as they have for centuries — and llamas and alpacas graze just outside. The family will show you how they weave alpaca fiber by hand, walk you through the different varieties of quinoa and Andean grains they harvest, and point out the medicinal plants they still rely on daily. It's an unhurried, genuine glimpse into highland life that most visitors don't expect to find just 30 minutes from Puno.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Sillustani tombs, set against the stunning Umayo Lagoon. These ancient towers, known as chullpas, were first built by the Kolla people and later adapted by the Incas for use as tombs for chiefs and priests. Some towers stand as tall as 10 meters! You’ll begin with a 30-minute walk to the top, where you’ll get up close to these impressive structures. Along the way, you’ll spot the differences between pre-Inca and Inca burial towers, learning how each culture left its mark on the site. Once at the top, your guide will lead you through the main burial site, explaining the historical and cultural significance of the tombs. The views are incredible—take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape, including Lake Umayo, as you explore this ancient and peaceful place. It’s a perfect blend of history, nature, and local culture.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will let you know the exact time one day before trip
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Reviews(2)
This was a private tour for my partner and I to Sillustani. Samuel was our private guide and Fred was our taxi driver in this visit to Sillustani. This is a beautifully maintained site with lots of History and a breathtaking view of the Titicaca lake. We learned about the inca's constructions, culture and beliefs. Samuel is very knowledgeable about the local cultures and always had answers and curiosities to tell us. We also visited a local family's home, where we tasted some of the local food, learned about tapestry and use of alpaca's wool and even took pictures with llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Fred is a very responsible driver, was always on time and willing to help. This was an unparalleled experience!
