Half Day Tour to Sillustani From Puno

The half-day tour to Sillustani from Puno offers travelers a chance to explore an ancient archaeological site renowned for its impressive funerary towers. Participants will enjoy a seamless journey with included transportation and professional bilingual guides, providing access to key sites like the intiwatana and twin chullpas. But the tour doesn’t stop there – visitors can also observe South American camelids and learn about traditional lifestyles in the rural community of Atuncolla, all while taking in the stunning backdrop of Umayo lagoon. For those seeking an enriching cultural experience, this tour promises to deliver insights into Peru’s rich history and indigenous traditions.

Good To Know

• This half-day tour from Puno explores the archaeological complex of Sillustani, focusing on its impressive funerary towers (chullpas) and the nearby Umayo lagoon.
• The tour includes transportation, professional bilingual guides, and entrance fees, providing a comprehensive experience without additional costs for participants.
• Visitors can observe and interact with the local community of Atuncolla, including their traditional lifestyles and camelid animals like alpacas and llamas.
• Key sites within the Sillustani complex include the intiwatana, chullpa del lagarto, twin chullpas, and a chullpa with a ramp, offering insights into burial practices.
• The tour has received positive reviews and a Badge of Excellence, with travelers praising the knowledgeable guides, punctual transportation, and the opportunity to immerse in the cultural heritage of the region.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The half-day tour to Sillustani from Puno typically includes exploring the archaeological complex’s funerary towers, known as chullpas.

Travelers can visit key sites like the intiwatana, chullpa del lagarto, twin chullpas, and chullpa with a ramp. The tour also allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Umayo lagoon.

Plus, you will experience rural community tourism in Atuncolla, observing South American camelids. The tour has received 15 reviews, all of which recommended it, and it has been awarded a Badge of Excellence.

With a start time of 2 PM, the tour includes transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance fees.

Tour Inclusions

Typically, the half-day tour to Sillustani includes transportation between the hotel and the archaeological site, a professional bilingual guide fluent in both Spanish and English, and entrance fees to all the attractions.

This ensures a seamless and informative experience for participants. The tour package covers:

• Hotel-Sillustani-Hotel transportation
• Bilingual guide services
• Admission fees to the Sillustani and Atuncolla sites

With these inclusions, travelers can focus on exploring the captivating Sillustani ruins and interacting with the local community, without having to worry about logistics or additional costs.

Pickup and Schedule

The tour’s pickup occurs from hotels located in central Puno and along the lake shores.

The tour starts at 2:00 PM, providing ample time to explore the Sillustani archaeological complex. This half-day excursion allows travelers to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region while enjoying the natural beauty of the Umayo lagoon.

The tour’s schedule is designed to maximize the experience, with a focus on key sites such as the intiwatana, chullpa del lagarto, twin chullpas, and the chullpa with a ramp.

Travelers can expect a seamless and efficient tour, with professional bilingual guides ensuring they make the most of their time in Sillustani.

Atuncolla Exploration

Travelers visiting the Sillustani archaeological site will also have the opportunity to explore the rural community of Atuncolla.

Here, visitors can:

• Visit local homes and interact with residents
• Observe South American camelids like alpacas, llamas, and huanacos
• Experience community tourism for 20 minutes at no additional cost

This intimate culture allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding of traditional lifestyles in the Peruvian highlands.

The visit to Atuncolla complements the main attraction of Sillustani, providing a well-rounded cultural experience during the half-day tour.

Sillustani Archaeological Complex

After exploring the rural community of Atuncolla, visitors arrive at the captivating Sillustani archaeological complex. This pre-Inca and Inca burial site is known for its impressive funerary towers, or chullpas, which can reach up to 12 meters in height. Visitors can explore key sites like the intiwatana, chullpa del lagarto, twin chullpas, and the chullpa with a ramp, gaining insights into the burial practices and rituals of the region’s past inhabitants. The natural beauty of the Umayo lagoon provides a serene backdrop to this historical exploration. With knowledgeable guides, travelers can delve deeper into the significance and cultural importance of this remarkable archaeological treasure.

Site	Description	Duration	Admission
Intiwatana	–	–	Included
Chullpa del Lagarto	–	–	Included
Twin Chullpas	–	–	Included
Chullpa with Ramp	–	–	Included

Notable Findings at Sillustani

One of the most remarkable discoveries at the Sillustani archaeological site is the cache of over 500 gold pieces found near the chullpa del lagarto, or "alligator chullpa".

These precious artifacts, once belonging to the pre-Inca and Inca noblemen buried at Sillustani, are now exhibited at the Carlos Dreyer Museum in Puno.

The site is renowned for its impressive funerary towers, some reaching up to 12 meters in height, which served as the final resting places for the elite.

Key findings at Sillustani include:

• The chullpa del lagarto, named for its unique alligator-like shape
• Twin chullpas, standing side-by-side
• A chullpa with a ramp, likely used for ceremonial processions
• Intiwatana, a sundial-like structure with astronomical significance

Additional Information

Confirmation of this tour booking is received at the time of reservation. This half-day tour to Sillustani has a maximum group size of 19 travelers. While the tour is not accessible for wheelchair users, strollers are allowed, though infants must sit on laps. Cancellations can be made free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

Tour Details	Information
Pickup	Hotels in central Puno and lake shores
Start Time	2:00 PM
Duration	Sillustani: 2 hours, Atuncolla: 20 minutes
Admission	Sillustani: Included, Atuncolla: Free
Overall Rating	4.5 stars

The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with 11 five-star and 4 four-star ratings, highlighting the knowledgeable guide, punctual service, and the stunning landscapes and historical significance of the Sillustani archaeological site.

Traveler Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Half Day Tour to Sillustani, with 11 five-star and 4 four-star reviews highlighting its key strengths.

Travelers noted the tour’s knowledgeable guides fluent in both English and Spanish, punctual hotel pickups and drop-offs, and the beautiful landscapes and historical context at the Sillustani site.

Plus, the opportunity to interact with the local community in Atuncolla and observe South American camelids was a hit with visitors.

Travelers recommended dressing warmly due to the windy conditions at the Sillustani archaeological complex.

Some of the highlights mentioned in the reviews include:

• The engaging family interaction and authentic local food experience in Atuncolla
• The guide’s excellent command of the historical and cultural context at Sillustani
• The breathtaking views of the Umayo lagoon and the impressive funerary towers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at the Archaeological Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the archaeological sites in Sillustani. However, visitors should check with the tour guide or local authorities for any specific guidelines or restrictions before taking photographs during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have restrictions or provide refreshments during the experience.

What Should I Bring to Stay Warm and Comfortable?

To stay warm and comfortable, it’s recommended to wear layers, a warm jacket, hat, and gloves. The site can be quite windy, so dressing appropriately is important. Bringing a water bottle is also a good idea.

Are There Any Health or Fitness Requirements for This Tour?

There are no specific health or fitness requirements for this tour. However, visitors should be able to walk and navigate some uneven terrain at the archaeological site. Comfortable shoes and layers are recommended to accommodate the changeable weather conditions.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

The tour operator doesn’t offer options to extend the duration or customize the itinerary. However, travelers can request additional services or modifications when booking. The standard half-day tour includes the key highlights and sites outlined in the tour overview.

The Sum Up

The Half-Day Tour to Sillustani from Puno provides an enriching exploration of the impressive archaeological site, offering a glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage. Travelers can expect seamless transportation, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to interact with the local community, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of the ancient funerary towers and the stunning natural landscapes that surround them.