Walk around the ruins of the ancient city of Tiwanaku. The archaeological site, also known as Tiahuanaco, was created by a pre-Inca people of the same name as the city. Although it has been ruined for centuries, excavations have helped to preserve the original shape of the city. Explore one of Bolivia’s most impressive UNESCO-listed sites.
The origins of Tiwanaku remain shrouded in mystery but it is believed that people settled in this area around 4,000 years ago. Imagine how people lived here between A.D. 500 and 900, when this culture is thought to have flourished. Incas arriving on the site at a later date believed that this was the site where the world was created by a god.
Explore this ancient civilization for a glimpse into Bolivia’s past. Visit the Akapana pyramid, a vast structure that originally consisted of seven tiered platforms. Walk around the remaining three tiers and look for carved stone heads embedded in the walls.
Find the Kalasasaya, a temple made of red sandstone and andesite. Walk into its courtyard decorated with two stone monoliths. The Sunken Temple, next to Kalasasaya, further demonstrates the religious significance of Tiwanaku.
Stroll around the semi-excavated remains of the city. The entire site of Tiwanaku is vast and no neighborhood has been fully excavated. The city center displays the clearest layout, with ruined walls giving visitors an idea of how it might have looked.
Many of the treasures of Tiwanaku have been stolen or relocated to exhibits around the world. Visit the on-site museum, however, to see an array of items that were found during excavations. Stand beneath the Bennett Monolith, a carved statue that stands 24 feet (7 meters) tall.
Join a tour from La Paz on a day trip to Tiwanaku, then explore the city on foot. Independent travelers can use one of the bus services from La Paz or Cochabamba and pay the entrance fee separately. The site is located north of Bolivia’s capital, near the edges of Lake Titicaca.
Come to Tiwanaku on June 21 to take part in the lively Aymaran New Year celebrations.
