From Puno: Sillustani Half Day Tour

The Sillustani Half Day Tour from Puno promises an enriching exploration of the ancient Colla civilization‘s necropolis. Priced at €18.28 per person, this 3.5-hour tour accommodates up to 8 guests and features a bilingual live guide. Visitors can expect hotel pickup, admission to the site, and captivating views of over 90 towering stone chullpas overlooking Lake Umayo. With a focus on burial customs and architectural significance, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the past that history enthusiasts visiting Puno won’t want to miss. But what secrets do these ancient tombs hold, and what can they reveal about the Colla people?

Key Points

• Explore the ancient Sillustani necropolis, a pre-Incan burial site featuring over 90 stone chullpas (funerary towers) near Lake Umayo in Puno, Peru.
• Experience a guided 3.5-hour tour with a maximum group size of 8 participants, with hotel pickup from downtown Puno and English/Spanish-speaking guides.
• Appreciate the unique architectural design of the chullpas, known for their smaller bases and larger tops, and learn about the burial customs of the Colla civilization.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of the site, set against the backdrop of majestic mountains and the serene Lake Umayo.
• Benefit from a convenient reservation system with the option to pay later and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Sillustani Half Day Tour from Puno is priced at €18.28 per person and lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

The group size is limited to 8 participants, with a live tour guide providing commentary in English and Spanish.

Hotel pickup from downtown Puno is included, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it a convenient option.

The tour provides an overview of the ancient Sillustani necropolis, a pre-Incan site featuring over 90 stone chullpas (mausoleums) along the shores of Lake Umayo, surrounded by scenic mountains.

Sillustani Archaeological Site

Sillustani is an ancient pre-Incan necropolis of the indigenous Colla people, featuring over 90 stone chullpas (mausoleums) that reach heights of more than 40 feet (12 meters).

The site is situated on the shores of Lake Umayo, surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains.

These unique funerary towers have a distinctive design, with bases that are smaller in diameter than the tops.

Visitors can explore this fascinating archaeological site and learn about the burial customs and significance of this ancient civilization.

The scenic location and well-preserved tombs make Sillustani a must-see destination for those interested in pre-Columbian history and culture.

Explore Ancient Tombs

Visitors can explore over 90 ancient stone chullpas, or funerary towers, that once served as the final resting place for the indigenous Colla people.

These towers, reaching over 40 feet (12 meters) in height, are situated on the shores of Lake Umayo, surrounded by picturesque mountains.

The unique construction of the chullpas features bases that are smaller in diameter than their tops, a distinctive architectural style.

Exploring this pre-Incan necropolis provides a glimpse into the burial customs and beliefs of these ancient civilizations, offering a captivating window into the past.

Scenic Views and Significance

Perched atop a picturesque peninsula near the shimmering waters of Lake Umayo, the Sillustani archaeological site offers visitors a visually captivating experience.

Surrounded by majestic mountains, the site showcases the striking stone chullpas, or funerary towers, that reach over 40 feet in height.

These unique structures, with their smaller bases and wider tops, stand as a testament to the architectural prowess of the indigenous Colla people who once inhabited the region.

Exploring this ancient necropolis, one can’t help but be awed by the scenic beauty that frames this significant historical site, providing a truly immersive cultural experience for all who visit.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The Sillustani Half Day Tour includes round-trip transportation from downtown Puno hotels and a professional tour guide to accompany visitors throughout the archaeological site.

The tour also provides admission to the Sillustani necropolis. However, the tour excludes gratuities, food and drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses.

Visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and sunglasses.

Pets, oversize luggage, smoking, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Plus, sales tax applies for visitors staying in Peru over 60 days, which is collected by the local operator.

Important Information

Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and sunglasses are recommended for the Sillustani Half Day Tour.

Pets, oversize luggage, smoking, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed. Unaccompanied minors won’t be permitted – children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Visitors staying in Peru over 60 days will be subject to sales tax, collected by the local operator.

The tour has a limited group size of 8 participants, and the live guide provides commentary in both English and Spanish.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking can be done with no upfront payment.

Recommendations

Travelers embark on the Sillustani Half Day Tour prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and sunglasses.

They’re advised against bringing pets, oversize luggage, or large bags. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed either.

Unaccompanied minors can’t participate; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

There’s a sales tax for visitors staying in Peru over 60 days, which the local operator collects.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers’ positive feedback on the Sillustani Half Day Tour reflects an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 5 reviews.

The guide and transportation received 4.5 out of 5 ratings, indicating high satisfaction with the tour experience.

Visitors from the United Kingdom, United States, and Italy have left glowing reviews, praising the knowledgeable and engaging guide as well as the value for money.

The tour’s scenic views, ancient ruins, and unique burial customs have captivated travelers, cementing the Sillustani Half Day Tour as a must-do activity for those visiting Puno, Peru.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Additional Services on the Tour?

No, the tour does not offer any additional services beyond what’s included. The tour package covers round-trip transportation, a professional guide, and admission to the Sillustani archaeological site. Extras like food, drinks, and souvenirs are not part of the tour.

What Facilities Are Available at the Sillustani Site?

The Sillustani archaeological site offers limited facilities for visitors. There are no shops, restaurants, or restrooms on-site. Tourists should plan accordingly and bring any necessities they may require during their visit to the ancient necropolis.

Are Group Sizes Flexible Based on Demand?

The group size is limited to 8 participants, but it’s not explicitly stated if this is flexible based on demand. The tour overview indicates a small group experience, though the exact group size may vary depending on booking volume.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

According to the tour details, the standard duration is 3.5 hours. However, the tour may be extended if needed, though this would likely incur an additional fee. Customers should consult the tour operator about any desired changes to the tour length.

How Does the Weather Typically Impact the Tour?

The weather can impact the tour, but the operator provides flexibility. Generally, tours run in mild conditions, but they may be adjusted for heavy rain or extreme cold. Appropriate clothing is recommended to enjoy the outdoor experience.

Recap

The Sillustani Half Day Tour from Puno provides an insightful glimpse into the ancient burial practices and architectural marvels of the Colla civilization. Guests can explore the towering stone chullpas, learn about the site’s historical significance, and enjoy scenic views of Lake Umayo. With a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this tour is a must-do for history enthusiasts visiting the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: