Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour

The Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient burial site of Sillustani. Nestled in the Andean highlands, this captivating 5-hour journey allows visitors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region. From the scenic van ride to the guided tour of the site’s impressive funeral towers, the tour promises a truly engaging and insightful experience. But what makes this tour truly remarkable is not just the historical significance of the location, but the chance to gain a deeper understanding of the Inca’s burial practices and mummification rituals. It’s a must-see for anyone looking to uncover the mysteries of Peru’s past.

Key Points

• The Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour is a 5-hour excursion from Puno that costs $17.50 per person and is offered in English and Spanish.
• The tour includes a 40-minute van ride to the Sillustani archaeological site, a 2-hour guided exploration of over 30 funeral towers, and a 30-minute stop at Lake Umayo.
• Participants can learn about Inca burial traditions and mummification rituals, enjoy scenic views, and interact with local indigenous culture at a traditional Andean house.
• The tour requires comfortable shoes and warm clothing due to the high altitude, and hotel pickup is available for some hotels in Puno.
• Customer reviews indicate an average rating of 3.8 out of 5, with positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and cultural experience, and some concerns about timing and disruptions during the tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour" is a 5-hour excursion that costs from $17.50 per person.

The tour is offered in Spanish and English and includes pickup from hotels in Puno, though some hotels may incur extra costs or require prior coordination.

It features a 40-minute van ride to the Sillustani archaeological site, where visitors will spend 2 hours exploring over 30 funeral towers of Inca nobility and learning about mummification rituals and festivities.

Following the guided tour, the itinerary includes 30 minutes of free time at Lake Umayo and a 20-minute stop at a local indigenous house to see Andean products and interact with the fauna.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with pickup from the Plaza Mayor de Puno, where participants board a 40-minute van ride to the Sillustani archaeological site.

Upon arrival, a guided tour explores over 30 funeral towers of Inca nobility, learning about mummification rituals and festivities that took place at this significant cemetery.

Visitors then have 30 minutes of free time to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Umayo.

The tour concludes with a 20-minute stop at a local indigenous house, allowing participants to see Andean products and interact with llamas and alpacas before the 40-minute van ride back to Puno, arriving around 6:00 PM.

Highlights of the Tour

Exploring the significant Inca cemetery and its unique burial traditions is a highlight of the tour. Visitors can discover over 30 funeral towers that once held the remains of Inca nobility. The guide shares insights into the mummification rituals and festivities associated with these sacred sites.

Another highlight is the scenic views of Lake Umayo, where travelers can pause to appreciate the natural beauty. The tour also offers an opportunity to interact with the local indigenous culture, visiting a traditional Andean house and engaging with the resident llamas and alpacas.

These culture experiences provide a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage and way of life.

Important Information

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended for this tour, as the Sillustani site can be chilly due to its high-altitude location.

While hotel pickup is included, some hotels may not be covered, so it’s best to check with the tour operator ahead of time.

When arriving at the starting point, it’s important to notify the tour operator to avoid any misunderstandings.

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is offered in both English and Spanish.

Clients can cancel their booking for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the information provided, the customer reviews for the Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour offer a balanced perspective.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable guides, the enjoyable farm visit, and the overall value. However, some expressed concerns about timing issues and disruptions during the tour.

The tour has an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 10 reviews. Customers rated the value for money, safety, and service as 4 out of 5, with the organization scoring similarly.

Value for Money

The tour’s value for money is generally seen as quite favorable. Based on customer feedback, the overall rating for value is 4 out of 5, indicating that most participants feel they got a good deal for the price they paid.

At $17.50 per person, the tour provides access to the significant Inca cemetery at Sillustani, scenic views of Lake Umayo, and cultural interactions with indigenous locals.

While there were some concerns about timing and interruptions, the guides were praised as informative and engaging.

Safety and Service

Participant safety and the quality of service appear to be other strengths of the Sillustani Inca Cemetery tour. The tour has received a 4/5 rating for both safety and service based on customer reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide valuable insights into the site’s history and cultural significance. The tour’s organization also receives positive feedback, with smooth logistics and efficient coordination.

While some concerns have been raised about minor timing issues and occasional interruptions, the overall service and safety standards seem to meet the expectations of most participants. This suggests the tour operator places a strong emphasis on ensuring a secure and satisfying experience for visitors.

Meeting Point and Pickup

As per the tour details, the pickup location for the Sillustani Inca Cemetery tour is specified as the Plaza Mayor de Puno.

It’s important to notify the tour operator if you plan to go directly to the starting location, to avoid any misunderstandings.

Some key points to keep in mind regarding the pickup:

1. Pickup is included from hotels in Puno, but specific hotels may incur extra costs or require prior coordination.

2. Guests should be ready at the pickup location on time, as the tour has a fixed schedule.

3. If your hotel isn’t included in the pickup, contact the tour operator to arrange an alternative meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on this tour. The tour does not provide meals, so bringing your own snacks and beverages is allowed and recommended, especially for the free time at Lake Umayo.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour’s accessibility for wheelchair users is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. Visitors should contact the tour operator to inquire about any special accommodations or accessibility options available for those with mobility challenges.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour includes stops at the Sillustani cemetery and a local indigenous house, where restroom facilities are available for visitors. Guests can use these facilities during the designated breaks in the itinerary.

Can I Purchase Handicrafts or Souvenirs at Sillustani?

Visitors can purchase handcrafted souvenirs and local products during the stop at the indigenous house, which is part of the tour itinerary. However, there are no opportunities to shop for handicrafts directly at the Sillustani archaeological site itself.

Are Professional Photography Services Available During the Tour?

No, the tour does not provide professional photography services. Visitors are welcome to take their own photos during the tour, but there are no opportunities to hire a photographer or purchase professional images.

Recap

The Puno: Sillustani Inca Cemetery Half Day Tour offers an affordable and immersive cultural experience. Guests can explore the ancient burial site, enjoy scenic landscapes, and gain insights into Inca history and traditions. With English and Spanish-speaking guides, the tour provides a rich and accessible experience for visitors to Puno. At just $17.50 per person, it’s a great value for those seeking to discover the wonders of the Sillustani site.

You can check if your dates are available here: