Tiwanaku Tours
17 Reviews
High on the Altiplano of Bolivia at over 13,000 feet, the ancient city of Tiwanaku sits like a frozen time capsule of Andean history. Not as famous and totally different than the neighboring ruins at Machu Picchu, Tiwanaku is a mysterious city lying windswept and haggard which has mystified scholars for multiple centuries.
The ruins are believed to be the ancient capital city of a Tiwanaku Empire which once stretched across Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and held over 100,000 inhabitants inside of its towering walls. Now this UNESCO World Heritage site is located about a 1.5-hour drive from the modern day capital city of La Paz and is reached by crossing the arid, frigid plains of the Bolivian highlands. Doable as a day trip from La Paz, the modern town of Tiwanaku also boasts modest accommodations for those wanting some extended exploration of the ruins. The reward for journeying to this remote part of the plains, however, is being able to wander among one of the most fascinating and mind-boggling sites in Latin America.
To the untrained eye, the ruins at Tiwanaku might be nothing more than some old stones set out in the dirt. To those who have been educated on the theories and history of the ancient Tiwanaku Empire, however, every turn in the ancient city unveils a new mystery for which scholars fail to find any answers. Given the high degree of knowledge needed to properly enjoy Tiwanaku, it’s recommended to visit either as part of a tour or hire a local and knowledgeable guide.
For example, many of the large stone slabs which are used in buildings such as the 50-foot-tall Akapana Pyramid, are not found anywhere else in the indigenous area. Furthermore, subterranean studies have shown that in areas such as Puma Punku there is evidence of underground, man-made structures which exist over six feet below the current surface of the Earth, a geological conundrum which confounds scholars as to how they could have gotten down there.
Undoubtedly one of the more magical - if not cold - spots in the surrounding La Paz area, traveling to Tiwanaku is a journey into a forgotten society for which more questions than answers tend to remain.
The ruins are believed to be the ancient capital city of a Tiwanaku Empire which once stretched across Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Argentina and held over 100,000 inhabitants inside of its towering walls. Now this UNESCO World Heritage site is located about a 1.5-hour drive from the modern day capital city of La Paz and is reached by crossing the arid, frigid plains of the Bolivian highlands. Doable as a day trip from La Paz, the modern town of Tiwanaku also boasts modest accommodations for those wanting some extended exploration of the ruins. The reward for journeying to this remote part of the plains, however, is being able to wander among one of the most fascinating and mind-boggling sites in Latin America.
To the untrained eye, the ruins at Tiwanaku might be nothing more than some old stones set out in the dirt. To those who have been educated on the theories and history of the ancient Tiwanaku Empire, however, every turn in the ancient city unveils a new mystery for which scholars fail to find any answers. Given the high degree of knowledge needed to properly enjoy Tiwanaku, it’s recommended to visit either as part of a tour or hire a local and knowledgeable guide.
For example, many of the large stone slabs which are used in buildings such as the 50-foot-tall Akapana Pyramid, are not found anywhere else in the indigenous area. Furthermore, subterranean studies have shown that in areas such as Puma Punku there is evidence of underground, man-made structures which exist over six feet below the current surface of the Earth, a geological conundrum which confounds scholars as to how they could have gotten down there.
Undoubtedly one of the more magical - if not cold - spots in the surrounding La Paz area, traveling to Tiwanaku is a journey into a forgotten society for which more questions than answers tend to remain.
Address: La Paz, Bolivia
6 Tours & Activities to Experience
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$90.00 USD
Private Tour: Tiwanaku Archeological Site from La Paz
- Uncover the ancient mysteries of the Tiwanaku, a vast archeological site on the shores of Lake Titicaca, on a private half-day tour from La Paz. Accompanied by an expert guide, visit the majestic pyramids and sacred temples of the site while enriching your knowledge of Tiwanaku civilization. Hear of the empire’s mysterious disappearance after thriving for a millennium, and enjoy the undivided attention of your guide on this private tour. Convenient round-trip transportation from your La Paz hotel is included and a morning or afternoon option is available.
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$90.00 USD
Private Tiwanaku and Titicaca Day Trip from La Paz
- Uncover the ancient mysteries of Tiwanaku and the natural beauty of Lake Titicaca — the world’s highest lake — on a full-day trip from La Paz. With a guide, you’ll travel to Tiwanaku to delve into the 2,500-year-old history of the recently settlement. Then, absorb the splendour of Lake Titicaca as you stop at several points of interest and revitalize with lunch overlooking the lake. Entry fees and round-trip transport from your La Paz hotel are included.
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$55.00 USD
Tiwanaku Full-Day Trip from La Paz
- Get a glimpse of Bolivia’s Pre-Columbian past with a visit to Tiwanaku. Just two hours from La Paz, this site features structures dating back 15,000 years. On this comprehensive tour you’ll visit museums of ancient treasures, the Temple of Kalasasaya, the Gateway of the Sun, the Akapana Pyramids, and the Pumapunku Stone complex. Your tour ends with convenient transport back to your hotel.
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$53.00 USD
Tiwanaku & Puma Punku - The Ancient Civilization - Everything Included!
- Pre-dating even the Incas, the UNESCO–listed archaeological site of Tiwanaku shines a light on an ancient civilization lost in time—but visiting independently means missing the site's historic significance. On this tour, begin with pickup at your La Paz hotel and explore with your guide. Gain valuable insight into the meaning behind relics like the Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya Temple, and the Puma Punku complex.
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$95.00 USD
Tiwanaku Temple Half-Day Tour
- Visit the ancient city of Tiwanaku from La Paz on a half-day tour that features door-to-door service from your hotel. Traveling by private vehicle means more time to explore pre-Inca temples and the Tiwanaku museums, and since the trip from La Paz to Tiwanaku passes through the high-altitude countryside, it’s a great chance to see traditional agriculture and villages with sweeping views of the Bolivian Andes.
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$130.00 USD
Tiwanaku Temple Full-Day Tour
- HD Tiwanaku (Ceramic Museum + Kalasasaya Archeological Site + Puma Punku Archeological Site + Potatoes and Quinoa Crops)
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