Eternal abode of nobles of the highlands. Chullpas or circular stone towers built to house the funerary remains of the main authorities of the Colla manor. The stones are masterfully joined and fit together perfectly. The mausoleums reach up to 12 m high and are characterized by the fact that their base is smaller than the top. A short distance from the archaeological complex is the site museum. Various pieces from the Colla, Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures are preserved there.
Your stay in Puno would be incomplete if, during the days you visit this majestic and historic region, you do not set aside time in your agenda to visit the Chullpas of Sillustani. But what exactly are this set of imposing and splendid cylindrical buildings?
Sillustani is an ancient funerary complex belonging to the Kolla culture and the impressive tubular constructions that can be seen are tombs. Many of them kept the remains of the ancient nobles of this area of ??Peru, which is why it is considered one of the most important cemeteries not only on the continent, but in the entire world.
Located on the road to the city of Juliaca (from the city of Puno), this cemetery sees its horizons adorned with water in which the sky is reflected, thanks to the Umayo lagoon that is located next to it. In its territory it has almost a hundred mausoleums of elongated capsule shape, in which remains of nobles, priests and rulers of the Kolla (mostly), Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures were found. Also, some personal objects of the individuals and offerings were found next to the mummies.
Sillustani is located on the shores of the enigmatic Umayo lagoon, which has a maximum depth of 14 m. There, the residents of Atuncolla offer boat rides. The complex was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2003. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 08:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
The process of creating their tombs was quite complex, since the mausoleums measure - on average - between four to six meters, although there are some specimens that reach 15 meters high. Its great state of conservation is also surprising, since the materials chosen for its construction (stone, mud and ashlar) ended up being resistant to the extreme climate that predominates in the region, and its finish: the Kollas, like the Incas, perfected the technique of stone carving, which makes buildings look neat.
But what was the reason for mummifying the high ranks of society? This is a practice adopted from the Inca culture, in which their dead were venerated by giving them burial after a mummification process. Thus, what was attempted was to perpetuate the beauty of their bodies and show respect for the souls that stopped inhabiting the earth. Once they had the mummy ready, they were placed into these enormous cylinders (chullpas), in which they could also find offerings (food), ceramics, textiles and ornaments made of precious metals, made of gold and silver.
In this place, you breathe mysticism and energy: those who visit the stone towers of the Chullpas of Sillustani attest to this. The importance of what this funerary complex meant in ancient Peru and what it means today, by still being able to witness the vestiges of its majestic legacy, makes it an emblematic cemetery for the Inca country, the American region and the entire world.
The best way to visit this funerary site is through a specialized guide, who will explain the most important details and data of this archaeological site, where you can also enjoy the Site Museum and a visit to the town of Atuncolla, where you can live an experience different from community tourism. Here, you will share with local families some of the ancient techniques that are practiced today and that are very useful to this day.
To visit the Chullpas of Sillustani, you can go on a tour from the city of Puno or you can take a direct public bus from Juliaca to Puno or vice versa. There is also the option of going on your own using the bus or taxi that is located at the Sillustani exit. Entrance to the archaeological center costs S/5.50 (USD 2.00) and opens from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. (reference data).
Knowing one of the most important necropolises in the world means the revelation of great mysteries about how the burials of the most important authorities of the Inca Empire were made and how they represent sacred places until now.
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