Our exciting excursion from Puno to Sillustani begins with pick-up from your hotel in the city of Puno. We then travel to the charming village of Paucarcolla, where our cycling adventure begins. Along the way, we will pass through extensive fields of potatoes, quinoa, and barley, as well as the picturesque village of Atuncolla, known for its traditional homes.
Located 34 km northwest of Puno, the archaeological complex of Sillustani can be reached in approximately 50 minutes by road. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by the impressive beauty of this unique site. Set on a peninsula overlooking Lake Umayo, Sillustani is home to an ancient cemetery featuring remarkable stone burial towers known as Chullpas. Built more than 3,000 years ago by the Kolla and later Inca cultures, these monumental structures were used to bury important rulers and religious leaders. Some Chullpas reach up to 12 meters in height, and more than 90 tombs of different shapes and sizes can be found throughout the site.
The views of Lake Umayo from the Chullpas add to the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding landscape. Along its shores, you can also see traditional agricultural systems known as waru waru. These raised farming platforms are surrounded by water channels that create a unique microclimate, helping protect crops from frost. Developed by the Pukara culture, this ancient agricultural technique is a remarkable example of the region's ancestral engineering and knowledge.
On our way back to Puno, we will stop at a countryside home in the village of Atuncolla. Here, you will have the opportunity to experience the customs and traditions of the local Kolla people. Their traditional houses, built with stone, clay, and thatched roofs, offer an authentic glimpse into their ancestral way of life.
Finally, we will return to the city of Puno and drop you off at your hotel, bringing to an end an unforgettable experience filled with history, culture, and natural beauty in the surroundings of Puno, Peru.
