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Towering Monoliths
The city of Tiahuanaco, or Tiwanaku, was the capital of a powerful pre-Hispanic empire that dominated a large area of the
southern Andes and beyond, reaching its apogee between 500 and 900 AD. The main Tiwanaku site was added to
UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2000.
Its monumental remains testify to the cultural and political significance of this civilization, which is distinct from any of the
other pre-Hispanic empires of the Americas. History buffs will love diving into the myths and mysteries of this lost
civilization. In the eponymous village nearby, there are a number of hotels, restaurants, and a fun little plaza with excellent
sculptures inspired by Tiwanaku styles.
Discover Tiahuanaco
CULTURE1 / 2
Tiahuanaco (Tiawanaku) is an ancient civilization that existed on the Bolivian Altiplano (the Andes highlands) near present-day La Paz long before the Incas conquered and colonized the region. Archeologists have uncovered sufficient evidence to believe that the Tiahuanaco ruins found near Lake Titicaca are the remnants of an ancient city and ceremonial site that functioned as the capital city of the Tiahuanacota culture. The Tiahuanacota culture, unrelated to the Incas or Aymaras, inhabited this region and built this city hundreds, and possibly thousands, of years prior to their arrival. The Incas entered the region much later, conquering and assimilating other cultures. Because they mixed with the cultures they conquered, the Aymaras and Quechuas today refer to themselves as descendants of the Incas, although they were not originally Incan.
HISTORY2 / 2
Tiahuanaco was the source of the creation myths, the social order, and the extraordinary preoccupation with astronomy that underwrote thousands of years of Andean culture, and yet for all of its importance, Tiahuanaco largely remains an enigma. Only a small percentage of the ruins in Tiahuanaco has been uncovered and much still remains underground. Archeologists think that at its peak the city may have housed up to 50,000 people. A growing number of scientists believe that Tiahuanaco is as much as 17,000 years old, with some stating it may actually be one of the world's oldest cities, even older than Jericho. The Tiahuanacota culture is thought to have disappeared quite abruptly around 1200 AD.
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13D / 12N
Set off on a luxury trip to Bolivia for two weeks of history, culture, and adventure. Explore the highlights of cities teeming with life from…
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Uncover one of the most unique cultures in South America with a trip to the world’s highest navigable lake. This luxury trip to…
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Best Time To Travel
You can visit the ruins year-round, though the best time to travel in Bolivia is during the
winter dry season, from May to October.
Tiahuanaco receives fewer visitors than the better-known sites in neighboring Peru, and you can go just about any time
without having to worry about crowds.
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO1 / 2
Tiahuanaco Ruins Since being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, Tiahuanaco has become one of Bolivia’s most well-known archaeological attractions, which can be attributed to the well-preserved ruins. The principal buildings of Tiahuanaco include the Akapana Pyramid, a huge platform mound or stepped pyramid of earth faced with cut andesite; a rectangular enclosure known as the Kalasasaya, constructed of alternating tall stone columns and smaller rectangular blocks; and another enclosure known as the Palacio. A notable feature of the Kalasasaya is the monolithic Gateway of the Sun, which is adorned with the carved central figure of a staff-carrying Doorway God and other subsidiary figures, sometimes referred to as angels or winged messengers. A great number of freestanding carved stone figures have also been found at the site.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO2 / 2
Museums at Tiahuanaco At the site, there are a few museums that cannot be missed - the first museum is the Museo Ceramico, which has a large collection of pottery from the Tiwanaku civilization. Visitors can experience artistically decorated pieces reserved for ceremonies, and plain pieces used for everyday purposes. One of the most memorable artifacts at the museum is a preserved mummy in the fetal position. The second museum is the Museo Litico, which houses a fabulous collection of monoliths found at Tiwanaku, some originals and some replicas. The Bennett Monolith Pachamama (Bennett Monolith) is worth visiting alone- it’s 7.3 meters tall and covered in carvings.
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