Puno stands out not only for its cultural splendor and vibrant festivals but also for its impressive Archaeological Centers. These complexes preserve valuable evidence of ancient cultures and civilizations that inhabited the region. In these places, one can find ruins, tombs, human and animal remains, among other vestiges that narrate the history of the Altiplano.
Puno and Its Archaeological Wealth
These archaeological centers allow us to travel back in time and explore the rich pre-Hispanic history of the region. They are essential for understanding how the ancient cultures that lived along the shores of Lake Titicaca lived and developed. Through the study of these sites, we can learn about the technology, architecture, religion, economy, and daily life of these civilizations.
Furthermore, these archaeological sites preserve our cultural heritage, as many contemporary cultures consider them sacred.
Main Archaeological Centers
| ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTERS | DESCRIPTION |
| Sillustani Archaeological Center | The Funeral Towers of the Altiplano is one of the most important archaeological sites in Puno, known for its impressive Chullpas. Located on the shores of Laguna Umayo, it is a pre-Incan cemetery where the Collas and the Incas built these towers to bury their leaders and important figures. Built with finely carved stones, these structures stand out for their remarkable architectural skill, some of which are over 12 meters tall. |
| Cutimbo Archaeological Center | Like Sillustani, here you will find chullpas, although the ones in Cutimbo are more recent and from the Inca period. The architecture is notable for its solidity and the symbols carved on its walls. We can also appreciate the Petroglyphs; carvings on rocks that represent animals, geometric figures, and symbols related to their Andean beliefs. |
| Pucará Archaeological Center | Considered the Cradle of Pre-Inca Civilization, it is one of the oldest and most enigmatic sites of the Altiplano. This site dates from approximately 150 BC to 100 AD, and it is a ceremonial and urban center similar to the Inca ones. One can observe temples, stone sculptures, and ceremonial platforms. One of the most representative pieces is the famous Pucará Bull, a symbol of protection and fertility. |
| Chucuito Archaeological Center | It was an important administrative and religious center during the Inca period, with a structure containing more than 80 stone pillars arranged in alignment. Its purpose has been the subject of various theories. The most accepted theory is that it was a fertility temple. |
Tiahuanaco and its Influence in Puno
According to various archaeologists, the Tiahuanaco or Tiwanaku culture existed between 1500 BC and 1000 AD. It was an empire that dominated the central Andes, with its capital at Tiahuanaco.
The Altiplano culture was the root of many other civilizations. They worshipped the god Wiracocha, just like the Incas. They engaged in agriculture, livestock, fishing, and crafts. They also had highly developed architecture.
Tiahuanaco exerted a profound influence over Puno, which was within its geopolitical area of influence. The shores of Lake Titicaca were a key area for trade and cultural exchange between Tiahuanaco and the local cultures.
Within the religious influence, the Tiahuanaco influenced the construction of their temples, using perfectly carved and fitted stones, such as the Chullpas of Sillustani.
