The Chullpas of Sillustani of Puno

The Chullpas of Sillustani of Puno

Adventure & Nature

Por: Huillca Expedition

Sillustani is one of the funerary cemeteries of the great Colla culture, which developed between the years 1200 and 1450 on the northern side of Lake Umayo, in the locality of Hatuncolla, about 33 km from the city of Puno. These tombs, called "Chullpas," stand out for their innovative architecture, with shapes resembling inverted trunks.

The name Sillustani comes from the words "sillus" (nails) and "llustani" (slippery), which would translate to "slippery nails." This name refers to the precise fit between the external blocks of the Chullpas, which does not allow even a nail to pass through.

The Chullpas of Sillustani of Puno

Location of the Chullpas of Sillustani

The Archaeological Complex of Sillustani, located at 3,909 meters above sea level, is situated on the peninsula of Lake Umayo, in the Community of San Antonio de Umayo, Atuncolla district, Ananzaya sector, within the province of Puno. This site is nestled on the Collao Plateau, between the Western and Eastern Cordilleras of the Andes in southern Peru. Its exact location is at an altitude of 3,897 meters above sea level, at 15º43'00" south latitude and 70º09'03" west longitude (UTM: 8 261 303 N, 0376 070 E).

Main Function of Sillustani

The main function of Sillustani was as a funerary area, with tombs and burials designated for the Collao and Inca elite. This site was where the most important funerary rituals of the Titicaca plateau were carried out.

Chullpas of Sillustani and Lake Umayo

Who discovered Sillustani

The Sillustani Archaeological Complex was discovered on November 3, 1971 by Arturo Ruiz Estrada. During his exploration, he found numerous objects of gold, silver, copper, and Spondylus, as well as lapis lazuli beads, bone and ceramics in the vicinity of the Chullpa del Lagarto, within the Sillustani complex, in the department of Puno.

How to Get to the Chullpas of Sillustani

From Puno:

By Private Car:

  • From the city of Puno, take the Puno-Juliaca highway (Route PE-34A) heading north.
  • After approximately 20 km, you will find a signposted turn-off to the left towards Sillustani.
  • Follow this road for about 13 km until you reach the archaeological complex.

By Public Transportation:

  • From downtown Puno, head to the minibus terminal located near the central market.
  • Take a minibus heading to Atuncolla or Sillustani. The cost is S/. 2.00 per person.
  • The journey takes approximately one hour. The minibuses will drop you off near the archaeological complex, from where you will have to walk a few minutes to the entrance.

By Organized Tour:

  • Many travel agencies in Puno offer organized tours to Sillustani. These tours usually include round-trip transportation, a tour guide, and sometimes an additional visit to other points of interest in the area.

Tickets and Hours for Sillustani

  • The entrance fee to the archaeological site is S/. 25.00 (USD 7.00) and it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Recommendations for Visiting Sillustani

  • Wear comfortable and suitable clothing for walking, as the terrain can be uneven.
  • Don’t forget to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as the sun can be intense at high altitude.
  • The visiting hours are typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but it’s advisable to check the updated hours before your visit.
  • Consider acclimatizing to the altitude in Puno before visiting Sillustani, as it is located at 3,897 meters above sea level.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Chullpas of Sillustani

  1. How tall are the Chullpas of Sillustani?

    • The Chullpas of Sillustani vary in height, with some reaching up to 12 meters.

  2. What does Sillustani mean in Quechua?

    • Sillustani comes from the words "sillus" (nails) and "llustani" (slippery), which translates to "slippery nails," referring to the precise fit between the blocks of the chullpas.

  3. Who discovered Sillustani?

    • The archaeological complex of Sillustani was discovered on November 3, 1971, by archaeologist Arturo Ruiz Estrada.

  4. What to do at Sillustani?

    • At Sillustani, you can explore the impressive chullpas, enjoy panoramic views of the Andean landscape, and learn about the region's history and culture.

  5. What is the name of the lake near Sillustani?

    • The lake near Sillustani is called Lake Umayo.

  6. How to get from Puno to Sillustani?

    • You can reach Sillustani from Puno by private car, public transport (minibuses to Atuncolla or Sillustani), or through organized tours.

  7. What does Chullpas of Sillustani mean?

    • Chullpas are funerary towers used by the Collao and Inca cultures for elite burials.

  8. What do the Chullpas of Sillustani protect?

    • The chullpas are designed to protect the remains and offerings of important individuals buried within them.

  9. What is inside the chullpas?

    • Inside the chullpas, human remains, offerings, and valuable objects such as gold and ceramics have been found.

  10. How much does the entrance to Sillustani cost?

    • The entrance fee to the Sillustani archaeological site is S/. 5.50 (USD 2.00).

  11. What material was used to build the chullpas?

    • The chullpas were primarily built with stone using dry-stone masonry techniques.

  12. Which culture built the Chullpas of Sillustani?

    • The Chullpas of Sillustani were built by the Collao culture and later used by the Incas.

  13. What does Umayo mean?

    • "Umayo" in Quechua means "lake."

  14. What are the burial structures called in the Tiwanaku culture?

    • In the Tiwanaku culture, similar funerary structures are known as "chullpas" or "tombs."

  15. What material was used to build the chullpas?

    • The chullpas were built primarily with large stones fitted together without mortar, often with precise finishes.
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