Sillustani

An archaeological site with remarkable pre-Incan funerary towers called chullpas set on a peninsula overlooking Lake Umayo. It provides insight into the Colla and Lupaca cultures and their impressive stone masonry.

Things to do

• Explore the Chullpas — Walk among the iconic pre-Incan funerary towers, some standing over 12 meters tall, built by the Colla and Lupaca cultures with precisely fitted stone masonry.
• Lake Umayo Viewpoint — Enjoy panoramic views of the vast Andean lake from the peninsula, particularly stunning at sunset when light reflects off the water and surrounding mountains.
• Visit the Site Museum — See artifacts excavated from the chullpas including pottery, textiles, and human remains that illuminate daily life and burial practices of the Colla civilization.
• Photograph Stone Masonry Details — Examine the intricate fitting techniques of the pre-Incan stonework, where blocks are cut without mortar and demonstrate advanced engineering knowledge.
• Walk the Peninsula Loop Trail — Follow the scenic footpath around the archaeological zone to see multiple chullpa clusters and appreciate the landscape that connected these burial sites to the lake.

Food to try

• Trout from Lake Umayo — Fresh trucha (rainbow trout) caught from the nearby lake is typically grilled or pan-fried and served with local potatoes and quinoa.
• Papa a la Huancaína — Sliced boiled potatoes dressed in a creamy sauce made from aji amarillo peppers, evaporated milk, and queso fresco, a classic Andean dish available in local restaurants.
• Quinoa Soup — A warming soup made with locally grown quinoa, potatoes, and vegetables that sustains visitors exploring the high-altitude site.
• Chuño — Freeze-dried potatoes that have been naturally processed through Andean frost cycles, representing an ancient preservation method still used in the region.
• Alpaca Steak — Lean meat from domesticated Andean camelids, grilled and served as a local specialty that reflects the region's pastoral heritage.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Sacred Space — The chullpas are ancestral burial sites treated as sacred by local Quechua and Aymara communities; maintain quiet reverence and do not disturb stones or remove artifacts.
• Hire a Local Guide — Engaging a guide from Puno enhances understanding of Colla and Lupaca cosmology, architectural techniques, and connects visitors to living descendants of these cultures.
• Altitude Awareness — Sillustani sits at 3,850 meters elevation; allow acclimatization time and stay hydrated to avoid soroche (altitude sickness) common for visitors from lower elevations.
• Visit During Local Festivals — Timing a visit around Puno's cultural celebrations or local community events provides deeper insight into how contemporary Andean peoples honor their pre-Incan heritage.