Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku: Akapana & Beyond

Tiwanaku is the modern name given to an ancient, vast civilization, predating the Inca by more than 2,000 years.

Through trade and colonization, the culture’s influence spread into present-day Peru, eastern Bolivia, and northern Chile.

Tiwanaku’s ceremonial center— the legendary capital of the bearded creator god Viracocha—sits on a plain that was once the eastern shore of Lake Titicaca.

Although this area may have been inhabited as early as 1500 BC, Tiwanaku urbanized most rapidly from 600 AD to 800 AD.

At its peak, the city covered 2.5 square miles and may have supported 30,000 inhabitants.

Suka Kollu Agricultural Technique

The city’s growth was partly due to its use of the hyper-productive suka kollu (flooded-raised field) agricultural technique.

However, after centuries of prosperity, prolonged drought brought cultural collapse around 1000 AD.

Within another 200 years, Tiwanaku was completely abandoned.

Some authorities speculate that the Uros people of Titicaca are direct descendants of the Tiwanaku people.

Numerous archeologists agree that elements of Tiwanaku culture were assimilated into Inca cosmology and civic structure.

Ancient Temples, Tombs, Monoliths and Aqueducts

Only about 6% of Tiwanaku’s original limits have been excavated.

The portions that are visible reveal complex mathematics and astounding effort. Highlights include temples, tombs, monoliths, and aqueducts.

This ancient ruin site’s structures are largely constructed of massive red sandstone and green andesite block hewn from quarries up to 55 miles from the site.

Some of these blocks weigh upwards of 145 tons.

Akapana: Tiwanaku’s Iconic Pyramid

Chief among Tiwanaku’s structures is the Akapana, a stepped, pyramidal structure measuring 843 feet east-west and 633 feet north-south.

Its highest-level towers 54 feet above the surrounding plain.

Akapana’s top course is studded with carved stone tenons, representing human and puma heads.

Evidence of Ritual Sacrifice

Numerous human skulls have been excavated here; suggesting ritual sacrifice.

The Kalasasaya: Tiwanaku’s Stopped Stones

Northwest of the Akapana, sits an elevated courtyard structure known as the Kalasasaya.

Measuring approximately 426 feet by 393 feet, the Kalasasaya incorporates some of the most iconic monoliths and gates at Tiwanaku.

Notable mentions at the Kalasasaya include:

• The Gateway of the Sun
• El Fraile (Priest Statue)
• The Ponce Monolith

Some structures at Tiwanaku are still under excavation, allowing visitors to observe the work in progress.

The Semi-Subterranean Temple

The Semi-Subterranean Temple is famous for its carved faces, perhaps signifying conquered peoples.

Several other temple, palace, and tomb complexes can also be visited, in addition to the site’s small museum and visitors center.

National Archeological Museum and Museum of Precious Metals

Some of the most interesting artifacts excavated from Tiwanaku can be found in La Paz’s Museum of Precious Metals and National Archeological Museum.

Every June 21st (winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere) the Aymara New Year or Machaq Mara is celebrated at here.

Smaller, more traditional celebrations are held on December 21 (summer solstice) and the March and September equinoxes.

Getting to Tiwanaku

Tiwanaku is located approximately one hour (44 miles) west of La Paz and 20 minutes (12 miles) east of Lake Titicaca.

LANDED arranges privately-guided tours of Tiwanaku from La Paz and the Titicaca region.