TIWANAKU FROM LA PAZ|FULL DAY
DESCRIPTION
The Tiwanaku from La Paz takes you to the legacy of one of the oldest and most enigmatic civilizations in the Americas. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tiwanaku was the spiritual and political center of the Andes long before the Inca Empire. On this journey, you’ll travel back in time among monolithic temples, astronomical mysteries, and sculptures that continue to challenge history.
History of Tiwanaku
The Tiwanaku culture emerged around 1500 B.C. and reached its peak between 500 and 1000 A.D., becoming one of the most advanced civilizations in South America.
Innovators in architecture and astronomy: They built temples precisely aligned with the sun and solstices.
Masters of hydraulic and agricultural systems: They developed waru waru (raised fields), allowing cultivation in flooded or frozen areas.
Spiritual pilgrimage center: Thousands of people came from distant regions to honor the gods of the sun, rain, and earth.
Cradle of Inca myth: According to legend, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, founders of the Inca Empire, emerged from Lake Titicaca carrying the teachings of Tiwanaku.
Today, Tiwanaku remains a place of power, where Andean New Year (Wilka Kuti) celebrations take place every June 21.
ITINERARY
Detailed Itinerary – Tiwanaku from La Paz, Full Day
Hotel pickup in La Paz
We begin with pickup from your hotel or a central meeting point in La Paz, accompanied by your professional local guide.
Drive to Tiwanaku
Enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real, the authentic highland lifestyle, herds of llamas and alpacas, Aymara communities with their adobe houses, and women in traditional polleras.
Visit to the Tiwanaku Archaeological Museum
Discover the earliest material evidence of this great pre-Inca civilization polychrome ceramics, ritual instruments, and original monoliths, including depictions of the Staff God, the main deity of the Andean world.
Tour of the Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex
Kalasasaya Temple: A ceremonial platform aligned with the solstices, used to mark the agricultural calendar.
Gateway of the Sun: Carved from a single block of andesite, an iconic Tiwanaku symbol featuring astronomical figures still under study.
Semi-Subterranean Temple: A striking sunken enclosure decorated with over 170 stone faces representing ancient ethnic groups.
Akapana Pyramid: A seven-tiered stepped structure believed to have served as an observatory and altar for offerings.
Puma Punku: The most mysterious site of all massive stone blocks perfectly cut and fitted without mortar, whose precision continues to puzzle modern science.
Andean Lunch with Highland Views
Enjoy a delicious local meal in a village restaurant: fresh Titicaca trout, Aymara-style quinoa, or a vegetarian alternative.
Return to Hotel or Meeting Point
End this day filled with history and ancestral energy with a safe return to your accommodation.
INCLUDES
What does the Tour include in Tiwanaku full day from la Paz?
Hotel pickup or central meeting point in La Paz
Reliable tourist transport service for hotels in or near the historic center.Round-trip tourist transportation
Comfortable, safe, and authorized vehicles for rural and high Andean routes, with panoramic windows and ample space for groups.Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English)
Specialized local guide who accompanies the entire tour, explaining archaeological, geographical, and ritual aspects.Murillo Square
Visit La Paz’s political and historical heart, home to the country’s most important buildings.San Francisco Basilica
Enter to admire its altarpieces, sculptures, and colonial paintings while learning about the Franciscan role in the evangelization of the Andes.Witches’ Market
Discover how Andean cosmovision blends spirituality with naturea living tradition. The perfect spot to buy a symbolic souvenir.Cable Car Ticket
Full exploration of La Paz’s cable car system: Yellow, Silver, Red, and Orange lines.Permanent Assistance Throughout the Tour
Support from guides and drivers in case of any need during the trip.
NOT INCLUDED
What’s not included?
Travel or personal insurance
Medical assistance policies are not included. It’s recommended to purchase your own travel insurance.Entrance fees to the Tiwanaku archaeological site
Bring local currency for ticket payment.Voluntary tips for guides or communities
Not mandatory but a kind gesture appreciated by the local team and host families.Personal items (raincoat, sunscreen, hat, etc.)
Bring a backpack with everything you need for the day.Cameras or photography equipment
Not provided. Visitors should bring their own phones, cameras, or drones for photos or videos.Lunch
Lunch is not included, but several restaurants offer traditional Andean dishes, as well as vegetarian or vegan options available upon request.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations for a Full Day in Tiwanaku from la Paz
Sun and eye protection
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat the high-altitude sun can be strong even on cloudy days.Hydration and personal snacks
Carry a bottle of water, nuts, or energy bars for the journey.Camera with sufficient battery and memory
Capture stunning Andean landscapes and cultural moments throughout the day.Respect the environment and cultural spaces
In sites like the San Francisco Basilica, Calle Jaén, and the Witches’ Market, avoid flash photography or taking pictures without permission.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in good physical condition for this tour?
No long walks or strenuous activities are included, but the tour reaches high-altitude areas, suitable for most people in good general health.
Is there cell service or internet in Tiwanaku?
Signal is limited. It’s best to download maps or info in advance and enjoy a brief digital detox.
Is the service shared or private?
This itinerary is for a group service, but private tours can be arranged upon request.
What altitude is the tour at?
Tiwanaku is located at approximately 3,850 m (12,630 ft) above sea level. It’s recommended to spend at least one day in La Paz or the highlands before the tour to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness.