Puno and the Chulpas of Sillustani – Journey to the Aymara World

9:00 am – Welcome and pick-up from the hotel

Our expert local guide, a bearer of ancestral and academic knowledge, will pick you up from your hotel. During the initial journey, he or she will share a fascinating introduction to the Puno region, its historical importance as a crossroads between Cusco and the Collao Plateau, and the cultural richness that characterizes this border region between Peru and Bolivia.

Cultural immersion in the heart of Puno

• Detailed exploration of the main square, a ceremonial center since pre-Hispanic times
• Visit to the Cathedral Basilica of San Carlos Borromeo, a jewel of 18th-century Andean Baroque (facade only)
• Observation of the unique fusion of Christian symbols and elements of the Andean worldview in its architecture
• Explanation of the brotherhood system and its role in colonial social organization

Lima Passage and the Central Market (45 minutes)

Walk through the historic Pasaje Lima, a shopping arcade that has served as a meeting point for centuries.
Immersion in the traditional market: colors, aromas and flavors of the highlands
Identification and explanation of unique products such as royal quinoa, the 150 varieties of native potatoes, chuño and tunta
Tasting of Andean fruits such as tumbo, custard apple and granadilla
Interaction with local merchants and learning terms in Quechua and Aymara

Traditional crafts workshop (30 minutes)

• Visit an ancestral weaving workshop where you will observe the backstrap loom technique
• Demonstration of the complete process: from shearing the sheep to dyeing with natural plants
• Opportunity to purchase authentic textiles directly from artisans
• Alternatively, visit a musical instrument workshop: panpipes, charangos and quenas

Scenic drive to Sillustani

The 32-kilometer journey to Sillustani becomes an experience in itself, offering panoramic windows into the soul of the high plateau:

• Stop at the Atuncolla viewpoint (15 minutes): Spectacular view of Lake Titicaca and the floating islands of the Uros
• Observation of Andean rural life: shepherds with their herds of llamas and alpacas, farmers working with ancient techniques
• Short break in the village of Hatuncolla, the former capital of the Colla lordship.

Cultural lunch in a local community

The culinary experience becomes a profound cultural exchange in the Atuncolla community:

Traditional menu from the highlands.

Sillustani: where death found eternity

The Sillustani Peninsula emerges as a sacred promontory overlooking the Umayo Lagoon. Our guide will take you on a tour that reveals the many dimensions of this funerary site:

The chulpas: architecture of eternity

• Detailed explanation of construction techniques: stones perfectly assembled without mortar
• Analysis of astronomical orientation and its relationship with the solstices
• Comparison between the Colla chulpas (round base) and the Inca chulpas (square base)
• Interpretation of the engraved symbols: snakes, pumas and condors of the three Andean dimensions

Umayo Lagoon: mirror of the skies

• Hike to the main viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view
• Biodiversity observation: Andean flamingos, wild ducks, and the vizcacha
• Moment of meditation and connection with the energy of the place
• Photo session with the best views of the chulpas reflected in the waters

Rituals and beliefs

• Narration of funeral ceremonies and the journey of the soul according to the Andean worldview
• Explanation of the concept of death as a transition, not an end

Reflective return to Puno

The return trip includes:

• Guided reflection on the day’s experiences and their personal meaning
• Share impressions and final questions with the guide

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm – Arrival at the hotel

The tour concludes with return to your hotel, where you’ll have time to rest and absorb the wealth of experiences. Your guide will be available to provide restaurant recommendations for dinner or additional activities in Puno.