Tiwanaku from La Paz | Full day

The tour to Tiwanaku from La Paz, a legacy of one of the oldest and most enigmatic civilizations in the Americas, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was the spiritual and political center of the Andes long before the Inca Empire. On this tour, you will experience a journey through time among monolithic temples, astronomical mysteries, and sculptures that still defy history.

History of Tiwanaku

The Tiwanaku culture emerged around 1500 BC and reached its peak between 500 and 1000 AD, becoming one of the most advanced civilizations in South America.

Innovators in architecture and astronomy: they built temples precisely oriented to the sun and the solstices.

• Masters of hydraulic and agricultural systems: they developed the waru waru (raised fields), elevated structures that allowed cultivation in flooded or frozen areas.
• Spiritual center of pilgrimages: thousands of people arrived from distant regions to pay homage to the gods of the sun, rain, and earth.
• Cradle of the Inca myth: according to legend, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo (founders of the Inca Empire) emerged from Lake Titicaca with the teachings of Tiwanaku.

Today, Tiwanaku is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to be a place of power, where ceremonies for the Andean New Year (Wilka Kuti) are held every June 21st.

Detailed Itinerary – Tiwanaku from La Paz Full Day

Pick-up from your hotel in La Paz

We begin with a morning pick-up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point in the historic center of La Paz, accompanied by your professional local guide.

Journey to Tiwanaku

During the journey, you will enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real and the authentic Andean lifestyle. You will see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing freely, Aymara communities with their adobe houses, and women dressed in their traditional skirts.

Visit to the Tiwanaku Archaeological Museum

Here you will discover the earliest material evidence of this great pre-Incan civilization and see polychrome ceramics, ritual instruments, and original monoliths, including representations of the enigmatic Staff God, considered the principal deity of the Andean world.

Tour of the Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex

• Kalasasasaya Temple: a ceremonial platform aligned with the solstices, used to measure the agricultural calendar.
• Gateway to the Sun: carved from a single block of andesite stone, the ultimate symbol of the Tiwanaku culture, featuring astronomical figures still under study.
• Semi-Subterranean Temple: an impressive sunken enclosure adorned with more than 170 stone faces representing different ethnic groups from ancient times.
• Akapana Pyramid: a stepped structure with seven levels that is believed to have served as an observatory and offering altar.
• Puma Punku: the most enigmatic site of the entire tour; Perfectly carved and fitted stone blocks, their millimeter-precise cuts remaining a mystery to modern science.

Typical Andean lunch with a view of the high plateau.

Enjoy a delicious local menu at a village restaurant: freshly caught trout from Lake Titicaca, Aymara-style quinoa, or a vegetarian option.

Return to your hotel or agreed-upon meeting point.

We conclude this day filled with history and ancestral energy with a safe return to your accommodation.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

Pick-up from your hotel or a central location in La Paz

Punctual service in tourist transportation, valid for hotels located in the historic center or surrounding areas.

Round-trip tourist transportation

Comfortable, safe, and authorized transportation for rural and high-altitude routes, with panoramic windows and ample space for groups.

Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English)

Specialized local guide who accompanies you throughout the tour, explaining archaeological, geographical, and ritual aspects.

Plaza Murillo

We will continue to Plaza Murillo, the political and historical heart of La Paz. This emblematic space is home to some of the most important buildings in the country.

Basilica of San Francisco

You will be able to enter and appreciate its altarpieces, sculptures, and colonial paintings, while learning about the fundamental role of the Franciscans in the evangelization of the Andes.

Witches’ Market

Here you’ll discover how the Andean worldview combines spirituality with nature, a practice that remains alive to this day. It’s the perfect place to buy a symbolic souvenir of your trip.

Cable Car Ticket

Complete exploration of the La Paz cable cars on the Yellow, Silver, Red, and Orange lines

Ongoing assistance throughout the tour

Support from the team of guides and drivers in case of any need during the trip.

❌ What’s not included?

Travel insurance or personal insurance

Medical assistance insurance is not included. It is recommended to purchase your own travel insurance.

Entrance fees to the Tiwanaku archaeological site

Bring local currency to pay

Voluntary tips for guides or the community

Not mandatory, but a gesture of appreciation is very welcome from the local team and host families.

Personal items (raincoat, sunscreen, hat, etc.)

The tour does not include personal items. We suggest bringing a backpack with everything you need for the day.

Photography equipment or personal cameras

No multimedia equipment is provided, and visitors must bring their own cell phone, camera, or drone if they wish to take photos or videos.

Lunch

Lunch is not included in the tour, but there are typical lunch options available, and most restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options, which can be requested in advance.

🌟 Recommendations for a Full Day in Tiwanaku

Sun and Eye Protection
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as solar radiation at high altitude can be strong even on cloudy days.

Hydration and Personal Snacks
Although the tour includes breakfast and lunch, it is recommended to bring a water bottle, nuts, or energy bars for the hike.

Camera with Sufficient Battery and Memory
This tour offers numerous photo opportunities, from Andean landscapes to cultural portraits by the bridge.

Respect the Environment and Cultural Spaces
In places like the Basilica of San Francisco, Jaén Street, and the Witches’ Market, avoid using flash or taking photos without permission.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be in good physical condition for this tour?

The tour does not include long hikes or strenuous activities, but it does reach high altitudes and is suitable for most people in good general health.

Is there cell phone or internet service in Tiwanaku?

Signal is limited, and it is recommended to download maps or information before the trip and take the opportunity to disconnect a bit.

Is the service a group or private tour?

This itinerary is a group tour, but it can also be arranged privately with prior coordination.

At what altitude does the tour take place?

Tiwanaku is at approximately 3,850 meters above sea level. It is recommended to spend at least one day in La Paz or the Altiplano before the tour to avoid altitude sickness.