Puno

Inca Uyo Archaeological Site

In the Aymara language Inca Uyo means “dwelling or place of the Inca.” The site is well recognized for its Inca building style and its use of stone materials. Archaeological excavations took place at least twice in the 20th century, and from these it was learned that the ruins formed part of a major collection of ceremonial buildings. By analogy from other Inca sites in the Andes, archaeologists surmise that it was a destination for political and religious gatherings.

Cutimbo Archaeological Complex

One of the most important funeral centers in the Peruvian highlands, Cutimbo was found to have ties to the dominions of the Lupacas and Collas. The oldest archaeological evidence consists of rock paintings 8000 years old. The site also contains structures dating from the Late Intermediate period (1100 – 1450AD) and the Inca Empire (1450 – 1532AD). The site includes a group of “chullpas” or stone burial towers similar to those found at Sillustani.

Sillustani

Sillustani is an extensive network of “chullpas” or stone burial towers located on a plateau overlooking Lake Umayo. The tombs date from the 12th to the 14th centuries, belonging to the Kolla culture (1200-1450 AD) that developed in the area to the north of the lake. The towers range from rustic pre-Inca mounds to extremely sophisticated stone mausoleums up to 12 meters high, featuring relief carvings of lizards and elegant stonework. The tombs interred entire family groups and were reserved for the nobility and priest class.

Mauka Llajta

A conglomeration of stone structures made from slate, Mauka Llajta was possibly used as living area due to the great quantity of circular, semi-circular and quadrangular ruins. At this site there’s evidence of 5 stone funeral towers or “chullpas.” Some have two stories and all contain the remains of human skeletons. There’s no evidence in the interior or exterior of ceramic fragments, but these funeral towers contain several fragments of mud brick, painted orange.

Inti Uyo

Fragments of pottery from the Chiripa, Tiahuanaco, Collao and Inca culture have been found at Inti Uyo. The site was discovered in 1968 from information provided by a school student. Excavations followed, but the site has lost some of its ancient artworks as they were destroyed in renovations for the Festival of Pachacutec. The site is now used to celebrate the Aymara New Year on the 21st of June.

Pucará Archaeological Complex

This site is believed to have been an important ceremonial center for the Pucará culture. Construction started in 80 BC but the complex reached its peak between 250 BC and 380 AD. Two distinct areas stand out: a ceremonial sector and an urban sector. The first is the most important. It’s composed of 9 pyramids, each of a different shape and size, dispersed over an area of approximately 4.2km2. The most prominent is the Pyramid of Kalasaya.

Molloko Archaeological Site

Molloko is located in the village of Caritamaya, in the sector known as Mayca Amaya. In a place called Kenko, near the ravine of a mountain, you can find 4 “chullpas” or burial towers: two circular and two quadrangular. They belong to the Lupaca culture and date from 1300 AD (Late Intermediate period). It’s believed the site was used by the Inca army and also served as a retreat for Inca leaders.

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