Service:
Premium
Type of Activity:
Type of walk:
Private Tour & Semi-Private Tour
Level:
This full-day tour takes you from La Paz to the heart of the Tiwanaku culture, one of the oldest and most enigmatic civilizations in South America. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll explore the Tiwanaku archaeological complex, including the Kalasasaya Temple, the iconic Sun Gate, the Akapana Pyramid, and the Semi-Subterranean Temple, surrounded by sculptures and monoliths thousands of years old.
During the tour, you’ll also visit the Ceramic and Lithic Museum, where original pieces are preserved that reveal the worldview and advanced engineering of this pre-Inca people. The experience includes round-trip tourist transportation, site entrance, a bilingual guide, and free time to explore the village or purchase local crafts.
Ideal for lovers of history, archaeology, and Andean culture, this tour combines comfort and knowledge on a journey into the past that still lives on in the sacred stones of Tiwanaku. An unforgettable experience from La Paz, at over 3,800 meters above sea level.
ITINERARY
🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
🕕 Hotel Pickup (La Paz City Center)
We begin the day with pickup from your centrally located accommodation in La Paz. We board our tour bus and head west, leaving the urban bustle behind to delve into the Andean landscapes of the Bolivian Altiplano.
🚐Departure to Tiwanaku
The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, traveling along panoramic routes that offer views of the Cordillera Real, the Altiplano, and Aymara communities that preserve ancient traditions.
📍 Arrival at the Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex
We enter the site declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The guided tour begins with the Ceramic and Lithic Museum, where original remains, stelae, ritual pottery, and the evolution of the Tiwanaku culture are exhibited.
🏛️Tour of the pre-Inca temples
We will explore the most emblematic temples of the archaeological complex:
- Kalasasaya Temple, with the mythical Sun Gate and monoliths such as Ponce and Fraile.
- Semi-subterranean Temple, famous for its more than 170 nail heads embedded in the walls.
- Akapana Pyramid, a multi-level ceremonial structure still under investigation.
During the tour, the guide will share explanations about astronomy, the Andean worldview, ancient engineering, and the influence of Tiwanaku on later cultures such as the Inca.
🍽️Lunch at a local restaurant (optional)
We will have time to enjoy a typical altiplano lunch at a restaurant in town, with options such as quinoa, llama meat, chuño soup, or fresh trout.
🕒Free time to explore or purchase handicrafts
You can walk through the Tiwanaku village, take photos, visit souvenir shops, or simply relax in front of the mountains.
🚌Return to La Paz
We begin the return trip, enjoying views of the Andean sunset over the Altiplano plateau.
🏙️Arrival in La Paz and end of the tour
We conclude the tour by dropping you off at your hotel or in a central area with easy access.
INCLUDES
✅ What does the tour include?
- Round-trip tourist transportation from La Paz
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish/English)
- Free time to explore and purchase handicrafts
- Permanent assistance during the tour
NOT INCLUDED
❌ Not included:
- Lunch (can be added as an extra)
- Optional tips
- Personal expenses
RECOMMENDATIONS
🧭 Recommendations:
- Bring a passport or ID (required for entry).
- Comfortable and warm clothing (the weather can change suddenly).
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Water and personal snacks.
- Cash (not all stores accept cards).
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the altitude of Tiwanaku?
Tiwanaku is located at approximately 3,850 meters above sea level, so it’s normal to feel some fatigue. It’s recommended to rest well the day before.
Is it suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, it’s a low-difficulty tour, ideal for all ages in good general health.
What days does the tour run?
Daily departures year-round. Advance booking is recommended during peak season (June-August).
Do I need a visa to cross from Peru?
This tour is designed for departures from La Paz. If you’re coming from Peru, you must have previously entered Bolivia with the appropriate permits.
