Tiwanaku Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Tiwanaku showing heritage elements and tranquil scenes
Uncover the mysteries of Bolivia’s past in the remains of this ancient city, which contains remarkably preserved temples and pyramids.

Walk around the ruins of the ancient city of Tiwanaku. The archaeological site, also known as Tiahuanaco, was created by a pre-Inca people of the same name as the city. Although it has been ruined for centuries, excavations have helped to preserve the original shape of the city. Explore one of Bolivia’s most impressive UNESCO-listed sites.

The origins of Tiwanaku remain shrouded in mystery but it is believed that people settled in this area around 4,000 years ago. Imagine how people lived here between A.D. 500 and 900, when this culture is thought to have flourished. Incas arriving on the site at a later date believed that this was the site where the world was created by a god.

Explore this ancient civilization for a glimpse into Bolivia’s past. Visit the Akapana pyramid, a vast structure that originally consisted of seven tiered platforms. Walk around the remaining three tiers and look for carved stone heads embedded in the walls.

Find the Kalasasaya, a temple made of red sandstone and andesite. Walk into its courtyard decorated with two stone monoliths. The Sunken Temple, next to Kalasasaya, further demonstrates the religious significance of Tiwanaku.

Stroll around the semi-excavated remains of the city. The entire site of Tiwanaku is vast and no neighborhood has been fully excavated. The city center displays the clearest layout, with ruined walls giving visitors an idea of how it might have looked.

Many of the treasures of Tiwanaku have been stolen or relocated to exhibits around the world. Visit the on-site museum, however, to see an array of items that were found during excavations. Stand beneath the Bennett Monolith, a carved statue that stands 24 feet (7 meters) tall.

Join a tour from La Paz on a day trip to Tiwanaku, then explore the city on foot. Independent travelers can use one of the bus services from La Paz or Cochabamba and pay the entrance fee separately. The site is located north of Bolivia’s capital, near the edges of Lake Titicaca.

Come to Tiwanaku on June 21 to take part in the lively Aymaran New Year celebrations.

Hotel Akapana
Hotel Akapana
2.5 out of 5
Manco Kapac Avenue, street corner of the fence # 20, Tiwanaku, Tiwanaku
Fully refundable
The price is AU$84 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$84
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Tiwanaku. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Lithic Museum and Tiwanaku are located nearby. Discover ...
6.8/10 (54 reviews)
"Conveniently located for a visit to the Tiwanaku ruins (next door), this hotel makes an ok stop after crossing the border from Peru at Desaguadero. It bills itself as '4-star', but it's not really. Spacious hotel has seen better days and feels a bit neglected inside. Very friendly and helpful staff, ..."

Reviewed on 24 Nov. 2023

Hotel Akapana
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Almudena Apart Hotel
Almudena Apart Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Calle Carlos Medinacelli, 1022, Esquina Borda, Zona Sopocachi, La Paz
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in La Paz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Solon House Museum and Parque del Monticulo ...
9/10 Wonderful! (41 reviews)
Best value in the area
"First time at this hotel in La Paz, we were pleasantly surprised by size of our apartment (#601), its decorations, comfort and the stunning views. Our apartment had 3 rooms, 2 of them with queen size beeds and one Jacuzzi, 2 full bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, dinning room and living room. Flat ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jan. 2018

Almudena Apart Hotel
Ritz Apart Hotel
Ritz Apart Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Plaza Isabel La Catolica Nro. 2478, La Paz
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in La Paz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Plaza Abaroa and Multicine entertainment center ...
9/10 Wonderful! (198 reviews)
Excellent hotel !!!
"This hotel is s great choice . It is located in a very safe area, with an ATM and mall with a supermarket next door. It is in a very convenient area, between the old town and the south where the good restaurants are. It is not a walkable distance but Uber is very cheap and easy. The room was amazing ..."

Reviewed on 29 Mar. 2024

Ritz Apart Hotel
DEPARTAMENTO PISO 20a, CENTRICO, CERCA EMBAJADA AMERICANA, TELEFERICO, MALLS, VISTAS PANORAMICAS y SEGURO
DEPARTAMENTO PISO 20a, CENTRICO, CERCA EMBAJADA AMERICANA, TELEFERICO, MALLS, VISTAS PANORAMICAS y SEGURO
3 out of 5
Av. Arce, Ed. Santa Isabel, , #2529, Final Hermanos Manchego, La Paz
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in La Paz. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle, and a computer station. Popular attractions Multicine entertainment ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great views and location! Comfortable! Spacious
"Great location! Great host! Very comfortable great views!"

Reviewed on 8 Apr. 2021

DEPARTAMENTO PISO 20a, CENTRICO, CERCA EMBAJADA AMERICANA, TELEFERICO, MALLS, VISTAS PANORAMICAS y SEGURO
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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