Sillustani | TravelDojo

Sillustani is an archaeological cemetery on a promontory above Lake Umayo in the Puno region of southern Peru, famous for its cylindrical stone burial towers known as chullpas. The site is one of the most visible pre-Columbian funerary complexes on the Altiplano.

Clusters of tall, well-built chullpas sit on the rocky headland overlooking the lake, with some towers reaching about 12 meters in height. The setting provides clear views across Lake Umayo and is compact enough for a short guided visit that explains funerary architecture and mortuary practices.

The towers were originally built by the Colla people and were later reused and incorporated into the Inca imperial system during the 15th century. The chullpas served as elite burials and reflect regional mortuary traditions on the high plateau.

Sillustani sits beside Lake Umayo on a peninsula in the Puno highlands, roughly northwest of the city of Puno and accessible by road from Puno and nearby towns.

Tower heights and setting: Several cylindrical stone burial towers stand up to about 12 meters tall and are clustered on a rocky peninsula projecting into Lake Umayo.
Cultural affiliation: The site was built by the Colla culture and later reused by the Inca, making it an important regional funerary complex in the Puno highlands.

What to See #

Chullpas: Chullpas and funerary enclosures

How to Get to Sillustani #

From Puno center: Sillustani is about a 30-40 minute drive (≈25 km) northwest along the Puno-Juli road. Regular colectivos and tourist minibuses depart from Avenida El Sol near the main plaza; private taxis take about 30 minutes. Many visitors book a half-day tour that combines Sillustani with stops at viewpoint Mirador de Kuntur Wasi or local villages. The site sits above Laguna Umayo-follow the paved road that bends left off the main highway; park and walk a few hundred meters uphill to the ruins.

Tips for Visiting Sillustani #

Arrive late afternoon for slanting light on the cylindrical chullpas; the stones take on a warm ochre that photographs better than mid-day light.
Hire a local guide from Puno-many are descendants of communities that still maintain the rituals tied to the burial towers and will point out mason's marks and rare glyphs.
Combine Sillustani with a stop at the nearby Umayo lagoon-walk the short rim above the site to escape the tour buses and watch Andean coots and puna ibises.
Dress for wind and sun: the plateau is exposed and cold breezes come off Lake Titicaca even in summer.

Best Time to Visit Sillustani #

Best visited during Peru's dry season when roads and trails are reliable; high-altitude weather is the bigger factor than crowding.

Dry season (May-September)

May-September · -5°C to 15°C (23°F-59°F)

Clear skies and long, cold days; excellent light for photography and walking on firm ground. High-altitude sun can be intense.

Shoulder season (April & October)

April, October · 0°C to 18°C (32°F-64°F)

Fewer visitors than dry season; occasional showers but good balance of color in the grasses and manageable crowds.

Wet season (November-March)

November-March · 0°C to 16°C (32°F-61°F)

Grasses are green and dramatic clouds gather, but trails can be muddy and visibility may drop.

Weather & Climate near Sillustani #

Climate

Sillustani's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -2°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (615 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

18°

Warmest Month

-2°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions