Northern Peru offers great beaches, marvellous archaeological sites

People embarking on a gap year tour of South America might want to make a stay in Peru one of their priorities.

This is because the Andean country has plenty to offer, according to Peru's Export and Tourism Promotion Board (PromPeru), i-to-i.com reports.

A PromPeru spokeswoman advised that there are other areas to visit in the destination apart from the usual tourist haunts such as Machu Picchu.

The north of Peru could be of particular interest, the expert noted, as investments in the sector are arriving to provide better tourist infrastructure and facilities.

She remarked: "The north of Peru is characterised by its beautiful beaches and warm weather during most parts of the year."

The industry expert recommended travellers head to the Kuelap Fortress and Huaca of the Sun and of the Moon, as visitors will be able to learn more about pre-Inca cultures that are as "marvellous" as the Inca civilisation.

According to a report published by Cusco’s Committee on Tourist-Cultural Integrated Services, around 70,000 visitors have gone to alternative archaeological sites to Machu Picchu this year.

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Discover Inca Ruins near Lake Titicaca

The ruins of Sillustani are on lake Umayo near Puno. (Photo: Richard Hirano/El Comercio)

The chullpas, an Andean mausoleum, stand out in the horizon at the archaeological site of Sillustani. These funerary constructions constantly remind visitors of the respect that the leaders of the ancient Andean civilizations awoke.

This cemetery in the Highlands not only contrasts the world of the living with the world of the dead, but it also is a tribute that revives the hegemonic class of cultures like Pucara, Colla, Tiahuanaco and Inca from centuries ago.

Lake Umayo adorns the entrance to the archaeological site. While walking along the path that leads to Sillustani, you will notice the importance of water within the pre-Hispanic cultural activities.

The cultivating system organized in successive plots of land and water (the latter of about 25 to 30 centimeters deep) is worth noting.

You can also see small handmade stone channels of stone, which go from the shore of the lake to the top of the mountain where the cemetery is located. Know that these aqueducts had basically two functions: preventing stagnation of water in the upper parts to prevent damage to the shrines of the leaders and also serving as a channel for the blood of the sacrifices to reach the Umayo Lake.

Higher up it is possible to see what remains of a ceremonial spot in Sillustani. It consists of two circles: the larger one represents the sun and the smaller one, the moon. The solstices, for example, were ideal dates, due to their energy, to make payments to Earth.

An icon that goes unnoticed along the way are some standing stones about 1.70 meters tall, rectangular and about 35 centimeters thick. According to Julio Suaña, Titilaka hotel guide, “these had the religious significance that has the cross in Catholicism has today.”

The Towers

When traveling Sillustani several questions arise: did those that lie within the highest and most imposing chullpas occupy the most important posts? Not necessarily.

As Suaña says, the whole place is sacred because it is occupied by the nobility of several pre-Inca and Inca cultures. Whether the stone tower that served as the tombstone was located higher or lower was not a significant factor, because what was important was that they were facing the sun and the lake.

However, the so-called Twin Towers prove that there was some hierarchy. In both cases, the stones that were placed at the entrance of the chullpa have twelve angles, which, according to Suaña, “represent the twelve months of the year and the number of important families in the area.”

Another one of the chullpas that is most recognized is that of the lizard, which is twelve meters high. It is named like that due to the reptile image that is engraved on the top.

Also pay attention to the rocks with small circular excavations in the interior. These highlight the gear method used by the Incas to build the most modern chullpas (smooth texture on the outside) in Sillustani.

Once on top, do not miss the breathtaking view of the Hualloc Plateau, surrounded by the Umayo and the typical landscapes of the Altiplano.

At the exit you should pay attention to the puma-shaped rocks that guard either side of the stairs to the cemetery (that used to be the entrance).

After the tour take the opportunity to buy souvenirs such as Andean knit hats or sweaters in the various crafts stands, visit the site museum or have something hot in the simple little café, located just outside the archaeological center.

(Photo: Michel)

Sillustani ruins

The entrance to Sillustani is controlled by the INC-Puno and costs S/. 6.50 for adults, S/. 3.50 for college students and S/.1 for kids.

Hours are Monday to Sunday, 7 am to 7 pm.

If you walk at a good pace you can finish the tour in 60 to 90 minutes.

It is a good idea to bring a windbreaker because the breeze is freezing at high altitudes. Its best to do the tour during the morning or early afternoon when the wind is less strong.

If you are not traveling with an agency, a taxi from Puno (34 kilometers north) will charge you around S/. 60

Suggest Tour: Peru Explorer 19 days/ 18 nights