The Amazing Sillustani

In Sillustani 35 kms. from Puno, a mysterious and impressive burial grounds of the Lords of the Colla called chullpas is situated, with square and cone shapes made of stones that fit symmetrically exact. This sanctuary is surrounded by the beautiful Umayo Lagoon only 20 kms. from Lake Titicaca.

The Chullpas can reach up to 12 meters high, with vaulted crypts where mummies were kept inside, almost 90 of them. According to researches the bodies were mummified in a fetal position and placed inside the chullpas. Close to the bodies were placed their belongings, jewelry, pottery and food; due to their beliefs were said that after death the bodies will resurrect elsewhere, where then they will eat and drink.

Higher chullpas settled on platforms and had graves that were buried around that were surely their servers. These numerous monuments were accompanied by other facilities in circles as well as decks and fences designated for rituals.

Even this tourist attraction and funerary sanctuary was the inspiration for the Central Bank of Peru to issue a new edition of the national currency (Nuevo Sol), in commemoration of the Sillustani Chullpas as part of its Numismatics Wealth and Pride.

To arrive to Sillustani we should take the paved road between Puno and Juliaca, 3950 meters above sea level; where you will find one of the largest cemeteries in the world and must see point to visit in Puno.

More information about Puno and Lake Titicaca here.

Treasures of the Northern Kingdoms

The north of Peru has a lot of history, culture and priceless treasures. To visit its archaeological sites, temples and museums will show the extensive pre-Inca past and the magnificence on how ancient people used to live between 100 and 700 A.D.

Ancient cultures that inhabited the valleys of the north of Peru showing many social developments, infrastructure developments, art and mystical traditions.

In Chiclayo we can find more about the Moche Culture that worshiped the god Ai Apaec as main god, the sea and the moon. This society made great hydraulic engineering work and architectural as contemplated in its pyramids and temples.

The new Huaca Rajada – Sipán museum,  exhibits to the world ornaments of the Warrior Priest, whose remains are on a glass vase in which can also be seen jewelry and ceramics and the Sipán dynasty with all his descendants with information about the later periods of Lambayeque and Chimu.

The museum was opened in April 2009 and its main purpose display objects that can be found in future studies on the site of Huaca Rajada - Sipan being one of the newest in the region which cannot  be missed.

Learn more about the treasure of the northern kingdoms: North of Peru

THE PUSHARO PETROGLYPHS

On the banks of the Palatoa river in Manu National Park - Madre de Dios, it’s located the largest petroglyph of Peru, which was carved between 1000 and 2000 A.D. In 2003 It was recognized as an archaeological heritage by the National Institute of Culture of Peru.

The first description of the petroglyphs was made by the Dominican missionary Vicente de Cenitagoya in 1921.  Dr. Carlos Neuenschwander from Arequipa, studied Pusharo site in 1969. Besides its gigantic size, takes our attention  the engraving pictures. Many studious argued that such drawings would be related to the legendary kingdom of Paititi.

The italian researcher Yuri Leveratto indicates that it could be related to the Quiaca petroglyphs.

Most of the glyphs represent  animal hunting, and even when they have not managed to successfully figure out  the drawings,  the closest interpretation would be the one that holds Reichel-Dolmatoff and Schultes & Hofmann: Petroglyphs are representations of the Amazonian mythological people performed by shamans, influenced by the use of hallucinogenic plants.

Not far from the petroglyphs, the recent discovery of giant figures carved on the eastern slope of a mountain, also may significantly change our knowledge of the Incas in this place and the theory of its influence in the Amazonian people, but it hasn’t been demonstrated yet.

 For more information about the Manu National Park: Manu

VALLEY OF THE PYRAMIDS IN THE HEART OF LAMBAYEQUE

In Lambayeque, 33 kilometers north of Chiclayo, can be found the Valley of the Pyramids of Tucume. It is a complex of 26 pyramids made of adobe (clay and sand), also called temples.

These majestic pyramids are up to 40 meters high and cover about 220 hectares surrounding a hill known as “El Purgatorio” (Purgatory), from where you can see the entire valley.

It is known that this area was built around 700 AD, and passed through the hands of the Lambayeque, Chimu and Inca cultures. Travelers can see temples, courtyards, halls and warehouses between these buildings.

In the valley you can take tours through all of the museums, participate in archaeological research and healing rituals, as well as other traditions.

 For more information enter in this link: Chimu Culture

Source: Peruthisweek