BO
Tiwanaku
Ruins of a major pre-Inca civilisation on the Altiplano near Lake Titicaca
Ruins of a major pre-Inca civilisation on the Altiplano near Lake Titicaca
A gateway carved from a single block of andesite, decorated with a central figure, often called the Staff God, surrounded by winged figures.
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0
A large stepped earth platform, once faced with stone, which was probably the main temple mound of the city.
Photo: Keyan Alejandro, CC BY 4.0
A rectangular platform temple enclosed by stone pillars, entered by a monumental staircase. It contains the Ponce Monolith and the Gate of the Sun.
Photo: AquilaTh, CC BY-SA 4.0
There are small restaurants near the site entrance serving trout from Lake Titicaca and simple set lunches.
Bring water and snacks if visiting independently.
Tiwanaku is about 1.5–2 hours by road from La Paz. Many agencies run day tours with a guide; shared minibuses also run from La Paz’s cemetery district.
Citizens of the EU, the UK and many other countries do not need a visa for a tourist stay. In December 2025 Bolivia also announced the removal of the visa requirement for US citizens and several other nationalities. Check current rules before you travel.
Bolivia uses the boliviano (Bs). It is one of the cheapest countries in South America, but in recent years there have been fuel shortages and a shortage of US dollars, so bring cash and check the current exchange situation.
Prices are approximate.
Temples and museums.
Visit the site museums first, then walk through the Akapana, the Kalasasaya with the Gate of the Sun and the Semi-Subterranean Temple, and the nearby Puma Punku site.
Much of Bolivia’s highlands lie above 3,500m. Ascend gradually, drink plenty of water and take altitude sickness seriously.
There is no shade at the site; wear a hat and sunscreen.
The Aymara New Year is celebrated at Tiwanaku at sunrise around 21 June.
A guide helps explain the site, which has little signage.
Quick answers for planning time in Tiwanaku.
About 70km, or 1.5–2 hours by road.
Yes, it was listed in 2000.
The city flourished from roughly AD 500 to 1000, before the Inca Empire.
A carved stone gateway made from a single block, with a central figure and rows of winged attendants.
April to November, in the dry season; around 21 June for the Aymara New Year.
Offline maps are essential on the Altiplano, where there is often no signal.
Free
Spanish is the main language; Quechua and Aymara are widely spoken in the highlands.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Bolivia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.