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Tiwanaku or in Spanish 'Tiahuanacu' is an important Pre-Columbian archaeological site near La Paz. It is recognised as one of the most important influences on the Inca Empire being the religious and administrative centre of a major power for over 500 years. It was discovered by Pedro Cieza de León in 1549.
It is thought that a small village has been on the site since 1500 BC although most research was based on the period from 300 - 1000 AD.
Although again unclear, it is believed that the site is dedicated to Wiracocha. An image thought to of the god is carved in to a structure called Gateway of the Sun.
The site is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Photographs courtesy of R. Ferguson. (I lost mine when my camers bag was stolen in Buenos Aires)
Opening hours: Daily 9am-4:30pm
Cost: Bs15
Updated Dec 30, 2011
Website: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/567
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Tiwanaku (or Tiahuanaco) is a couple of hours ride from La Paz, and many tour companies do day trips out there. It was definitely worth it when we went, as the whole place is a jumble of various ancient artifacts and temples. It's even older than the Incans (>1000 years) and is very impressive. Highly recommended.
Written Jan 17, 2006
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If you have not the time enough to visit Tiwanaku, there is a replica of one of the temples in the middle of La Paz, on a square situated very close to Estadio Hernando Siles (soccer stadium).
Si no tienes tiempo suficiente para visitar Tiwanaku, hay una réplica de uno de sus templos en el centro de La Paz, en una plaza situada muy cerca del Estadio Hernando Siles.
Updated Jul 12, 2003
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Spaniard conquerors destroyed the Tiwanaku constructions and used the stones to built their own buildings (there is a town near there, Laja, which church was built with these stones).
The ruins of Tiwanaku have been rebuilt recently; there is a Museum close to the ruins where anthropological and archaeological pieces can be seen.
Los conquistadores españoles destruyeron las construcciones de Tiwanaku y utilizaron las piedras para construir sus propios edificios (hay un pueblo cercano, Laja, cuya iglesia fue construida con estas piedras).
Las ruinas de Tiwanaku han sido reconstruidas recientemente; hay un Museo cercano a las ruinas, en donde se exhiben piezas arqueológicas y antropológicas.
Updated Jul 12, 2003
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Tiwanaku ruins are situated near La Paz (73 km); the original name was "Taypicala" (central stone); "Tiwanaku" (place of guanacos) was the name Incas gave to. Tiwanakota culture lasts from 1500 BC to 1200 AD, and covered Bolivian Tableland, North Argentine and Chile, and South Peru.
The Tiwanaku people had important knowledges about architecture, astronomy, engineering, sculpture, pottery; they had mummies and practiced skull deformity as sign of beauty and power.
Several reasons contributed to disappearance of Tiwanaku empire: civil war, some years of drought and a flood.
Las ruinas deTiwanaku están situadas cerca de La Paz (73 km); el nombre original era "Taypicala" (piedra central); "Tiwanaku" (lugar de guanacos) fue el nombre que le dieron los Incas. La cultura Tiwanakota existió desde el año 1500 AC hasta el 1200 DC, y se extendió por el Altiplano boliviano, el norte de Argentina y Chile y el sur de Perú. Los Tiwanakotas tenían importantes conocimientos de arquitectura, astronomía, ingeniería, escultura, alfarería; practicaban la momificación y la deformación craneal, como signos de belleza y poder.
Varias razones contribuyeron a la desaparición del Imperio Tiwanakota: guerra civil, una sequía de varios años y una inundación.
Updated Jul 12, 2003
The ruins of Tiwanaku is impressive by theyr sculptures and culture.
Written Aug 9, 2004
Address: North of La Paz, near Titicaca lake
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Tiwanaku tips and photos posted by real travelers and La Paz locals.
Write a ReviewThe ruins of Tiwanaku is impressive by theyr sculptures and culture.
41 members live in La Paz
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