Tihuanaku
En the road from Lake Titicaca to La Paz, you can find the archeological ruins of Tihuanaku or Tiwanaku, a ceremonial center of Tihuanaku, capital of one of the most important civilizations of South America. Tihuanaku ceremonial sites were built along the lake's shores, indicating that the lake was considered sacred at least 2,000 years ago.
Excavations have uncovered the remains of five civilizations, one on top of the other, the last one ending a couple hundred years before the Incas.
Tihuanaku was considera pilgrimage site for the Incas and it's still revered by many bolivians as a sacred place. Every year on june 21th, thousands gather on the Tihuanaku planes to celebrate the winter solstice and the begging of a new aymara year. Lots of tourist coming from every corner of the world come on this date to Tihuanaku to celebrate this especial occasion.
Getting around in Tihuanaku
It's easy to get around in Tihuanaku people are very friendly and eager to help tourist.
Back to top
Where to stay
Tihuanaku has a small number of hotels; most of them are located in near the main plaza find information on hotels and reservations by clicking here.
Back to top
What to see while in Tihuanaku
Its privileged location allows Tihuanaku to show the visitor nature at its best, is the ideal place for eco friendly tourism, wildlife and outdoor activities.
Find tours or tourist guides
Where to Eat
Tihuanaku provides the visitor with an acceptable selection of restaurants and places to have a descent meal, there are many restaurants, pizzerias, karaoke's and hotel restaurants offering great service and food so you have a good culinary experience. Click here to find more information. Even though things have improved a lot lately, be careful to select a proper place to get your next meal because not all the vendors are known for keeping the highest standards for cleanness and hygiene.
Back to top
Do's and Don't in Tihuanaku
The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers . A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.
Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.
If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.
And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis . Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.
Back to top
|
|
|
Image of open Temple of Kalasasaya on the Tihuanaku citadel.
|
Image of the Beneth Monolit inside the Tihuanaku Museum.
|
|
Tours and Tourist guides 
