Day Tour from Puno to Tiwanaku: Journey into Andean Mystery

Journey into Mystery: From Puno to Tiwanaku Embark on a unique adventure with our exclusive private tour to Tiwanaku and Pumapunku, departing from Puno. This journey not only immerses you in pre-Incan history but also offers a window into the enigmas of ancient civilization. Along the approximately 2h45min drive towards Desaguadero, you'll enjoy special stops at Inca Uyo and the enigmatic Aramu Muru portal, captivating yet little-known archaeological gems.

Once at the border, we will complete the necessary migratory procedures for a comfortable entry into Bolivia. From there, a private Bolivian transport will take you to the impressive ruins of Tiwanaku, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival at Tiahuanaco (Tiwanaku), a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site, you will explore its extraordinary ruins, including the iconic Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya temple, and the Akapana pyramid. You will continue to Pumapunku, renowned for its astonishing structures carved with millimetric precision. Furthermore, you will admire South America's largest monolith, while listening to intriguing theories about these ancestral wonders. Our local bilingual guide will enrich your tour with fascinating stories and legends, providing you with a unique and profound experience.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Tiwanaku lithic museum, where some of the monoliths are exhibited to provide you with a deeper insight into the culture and history of Tiwanaku and Pumapunku.

The private transport ensures comfort and flexibility, making this excursion the ideal choice for travelers seeking to discover the millenary history and secrets of the altiplano on an unforgettable day trip from Puno to Tiwanaku.

Book Your Unforgettable Adventure Don't miss the opportunity to explore the grandeur of Tiwanaku and Pumapunku from Puno. Book now and let us guide you through the time and ancestral culture of the Incas on this unforgettable adventure!

You can watch the full tour video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/VD5HXECZVJQ

¿Interested in continuing your journey to La Paz instead of returning to Puno? Ask us for more details on this option!

Peruvian Time (PT) | Bolivian Time (BT)

Important Notes

• Time Zone: Bolivia is one hour ahead of Peru (BT = PT + 1).
• Migratory Procedures: It is essential that travelers carry their valid documentation to cross the border.
• Lunch: Included in Tiwanaku.

Included in the Tiwanaku Tour from Puno

1. Entrance Fees: Includes admission to Inca Uyo and Aramu Muru.
2. Local Bilingual Tour Guide (Spanish/English) throughout the tour.
3. Private Terrestrial Transportation round trip Puno – Desaguadero – Tiwanaku.
4. Lunch in Tiwanaku:
   1. Main Course à la Carte: Options include Llama, Alpaca, Trout, or Omelet, accompanied by rice and French fries.
   2. Vegetable Soup: As a starter for lunch.

Not Included in the Tour

1. Tiwanaku Entrance Fees: With a cost of 100 Bolivian pesos per person (approximately $16 USD pp). These must be paid in cash upon entering the complex and by presenting your passports. It is recommended to exchange money at the border.
2. Breakfast, Handicrafts, and Souvenirs: Are not included in the package. Travelers are suggested to prepare for these additional expenses.
3. Other Unmentioned Expenses: Any expense not specified in the program, such as drinks at the Tiwanaku restaurant (starting from 10 Bolivianos or $2.50 USD), is at the traveler's expense.
4. Tourist Visa for Bolivia (if applicable depending on nationality; for example, U.S. citizens must obtain a visa at the border for approximately US$160 per person).

• During this tour, you will cross the border between Peru and Bolivia. It is obligatory to visit the migration offices in both countries to complete the necessary procedures.
• Our guides will indicate where the offices are, but the procedures are the traveler's responsibility.
• We are not a migratory services agency, but we can provide guidance. We recommend checking entry requirements in advance.

Requirements for entry to Bolivia

GROUP I

Easiest entry. Includes:

• Andean and Mercosur Countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Venezuela.
  • Present valid passport and/or identity card.
  • Colombians: a printed criminal record report and yellow fever vaccine are required.
• Countries such as: Spain, Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, etc.
  • Passport valid for a minimum of six months and round-trip tickets.

GROUP I LIST

GROUP II

If you are a citizen of a Group II country, you can obtain a visa to enter Bolivia without prior consultation, by fulfilling the following requirements: complete the "SWORN DECLARATION OF VISA APPLICATION" form with your personal data, sign it, and attach a recent photo (4x4 cm, red background, no glasses); present a passport valid for at least six months; show the yellow fever vaccination card; provide round-trip tickets or a travel itinerary; and prove accommodation in Bolivia (hotel reservation or invitation letter). The visa is free and is issued the same day or within a maximum of 24 hours for tourist groups.

LENGTH OF STAY: 30 days

GROUP II LIST

GROUP III

Citizens whose countries are listed in Group III, to enter Bolivia as tourists, must comply with the following requirements:

1. Personally fill out the "SWORN DECLARATION OF VISA APPLICATION" form with your personal data, duly signed, attaching a recent color photograph, without glasses, 4x4 centimeters, with a red background.
2. Present a passport valid for at least six months.
3. Present a Police Background Check Certificate, when applicable from the country of origin.
4. Exhibit a duly supported hotel reservation covering the entire stay in Bolivia, or, alternatively, a notarized invitation letter from a family member or friend with permanent residence in Bolivia, formally committing to cover the accommodation and living expenses of their guest for the duration of their stay in Bolivia. The National Migration Service may interview the inviter prior to visa acceptance.
5. Exhibit a round-trip ticket or present a travel itinerary.
6. Accredit economic solvency in the country of residence by presenting supporting documents.
7. Exhibit yellow fever vaccination.
8. The visa is granted for a stay of up to 90 days.

We recommend that Group III countries obtain their visa at the Bolivian consulate in Puno, located at Calle Cajamarca 669.

Migratory procedures are the sole responsibility of the travelers. Inca Lake can provide guidance, but the final responsibility for any migratory management rests with the travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport or visa to travel from Puno to Tiwanaku?

Yes. It is obligatory to carry a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity) to cross into Bolivia. Regarding the visa, it depends on your nationality. US citizens require a tourist visa to enter Bolivia, which can be obtained directly at the border by presenting the requirements (form, photo, etc.) and paying an approximate fee of $160 USD per person. In contrast, most tourists from the European Union and countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, among others, do not need a visa for short tourist visits to Bolivia (only a passport with entry stamps is required). We recommend checking your country's specific requirements in advance, as migratory policies may change.

Is the visit very demanding? What is its difficulty level?

This tour is rated with a low to moderate difficulty. It is not an strenuous hike, but rather guided walks through the ruins with mostly flat terrain.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

The recommended time is during the dry season, from May to October, when there is almost no rain. During these months, you will have clear days, ideal for appreciating the ruins and mountains (though bundled up for the morning cold). July and August tend to be the coldest months but also have the bluest skies. In the rainy season (November to March), the tour is still available, but it's common to have afternoon rains and some roads may be muddy. If you travel during those months, bring waterproof clothing and be aware of possible minor delays. The advantage of the wet season is that there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the site with more tranquility. In summary, April-May and September-October are ideal months combining good weather and moderate tourist flow.

Is lunch included and what type of food is offered?

Yes, lunch is included in the tour. You will be able to try local dishes such as quinoa, Andean potatoes, llama meat, or lake trout (subject to availability). Drinks are not included, so bring some Bolivian pesos in cash to buy water, soft drinks, or perhaps a local beer if you wish.

Is the tour private or shared with more people?

It is a private service – ideal for couples who want a more intimate and flexible experience. On a private tour, you will have a vehicle and guide just for yourselves, being able to adjust small details of the itinerary to your interests (for example, adding photographic stops).

Recommendations for your Tiwanaku Tour from Puno

1. Documentation: Always carry your original passport and also a physical or digital copy. You will be asked for it at the border to stamp your exit from Peru and entry into Bolivia. Verify that all corresponding stamps are placed when crossing there and back.
2. Currency Exchange: You can exchange enough money into Bolivian pesos at the border, to cover the entrance fees to Tiwanaku and minor expenses.
3. Appropriate Clothing: Wear warm clothing in layers and comfortable walking shoes. It will be cold in the morning (gloves and a wool hat can be useful), at noon there can be intense sun (use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat), and in the afternoon the weather can change rapidly.
4. Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
5. Altitude: Tiwanaku is located at a high altitude of 3800 masl. If you are not accustomed to the altitude, take things easy and stay hydrated.
6. Medications: Carry any medications you may need, especially if you are susceptible to altitude sickness.
7. Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
8. Food: Although lunch is included, bring snacks or energy bars for the trip.

Economical 1-Day Tour from Puno to Tiwanaku

If you're looking for a more affordable way to visit Tiwanaku exclusively and want to skip the stops on the way to Desaguadero, this tour is perfect for you.

We'll pick you up directly from your hotel in Puno by taxi and take you to the terminal. From there, you'll board a shared van to Desaguadero, always with our guide accompanying you. They'll help you with immigration procedures at the border and give you clear instructions for a safe and easy return.

Once you cross the border, our local Bolivian guide will be waiting for you with private transportation to head to Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll enjoy a delicious Bolivian lunch there and visit the most iconic archaeological sites, including:

• Puma Punku, known for its enigmatic carved stone structures.
• Gateway of the Sun (Puerta del Sol), an iconic symbol with detailed reliefs.
• Akapana Pyramid (Pirámide de Akapana), an impressive pyramid structure.
• Stone Museum (Museo Lítico), where valuable historical pieces are displayed.
• Bennett Monolith (Monolito Bennett), a monumental sculpture rich in symbolism.

After the tour concludes, the Bolivian guide will take you back to the border in Desaguadero. From there, using the instructions our Peruvian guide gave you earlier, you can easily return to Puno.

INCLUDES:

• Shared or collective van from Puno to Desaguadero.
• Peruvian Spanish/English guide, who will accompany you to the border (one way only).
• Bolivian Spanish/English guide, who will take you from the border to Tiwanaku and back.
• Bolivian car transportation from Desaguadero to Tiwanaku and return.
• Entrance fees to the Tiwanaku archaeological complex.
• Tourist lunch in Tiwanaku.
  • Main course a la carte: Llama, Alpaca, Trout, Omelet accompanied by rice and french fries.
  • Andean cereal soup.
  • Dessert: Yogurt.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Return fare from Desaguadero to Puno (S/25 Soles per person).
• Taxi from Puno to your hotel upon arrival.
• Other expenses not mentioned in the program; drinks at the Tiwanaku restaurant start from 10 Bolivian Pesos ($3 USD).

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING BOLIVIA

Bolivia divides citizens according to nationality into three groups (Group I, Group II and Group III) Group I being the most accessible and group III which will require further processing before entering Bolivia

GROUP I

Foreigner from countries that belong to Group I:

1. Andean countries (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile) and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay Venezuela) or associated states:
   1. Must to present valid Passport or identity document

Alert:

For citizens of Colombia is necessary to print the report of his criminal record and this document must be obtained from the following link; also you will be requested compulsorily to present the vaccination against yellow fever card.

2. Countries around the world (see list of group I)
   1. Must to present valid passport
   2. Present roundtrip tickets or show travel itinerary

GROUP I list

GROUP II

For citizens whose countries listed in Group II, the visa will be granted without consulting Bolivia only when the traveler presents the following requirements:

1. Fill the form personally “SWORN STATEMENT FOR VISA APPLICATION” with their personal data, duly signed, enclosing a recent color photograph with red background, no glasses, 4×4 cm.
2. Carrying a valid passport.
3. Display yellow fever vaccine card.
4. Display roundtrip tickets or show travel itinerary.
5. Proof of residence in Bolivia (hotel or homestay)
6. Delivery of the visa on the day or within 24 hours in the case of a group of tourists.

The visa is free to the citizens of the Group II

GROUP II List

GROUP III

Citizens whose countries are listed in Group III, to enter Bolivia as tourists must present the following requirements:

1. Fill the form personally “SWORN STATEMENT FOR VISA APPLICATION” with their personal data, duly signed, enclosing a recent color photograph with red background, no glasses, 4×4 cm.
2. Carrying an original valid passport.
3. Present Police Clearance Certificate from their government
4. Display hotel booking adequately supported to cover the entire stay in Bolivia, or alternatively notarized letter of invitation from a relative or friend with permanent residence in Bolivia, formally committing to bear the costs of accommodation and meals for their guest. *The National Immigration Service may interview traveler prior to accepting the visa.
5. Display roundtrip tickets or show travel itinerary.
6. Proof of economic solvency in the country of residence by submitting supporting documents (Current status of your bank account, valid credit card, cash, etc.)
7. Display yellow fever vaccine card
8. The visa is granted for a stay of up to 90 days.

GROUP 3 LIST

 We recommend passengers that below group III obtain your visa in advance in the neares consulate in your country or in counsulate in Puno located in Cajamarca 669

Recommendations:

• Dont forget migration card and passports
• Take with you Peruvian soles for souvenirs (if you desire)
• Take with you light and warm clothes (during the day is hot with strong rays of sun 15C-17C, in the afternoon is dry-cold 3-7°C)
• Carry sun blocker, cap and others for sun protection
• If you take US dollars with you, take care with folded, marked, creased or broken bills, this kind of USD bills are not accepted in money exchanges offices or in the same migration offices (at least in Puno and Tiahuanaco. Bills must be almost new (yes, so stric.