The intriguing ruins of Tiahuanaco (also known as Tiwanaku) are 15 miles from the shores of Lake Titicaca - an ancient citadel dating back to 1600BC. Tiahuanaco is believed to be the capital of the Pre-Inca Civilization. It lies over 2 miles above sea-level in the Bolivian Andes.
Tiahuanaco represents one of Bolivia’s most important archaeological sites with huge stone statues which are over 1000 years old. This site was once home to one of the most important civilisations in the Americas, but its rise and fall continues to mystify anthropologists and historians alike. Very little is known about Tiahuanaco or their culture as it died out in the 11th century AD and they left no writings. However scientists do know that the inhabitants were hugely advanced for their time, managing to farm and reap large harvests the barren land of the Altiplano.
Much of the architecture on the site is in a poor state of preservation. It has been subjected to looting and amateur excavations Tiahuanaco’s fall. This destruction continued during the Spanish conquest and colonial period and into the 19th century and the early 20th century with activities such as quarrying stone for buildings and railroad construction and target practice by the military. However, there are still monoliths, pyramids, gateways and temples to be seen high on the Altiplano and it is definitely worth a visit.
Today Tiahuanaco is a UNESCO world heritage site and is administered by the Bolivian government.
