Click for a high resolution panorama of the Royal Range of the Andes.
Tihuanacu (or Tiwanaku) was active from about 300BC to 1000AD. This model shows the various temples.
The Akapana had seven levels.
Lower level stones show rounding by water, indicating the presence of a moat.
Marker stones were aligned such that their remnant magnetism aligns with important points in the sky and surrounding areas.
The subterranean temple represents the underworld. Its corners and large stones are astronomically aligned.
Click for a high resolution panorama of the Subterranean temple, taken in 2007.
The upper three steps are a single piece of stone, from a quarry miles from here!
Just above the belt is a symbolic representation of a solar eclipse.
The stones were fit together so tightly as to be almost water tight!
Pumapunku isn't normally on our itinerary, but we had some extra time and explored it.
The stone was highly polished and feels like satin. Small holes were anchor points for poured gold decorations, which were removed by 16th century Spaniards.
Click for a high resolution panorama of the Pumapunku temple.
Some surmise that Lake Titicaca was much higher in the time of this temple, and it served as a harbor.
Continue on to read about our daytrip to Copacabana, Sun Island, and Moon Island!
Or go back to see the Urus floating island and Pariti pottery museum.
