Exploring Puma Punku And Machu Picchu: A Distance Overview

Puma Punku in Bolivia and Machu Picchu in Peru are two of the most famous archaeological sites in South America. They are geographically close, and there are similarities in the engineering expertise and building techniques of both sites. The distance between the two sites is just over an hour by plane. However, travelling by bus or train would take much longer, with one source suggesting a journey time of close to two hours.

Travel from La Paz to Puma Punku

Puma Punku, also known as Pumapunku, is an ancient archaeological site in western Bolivia, near Tiwanacu. It is believed to have been constructed in the 6th century AD, around 536, and was likely used as a spiritual and ritual centre for the Tiwanaku people. The site is characterised by its T-shaped terraced platform mound, adorned with polished metal plaques, brightly coloured fabrics, and intricate stonework.

• By Colectivo (Local Van Transportation): Trans Tours Tiwanaku offers daily van/bus rides from La Paz to Puma Punku, Tiwanaku. The vans leave every hour and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in person for $8 per person.
• By Taxi: You can hire a private taxi from La Paz to Puma Punku for around $30 to $40 USD round trip. It is recommended to pay only a third of the total amount upfront to avoid being left at the site by the driver.
• By Private Car: You can hire a private driver and car to take you from La Paz to Puma Punku. This option typically costs $70.00 USD for a group of up to 8 people and includes a bilingual guide and assistance with purchasing entrance tickets.
• Group Tour: You can join a group guided tour from La Paz to Puma Punku, which typically costs $65.00 per person. The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, and lunch.
• Private Fully Guided Tour: For a more personalised experience, you can book a private fully guided tour from La Paz to Puma Punku for $99 per person (for a group of 2 to 4 people). This option includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, and private transportation.

The distance between La Paz and Puma Punku is not explicitly mentioned, but it is indicated that the travel time varies between 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions.

Please note that the prices and travel times provided may vary and are subject to change. It is always a good idea to check for updated information before planning your trip.

Travel from Puma Punku to Machu Picchu

Puma Punku, also known as Puma Punko, is a 6th-century man-made terraced platform mound in western Bolivia. Machu Picchu, on the other hand, is a 15th-century Inca citadel in Peru. The distance between the two sites is approximately 432 miles.

There are 11 ways to get from Puma Punku to Machu Picchu, but there is no direct connection between the two. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to travel from Puma Punku to Machu Picchu:

By Bus and Train:

• Take a bus from Tiwanaku to La Paz.
• From La Paz, take another bus to Cusco Bus Station.
• Once you arrive at the Cusco Bus Station, take a taxi to Machu Picchu.

By Bus, Train, and Taxi:

• Take the bus from Tiwanaku to La Paz.
• From La Paz Bus Station, take the bus to Cusco Bus Station.
• Take a taxi from the Cusco Bus Station to Machu Picchu.

By Bus and Taxi:

• Take a bus from Desaguadero to Cusco.
• Take a taxi from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

By Bus and Train:

• Take the bus from Desaguadero to Puno.
• Take the train from Puno to Cusco - Wanchaq.
• Take the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

By Bus:

• Take the bus from Tiwanaku to La Paz.
• Take the bus from La Paz to Puno.
• Take the bus from Puno to Cusco Real Inka Car.
• Take the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

By Tour, Bus, Train:

• Take a tour bus from Tiwanaku to La Paz.
• Take the bus from La Paz to Puno.
• Take the bus from Puno to Cusco Real Inka Car.
• Take the train from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

By Car:

You can also drive from Puma Punku to Machu Picchu. The driving distance is approximately 493 miles, and it takes about 12 hours and 53 minutes.

By Train, Flight, and Train:

• Take the train from Tiwanaku to El Alto.
• Fly from La Paz to Cuzco.
• Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.

By Train, Flight, and Train:

• Take the train from Tiwanaku to El Alto.
• Fly from La Paz to Anta.
• Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.

By Bus, Flight, and Train:

• Take the bus from Desaguadero to Arequipa.
• Fly from Arequipa to Cuzco.
• Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.

By Bus, Flight, and Train:

• Take the bus from Desaguadero to Juliaca.
• Fly from Juliaca to Cuzco.
• Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu.

By Train, Flight, and Drive:

• Take the train from Tiwanaku to El Alto.
• Fly from La Paz to Ayacucho.
• Drive from Ayacucho to Machu Picchu.

Please note that the travel time and cost may vary depending on the mode of transportation and the specific route chosen. It is always a good idea to check for updated information and schedules before planning your trip.

Visiting Tiwanaku and Puma Punku

Tiwanaku and Puma Punku are ancient archaeological sites in Bolivia, close to the border with Peru and not far from Machu Picchu. They are believed to be remnants of two of the largest Native American civilisations in history, with Tiwanaku home to around 40,000 people and Puma Punku to 400,000.

Tiwanaku is thought to be younger than Puma Punku, and some theories suggest that Tiwanaku's location was chosen because of its proximity to Puma Punku. Both sites are notable for their impressive stonework, which seems to have been achieved without the use of modern tools.

Tourism to the sites is not a booming industry, and it can be challenging to find a safe and reputable tour. However, it is possible to visit both sites in one day from La Paz, often with a stop at nearby Lake Titicaca. The journey from La Paz to Lake Titicaca takes around two hours due to heavy and unpredictable traffic.

Tiwanaku is poorly preserved, having been heavily looted before being abandoned and left to erode. Preservation efforts have been limited, and in 2005 UNESCO threatened to remove its status as a World Heritage site due to the use of adobe in restoration work.

Puma Punku is believed to have been an incredible place filled with bright colours. While many researchers think it was abandoned before it was finished, evidence of a sophisticated infrastructure remains. The site features famous H blocks with precise cuts and 90-degree angles that would have been impossible to achieve without advanced tools.

Both sites are definitely worth visiting, and it is recommended to go with a guide to help make sense of the ruins.

The H Blocks of Puma Punko

The H-blocks of Puma Punku are an intriguing feature of this ancient site, with their precise cuts, edges and 90-degree angles that seem impossible to achieve without modern technology. These red sandstone blocks, some over 7 metres long and weighing more than 130 tonnes, were likely transported up a steep incline to the site. The mystery of how they were shaped and moved remains, as there is no evidence of tools or strong enough rope to drag the rocks.

The H-blocks are not the only fascinating aspect of Puma Punku. The site, located in western Bolivia and constructed around AD 536, is believed to be where the world was created in Inca tradition. It is a strategically aligned, man-made, terraced platform mound with a sunken court and monumental structure on top. The entire Pumapunku complex, of which Puma Punku is a part, consists of plazas and ramps centred on the platform mound.

The platform mound itself is an impressive 167.4 metres (549 feet) wide and 116.7 metres (383 feet) long. The eastern edge is occupied by the Plataforma Lítica, a stone terrace paved with enormous stone blocks, including the largest stone slab in the Pumapunku and Tiwanaku Site, weighing an estimated 131 tonnes.

The stonework of Puma Punku is a mix of red sandstone and andesite, a volcanic rock. Interestingly, a study by Joseph Davidovits, Luis Huaman and Ralph Davidovits revealed that the andesite rocks contain organic matter, indicating they are artificial geopolymers rather than naturally occurring rocks. This discovery may soon allow for Carbon-14 dating of the rocks, providing a more accurate idea of the site's age.

Beyond the H-blocks, Puma Punku features large stones with complex, precise drill holes, and incredibly smooth surfaces. The site also boasts even larger stones, some close to 25 feet tall and weighing over 100 tons. The means by which these massive stones were moved to the site is a subject of debate and speculation, with theories involving the use of llama skin ropes, ramps, and inclined planes.

The precision of the stonework at Puma Punku suggests a level of sophistication in stone-cutting and geometry not typically associated with pre-Incan cultures. The mystery of how the Puma Punku structures were created, along with the site's spiritual and cultural significance, makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in ancient history and archaeology.

The Gate of the Sun at Tiwanaku

The Gate of the Sun, also known as the Gateway of the Sun, is a monolithic gateway located at the Tiwanaku site in western Bolivia. It is a remarkable example of the Tiwanaku people's ingenuity and astronomical knowledge, standing as a testament to their vanished civilisation.

The gate is estimated to be over a millennium old, with a construction date believed to be sometime after AD 536. It is approximately 9.8 feet (3 metres) tall and 13 feet (4 metres) wide, and was carved from a single piece of stone, weighing in at around 10 tons. The intricate carvings that decorate the gate feature a central figure known as the "Lord of the Staffs", a presumed deity, surrounded by winged creatures and human-like forms, including some that represent condor heads. The door itself is deeply ornamented with geometric and anthropomorphic figures, showcasing the Tiwanaku's sophisticated artistic sensibilities.

The Gate of the Sun was rediscovered by European explorers in the mid-19th century, where it was found lying horizontally with a large crack, indicating that it may have been moved from its original location. Today, it stands where it was found, but its exact original site remains a mystery. Interestingly, despite its name, the gate does not align with the sun during solstices or equinoxes, leading to theories that it may have been relocated or that it aligns with unknown celestial events.

The Tiwanaku culture, which created this gate, thrived around Lake Titicaca in the Andes of western South America around 500-950 AD. They were known for their advanced understanding of astronomy, agriculture, and architecture, with the Gate of the Sun serving as a prime example of their expertise. The site of Tiwanaku is located near Lake Titicaca, at about 3,825 meters (12,549.2 feet) above sea level, close to La Paz, Bolivia.

The Gate of the Sun is a captivating relic that has sparked endless fascination and debate among historians, archaeologists, and curious travellers alike. Its intricate carvings and astronomical significance continue to offer a glimpse into the lost world of the Tiwanaku civilisation, making it a potent symbol of Bolivia's rich cultural heritage.

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