Exploring Bolivia's Pumapunku: Ancient Architecture In Tiahuanaco

Puma Punku, also known as Pumapunku, is a 6th-century archaeological site in western Bolivia, located near Tiwanaku. The name means Gate of the Puma in the Quechua and Aymara languages. The site is believed to have been constructed between 500 and 600 CE, and is characterised by its precisely cut and placed stones, with some blocks weighing up to 130 tonnes. The site is thought to have been a spiritual and ritual centre for the Tiwanaku people, who inhabited the area.

The stonework and precision of Puma Punku

The stonework of Puma Punku, a 6th-century man-made terraced platform mound, is a source of wonder and mystery. The precision of the stonework is such that not even a razor blade can fit between the rocks. The red sandstone and andesite stones were cut to fit together perfectly, without the use of mortar, forming load-bearing joints. The level of precision in the cutting and placement of the stones suggests a sophisticated knowledge of stone-cutting and descriptive geometry. The stones were initially pounded with stone hammers, creating depressions, and then slowly ground and polished with flat stones and sand.

The largest stone block at Puma Punku measures 7.81 metres (25.6 feet) long, 5.17 metres (17 feet) wide, and 1.07 metres (3.5 feet) thick, weighing an estimated 131 metric tons. The second-largest stone block measures 7.90 metres (25.9 feet) long, 2.50 metres (8.2 feet) wide, and 1.86 metres (6.1 feet) thick, weighing an estimated 85.21 metric tons. The red sandstone blocks were quarried about 10 kilometres away from Puma Punku, while the smaller andesite blocks used for carvings and stone facing came from quarries about 90 kilometres away, across Lake Titicaca.

The precision of the stonework at Puma Punku has led to speculation about the techniques and tools used in its construction. Visitors marvel at the geometric wonders of the matching H-shaped blocks, the precise cuts, and the regularity of the stones, which suggest prefabrication and mass production. Even with today's advanced technology, it would be extremely difficult to replicate the precision observed in the stones found at Puma Punku. Some have suggested that the ancient inhabitants of Puma Punku received 'outside help' in the form of alien beings or lost technology. However, it is also possible that the stonemasons were simply very skilled and that a large labour force was used to transport and work the stones.

The history of the Tiwanaku people

The Tiwanaku people were a Pre-Columbian civilisation based in western Bolivia, in the southern Lake Titicaca Basin. They were one of the most significant Andean civilisations, with influence extending into present-day Peru and Chile. The Tiwanaku Polity was a multi-cultural network of powerful lineages that brought people together to build large monuments.

The Tiwanaku empire was centred on the city of Tiwanaku, which was founded around 110 AD. The city was located at an altitude of 3,800-3,850 metres, making it the highest city in the ancient world. At its peak, the population of Tiwanaku was between 30,000 and 70,000 residents. The Tiwanaku empire dominated the altiplano plains and stretched from the Peruvian coast to northern Bolivia, including parts of northern Chile.

The Tiwanaku people were skilled artisans, with a particular focus on agriculture and stonework. They developed innovative farming techniques, such as flooded-raised fields, terrace structures, and qochas (sunken regions of land used for agriculture and water reservoirs). They also constructed impressive monuments, temples, and public buildings, using large stones of exceptional workmanship. The Tiwanaku were polytheistic, with a special focus on agriculturally-themed gods.

The Tiwanaku empire flourished between c. 200 and 1000 CE, with the first examples of monumental architecture dating to around 200 CE. The city became grander in c. 375 CE, with the construction of large religious buildings, gateways, and sculptures. The layout of the city centre was built in a grid design, surrounded by a moat on three sides, with the fourth side linking to Lake Titicaca. The focal point of the sacred precinct was the Akapana Temple, an artificial hill over 15 metres high with a T-shaped sunken court.

The Tiwanaku empire began to decline around 1000 CE due to attacks from the Aymara Kingdoms. The city of Tiwanaku was eventually abandoned, possibly due to excessive drought and regional climate change. However, the legacy of the Tiwanaku empire lives on in the impressive ruins and stonework that continue to inspire and intrigue visitors today.

The theories surrounding the site's construction

Puma Punku, a Pre-Columbian archaeological site in Bolivia, has puzzled archaeologists and historians with its mysterious construction. Here are some of the theories surrounding its construction:

Advanced Ancient Civilisation

One theory suggests that Puma Punku was built by an advanced ancient civilisation with knowledge and technology far beyond what we traditionally attribute to ancient peoples. This theory is supported by the precision stonework, advanced engineering techniques, and the use of durable and hard-to-carve andesite rock. The stone blocks were cut with such precision that they seem to have been cut using diamond tools, and they interlock perfectly without the need for mortar. The use of metal staples and clamps, composed of a complex alloy, further supports this theory.

Extraterrestrial Intervention

Some researchers, often dismissed by mainstream archaeologists, propose that extraterrestrial beings may have provided assistance or knowledge to the ancient builders of Puma Punku. This theory, popularised by authors like Erich von Däniken, is based on the idea that the level of precision and advanced engineering observed surpasses the capabilities of ancient tools and methods.

Conventional Techniques with Manual Labour

On the more conventional side, it is suggested that skilled stonemasons used the tools available to them, such as stone hammers and flat stones, and that a large labour force was employed to transport and work the stones. Techniques like pounding with stone hammers to create depressions and then grinding and polishing the stones smooth are hypothesised to have been used.

Transport via Water Channels or Canals

Another theory focuses on the logistics of transporting the massive stones. It is suggested that water channels or canals were used to float the stones on rafts or barges, taking advantage of nearby water sources. This theory provides a possible solution to the challenge of moving the stones over long distances.

Transport via Ramps and Rollers

An alternative theory suggests that the stones were quarried locally and transported using ramps and rollers. This method would have involved a large workforce to gradually move the stones uphill using inclined planes and cylindrical rollers.

The mysteries surrounding the construction of Puma Punku continue to captivate and puzzle scholars, with many unanswered questions remaining about the methods, tools, and civilisations involved in creating this ancient site.

The site's spiritual significance

Puma Punku, or Pumapunku, is a Pre-Columbian archaeological site in Bolivia. The name means "door of the puma" in the Aymara language. The site is located in the still-thriving city of Tiwanaku, in the Andes Mountains, at an altitude of more than 12,000 feet.

Tiwanaku is significant in Inca traditions as it is believed to be the site where the world was created. Puma Punku is thought to have been a spiritual and ritual centre for the Tiwanaku people, who were polytheistic and had a special focus on agriculturally-themed gods.

The site is characterised by its remarkable stone structures, with some stones weighing between 100 and 130 tons. The precision of the stonework, including right angles and uniform dimensions, suggests advanced stone-cutting techniques that may surpass the capabilities of ancient tools. The interlocking joints used to fit the stones together are so tight that not even a sheet of paper can fit between them, and they have remained remarkably intact despite centuries of exposure to the elements and seismic activity.

The stone blocks feature complex geometric shapes, including the famous H-blocks, which number over 130. These blocks exhibit precise right angles and uniform dimensions, again suggesting a level of sophistication beyond what is typically attributed to ancient tools and techniques.

The logistics of transporting and placing the massive stones at Puma Punku are also a subject of debate. Some theories suggest that local quarries were used, with stones transported using ramps and rollers, aided by large workforces. Another theory posits that water channels or canals were used to float the stones on rafts or barges.

The advanced nature of the site's construction has led to speculation about the identity of its builders, with some attributing Puma Punku to an advanced ancient civilisation, and others suggesting extraterrestrial intervention. The use of metal staples and clamps, composed of a complex alloy including nickel, which was not locally sourced, further adds to the mystery.

Some anomalies observed at Puma Punku, such as stones with precisely drilled holes and evidence of vitrification, where stone surfaces appear melted or fused together, have also fuelled speculation about otherworldly involvement. The site's location in a seismically active region, and the resilience of its stonework despite centuries of earthquakes and tectonic activity, further contribute to the enigma.

Puma Punku continues to captivate and intrigue, with its intricate stonework and engineering marvels that defy explanation. The site stands as a testament to ancient ingenuity, leaving us with more questions than answers.

Visiting Puma Punku

Puma Punku (or Pumapunku) is an ancient archaeological site in Bolivia, which is steeped in wonder and mystery. The site is located in western Bolivia, near Tiwanacu, and is part of the larger Tiwanaku Site and complex.

Getting There

Puma Punku is around 70km (45 miles) from La Paz, with heavy and unpredictable traffic meaning the journey can take close to two hours. It is possible to visit as a day trip from La Paz, with tours available, but be aware that the roads are in poor condition and there is a risk of getting stranded due to road closures.

Tickets and Tours

The entrance fee for the entire Tiwanaku complex, including Puma Punku, is 80 Bolivian bolivianos. There are various tour options available, with prices ranging from $49.42 to $225.65 per adult. It is highly recommended to visit with a guide, as there is little signage on-site, and a guide will be able to provide valuable insight and context.

What to See

Puma Punku is a T-shaped man-made terraced platform mound, with only the ruins of the monumental complex remaining. The site features impressive stonework, with red sandstone and andesite stones cut with such precision that they appear to have been cut using a diamond tool. The largest stone at the site measures 7.81 x 5.17 x 1.07 metres and weighs an estimated 131 tons. The stonework also includes miniature gateways, which are perfect replicas of once-standing full-size gateways, and 'H-blocks', which feature 90-degree angles that would have been impossible to achieve without advanced tools.

Puma Punku is believed to have been constructed sometime after AD 536, and was likely once adorned with polished metal plaques, brightly coloured fabrics, and visited by elaborately dressed citizens and priests. The site is thought to have been a spiritual and ritual centre for the Tiwanaku people, with a particular focus on agriculturally-themed gods.

Tips

Puma Punku sits at an altitude of 3850 metres (12,600 feet), so be sure to get acclimatised before your visit. Sunblock and a hat are also recommended.

Frequently asked questions