Sillustani

July 1998

Trip Rating: 5/5

Sillustani is an ancient burial ground near lake Titicaca.  If you go to Puno, you have to visit Sillustani.  The tombs are built above the ground, and with much symbolism. The inside of the tombs are shaped like a woman’s uterus. The ancient people in Peru believed in a mother earth that created and regulated life. When a person died, they were mummified in the fetal position, just like they cam into the world. The doors of the tombs face east, because it is believed that that is where the sun is born from the mother earth each and everyday. 

Dynamited tomb at Sillustani.   Grave robbers often blew up these tombs looking for treasure.   Notice the lizard carved into the stone.   The lizard is a symbol of life because of its ability to regrow it's tail.

Jere by one of the tombs.   Notice the lake in the background.  

Overlooking one of the lakes that surround Sillustani.

people have visited virtual Sillustani.

This page last updated on 10/30/99.