Kutimpu

Kutimpu is an archaeological site in the Puno highlands containing stone burial towers that rise across the barren mountain plateau. These cylindrical and square-shaped structures, built from precisely fitted stones, stand as markers in the sparse high-altitude landscape.

This burial ground developed during the Colla Kingdom era and remained in use through Inca control of the region. The site served as a necropolis for regional leaders and religious figures across multiple periods of Andean rule.

The burial towers at this site reflect how Aymara communities honored their deceased by constructing permanent stone homes for them. This burial practice reveals deeply held beliefs about honoring ancestors and maintaining connection with the dead as part of daily community life.

The site sits at high elevation and requires time to adjust to the altitude before exploring. Visitors should bring warm clothing, sun protection, and plenty of water since conditions are exposed and weather can change quickly.

The burial towers show subtle astronomical alignments that ancient builders used to connect the structures to celestial events. These deliberate orientations reveal how deeply cosmological beliefs shaped the design and placement of the monuments.

Location: Puno Department

GPS coordinates: -16.02080,-70.00220

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42