Regional Archaeological Museum of Tiwanaku

The Regional Archaeological Museum of Tiwanaku displays stone sculptures, burial goods, and ceramic objects from the pre-Hispanic civilization that once thrived near Lake Titicaca. The collection includes figurative representations and decorated items that reveal the craftsmanship and technical abilities of these ancient Andean people.

The museum preserves remains from the Tiwanaku civilization that flourished between 300 and 1000 CE across western Bolivia, southern Peru, and northern Chile. The civilization eventually declined as central control weakened, leading to the dispersal of the once-unified empire into smaller regional settlements.

The name reflects the pre-Hispanic Tiwanaku civilization whose artistic legacy appears throughout the displayed objects. You can observe how ancient craftspeople used stone carvings and pottery to represent their world and beliefs.

The museum sits within the archaeological complex at Tiwanaku and is easy to access for visitors exploring the site. It works best to start with the outdoor exhibition areas before moving into the interior galleries.

The Bennett Monolith, a seven-meter tall stone statue, was discovered in the 1930s and stands as one of the most striking works on display. Its detailed carvings reveal the artistic skill and offer insight into the spiritual beliefs of this ancient society.

Location: Tiwanaku Municipality

Part of: Tiwanaku

GPS coordinates: -16.55799,-68.67583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20