Travelers who take the Inca Trail may know that their route is one of great historic significance. Although the trails lead to a remarkable number of ruins, travelers also can find numerous remnants of the Inca and previous societies by visiting sites a little off the trail.
One of the most rewarding side trips is a journey to the Sillustani burial grounds. Located about 21 miles from Puno, the burial grounds was a sacred site of the Colla people, who lived in the area before the Incas settled here. The site is named after the prolific stone tombs, called chullpas, which were used to house the riches and bodies of an entire family.
One of the most arresting parts of the site is its humanity. Chullpas range in size and shape, and show distinct levels of workmanship at each. Some were even left unfinished, and act as a reminder of the Incans conquering this group in the 15th century.
The pinnacle of the site is the Chullpa de Largato, which is still used to this day. Every year, a Sillustani shaman comes to the site to perform a sacrificial ceremony in hopes to appease the gods and reward the Sillustani people with a good harvest.
Side trip on the Inca Trail: Sillustani burial site
Posted on Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
