Tiwanaku

So everyone I have met has told me not to bother with Tiwanaku as the ruins are a let down, particularly after Peru. Having visited I can certainly agree that for those interested purely in looking at nice ruins, it is not for them.

I did however feel an urge to come here, hence the stopover in La Paz so I wasn’t backing out ;-)

This is a very ancient site, the Tiwanaku civilization dates back to at least 17,000 BC however the structures are more modern than that.

What remains of the site is generally in a great state of disrepair, for instance, this is what remains of the pyramid which one can walk on. 

 One of the most interesting features is the 7m high stone stature of Pachamamma within the museum, which was found buried 2m underground. Unfortunately I couldn’t take a photo.

A smaller statue of Pachamama

The subterranean temple is very interesting. Here there are approximately 180 carved faces around on the walls, all different, some possibly ET.

This is cool. It's a megaphone built into a rock. These are all over the place :-)

Gateway of the Sun

Some carved rocks from Pumapunku.

I managed to avoid the protests in leaving La Paz, and near the Peruvian border was greeted to this sunset.

hmm, it was much more spectacular in real life.

The bus back over the border was basically full of Aussies, so it was almost a little like being back home :-)