Departamento de La Paz

Sitios arqueológicos e históricos en el Departamento de La Paz

Archaeological and Historical Sites

This collection spans the archaeological and architectural evolution of the La Paz region, from the monumental pre-Columbian stone carvings of the Tiwanaku culture to the neoclassical designs of the city’s modern era. Highlights include the intricate monoliths and astronomical gateways of the Altiplano, the labyrinthine Inca ruins on Isla del Sol, and the historic military and naval museums of the administrative capital. These sites provide insight into the indigenous empires, defensive fortifications, and industrial heritage that shaped western Bolivia.

Archaeological and Historical Sites — Mapa

Clairette~commonswiki / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture

Tiwanaku is a Pre-Columbian archaeological site in western Bolivia, near Lake Titicaca, about 70 kilometers from La Paz, and it is one of…

Giovo95 / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Pachat'aqa

Pachat'aqa, possibly erroneously also named Horca del Inca in Spanish, is an archaeological site in Bolivia situated near Lake Titicaca.

Mhwater / Public domain

C

Sun Gate

The Gate of the Sun, also known as the Gateway of the Sun (in older literature simply called " monolithic Gateway of Ak-kapana", is a…

Theodore Scott / CC BY 2.0

D

Monolito Ponce

Carved from a single block of andesite, this 3-meter-tall statue stands in the center of the Kalasasaya temple. It depicts a high-ranking figure holding ritual vessels and features elaborate iconography representing Tiwanaku cosmology.

Janikorpi / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Pumapunku

Pumapunku or Puma Punku is a 6th-century T-shaped and strategically aligned man-made terraced platform mound with a sunken court and…

F

Kalasasaya

The Kalasasaya or Stopped Stones is a major archaeological structure that is part of Tiwanaku, an ancient archeological complex in the…

G

Kellkata Petroglyphs

Ancient rock art site featuring pre-Columbian carvings etched into stone surfaces.

Giovo95 / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Iskanwaya

Iskanwaya is a pre-Columbian sacred site, situated on a mountain ridge above the Llica River in Bolivia, 325 km north of La Paz.

I

Ruinas de Chinkana

A complex Inca labyrinth located on the northern tip of Isla del Sol. The structure consists of narrow passages and small rooms, likely used as a storehouse or a residence for priests.

J

Cóndor Jipiña

Large natural rock formation shaped like a condor, traditionally used as a site for indigenous spiritual offerings.

Anakin~commonswiki / CC-BY-SA-3.0

K

Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz

The Basilica of San Francisco in the city of La Paz, Bolivia, is a Catholic church under the advocation of Francis of Assisi.

Tasmita Gz / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Estación de Trenes Central La Paz

Neoclassical terminal designed by the Gustave Eiffel workshop in the early 20th century. While no longer functioning as a railway station, the building now serves as a hub for the city's cable car system.

M

Museo Histórico Naval

Museum documenting the history of the Bolivian Navy, including maps, ship models, and documents related to the country's maritime history and the War of the Pacific.

N

Museo Histórico Militar

Located in the Colegio Militar, this museum houses artifacts from the Chaco War and other major conflicts, showcasing historical weaponry, uniforms, and military documents.

O

Museo Policial

Collection detailing the history of the Bolivian police through vintage uniforms, investigative tools, and historical records.

P

Museo Familia Rivera

Regional museum in Quime featuring historical artifacts and items related to local heritage and mining history.

Q

Amphitheater

Pre-Columbian stone ruins featuring tiered seating arrangements typical of ancient gathering places.

R

La Fortaleza del Crestón

Pre-Hispanic stone fortification situated on a strategic ridge, featuring defensive walls and remnants of ancient dwellings.

S

Pasto Grande

Archaeological complex featuring extensive pre-Columbian agricultural terraces and stone foundations.

T

Muralla de Sacambaya

Ancient defensive stone walls located in a remote valley, often associated with local legends of hidden Jesuit wealth.