Overview:

Chullpares of Cutimbo in Bolivia are ancient ceremonial sculptures carefully carved out of stone located at the base of the mountain of Cutimbo. The sculptures were created by Pre-Inca cultures thousands of years ago, and many of them still stand intact today. Cutimbo is a sacred mountain located approximately 10 km from Puno, a city located in the southwestern region of Bolivia. The monuments are believed to depict deities and other figures related to local mythology and religious beliefs. These structures are made from andesite, a type of igneous rock that was most likely carved with stone tools or polished with abrasives, and then arranged in a circular fashion. They vary in size from less than 1 meter to more than 10 meters in length. Though they are often referred to as "idols," scientists have determined that the sculptures are actually religious in origin. The physical features of the sculptures, as well as the orientation of the structures suggest that they were used for astrological observations. There are various interpretations as to why the sculptures were created, such as for offering sacrifices, conducting rituals, or appeasing the gods. The sculptures are also thought to represent a spiritual connection between the people of the time and the natural environment and offer insight into the religious practices of the region. The Chullpares of Cutimbo in Bolivia are protected by the local government, as they are considered an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. The sculptures are often visited by scientific and archaeological expeditions, as they offer a unique opportunity to study the beliefs of Pre-Inca cultures. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Cutimbo is a well-known archeological site in Bolivia composed of numerous chullpas, or funerary towers. 2. The chullpas are made from large limestone blocks and were built in the Late Intermediate Period (1000–1450 CE). 3. The towers typically have rectangular bases and consist of four walls of blocks, with each wall increasing in height to form a point. 4. The chullpas are decorated with carvings of animals and human figures, and some are painted with geometric patterns. 5. The towers were traditionally used for the burial of high-status individuals, including religious figures. 6. The site of Cutimbo is composed of 125 chullpas, arranged in groups of two to eight, and situated along a mountain ridge. 7. The site has remained largely undisturbed, and the chullpas remain in good condition, making it a popular destination for tourists. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Chullpares of Cutimbo is an ancient pre-Inca site located near the village of Cutimbo in Bolivia. According to tradition, the site was built around 800 AD and is known for its talud-tablero architecture, which is characterized by retaining walls with a square or rectangular form, built up with a stepped profile. There is evidence of earlier human occupation in the area which dates back to 10,000 BC. Cutimbo was an important religious center in pre-Inca times and the stones at the site were venerated as the representation of mountains and deities. In the 16th century the Incas conquered the site and used it as a symbolic center of power. Later, in the Colonial era, the city was used for political meetings by both the Incas and Europeans. In the contemporary era, the site is still venerated by locals and is an important site for archaeological research. It has been included on the Memory of the World Register by UNESCO since 2013. In 2019, President Evo Morales established it as a living cultural heritage site. Chullpares of Cutimbo presents a unique opportunity for researchers to learn more about pre-Inca societies, including their ceremonial practices, architecture, and interaction with the natural environment. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Chullpares of Cutimbo are an ancient pre-Incan and pre-Hispanic culture. 2. The Chullpares created chullpas or burial towers that are still visible today. 3. The chullpas were constructed from large, carved stones and filled with funeral offerings. 4. The chullpas are built in a variety of sizes and shapes, including round and rectangular. 5. The Chullpares were also known to create a network of irrigation canals, aqueducts and underground storage tanks to irrigate their crops. 6. The Chullpares were a Shamanistic people, believing in magical powers associated with certain sites or stones and other elements of nature. 7. The Chullpares used to live in simple shelters made of adobe. 8. Archaeologists have found pottery from the Chullpares that dates back to 800BC. 9. The Chullpares celebrated their beliefs during traditional ceremonies, including offerings to the gods and elements of nature. 10. Cutimbo is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Bolivia and is home to some of the best-preserved chullpas in the country. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.