Tiwanaku and Titicaca day trip from La Paz: Guided ruins tour
Walk through an ancient city, then stand on the shore of the world's highest lake
A day trip from La Paz to the pre-Incan ruins of Tiwanaku and Lake Titicaca, with a professional guide, hotel pickup and lunch included. The tour runs 10 to 12 hours, starting with a 45-minute guided walk through the archaeological site, then moving to the lake and its surrounding communities. You explore the ruins on your own after the guided portion, visit the on-site museums, and stop at several points of interest along the way back to La Paz.
10h–12h
Step-by-step itinerary
Tiwanaku and Lake Titicaca tour
- Hotel pick-up or meet up 8-8:30am
- Guided tour of Tiwanaku site
- Explore Tiwanaku museums
- Excursion to Lake Titicaca and shoreline communities
- Lunch at Lake Titicaca
- Visit points of interest en route
- Return to La Paz
The Experience
The tour picks you up from your La Paz hotel between 8 and 8:30am and heads to Tiwanaku, an ancient city that flourished between 300 and 1000 CE before declining due to changing rainfall patterns. A professional guide leads a 45-minute walk through the site, pointing out the sophisticated stone working and engineering that survived looting and centuries of neglect. After the guided portion, you're free to explore the ruins at your own pace or visit the museums where artifacts found at the site are displayed.
From Tiwanaku, the tour moves to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. You stop at several points of interest along the shoreline and visit local communities before lunch at the lake. The drive back to La Paz includes additional stops, with the full day lasting 10 to 12 hours. Transport is by air-conditioned minibus, and the guide speaks English or Spanish depending on your preference.
The site sits at altitude on the Altiplano, so a moderate amount of walking and the elevation itself are part of the day. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Lunch is included and you can specify any dietary restrictions when booking. If your hotel is outside central La Paz—in Zona Sur, for example—pickup can be arranged for an additional $20 USD.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from your La Paz accommodation.
- transport by air-conditioned minibus.
- a professional guide in English or Spanish.
- a 45-minute guided tour of the Tiwanaku ruins.
- access to the on-site museums.
- lunch at Lake Titicaca.
- stops at several points of interest along the shoreline and return route.
Operated by Solace Trekking and Tours
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to combine Tiwanaku's ruins and Lake Titicaca in one outing—the guided introduction to Tiwanaku sets up the site's history before you explore independently, then you move on to the lake, all on a set schedule.
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Top questions
What was Tiwanaku and why is it important?
Tiwanaku was an ancient city-state that blossomed between 300 and 1000 CE on the Altiplano. It influenced surrounding areas and is known for its sophisticated stone working and engineering, which are still visible in the ruins today despite looting and centuries of disturbance.
How much time do I spend walking at the ruins?
The professional guide leads a 45-minute walk through the archaeological site. After that, you can explore the ruins on your own or visit the on-site museums at your own pace before the group departs for Lake Titicaca.
Is lunch included in the day trip?
Yes, lunch is included and served at Lake Titicaca. You can specify any meal restrictions or dietary requirements when you book.
What language is the guide in?
The guide is available in English or Spanish. You choose your preference when booking.
Does the tour include Lake Titicaca?
Yes, after Tiwanaku the tour moves to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. You visit shoreline communities, stop at several points of interest, and have lunch at the lake before returning to La Paz.
Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?
The tour involves a moderate amount of walking and takes place at high altitude on the Altiplano. It's suitable for all physical fitness levels, but it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for the elevation.
Tiwanaku and Titicaca day trip from La Paz: Guided ruins tour
10h–12h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 200 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.5062 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
