Cutimbo

Cutimbo is a pre-Hispanic funerary complex on the Andean Altiplano at 4,060 meters elevation, approximately 20 km southwest of Puno. Built by the Lupaca and Colla cultures between the 13th and 15th centuries, it features distinctive chullpas (funerary towers) in both circular and rectangular forms, constructed with finely carved stone blocks oriented towards the east. The most impressive towers bear bas-reliefs of pumas, condors, and serpents symbolizing the three worlds of Inca cosmogony. Rock shelters at the site contain cave paintings estimated to be over 8,000 years old, attesting to far earlier human occupation of the plateau.