The Pariti Island Museum is a space where culture, history and masterpieces of the past dialogue with the magnificent natural surroundings.
Visit the extraordinary collection of pre-Columbian ceramics recently discovered on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
The Museum is located on Pariti Island and is surrounded by a maze of reeds. Its highlight is a collection of about 300 pieces of fine Tiwanaku pottery, dating from 900 to 1050 CE.
Discovered between 2003 and 2004, some of the objects are in good condition while others are broken: used during ceremonial events, they were, in fact, destroyed during the ritual.
There are a considerable number of outstanding pieces. Among the most famous are the so-called Señor de los Patos, a ceramic vase unique for its detailed representation of the lake's rich fauna, and the so-called Andean Monalisa, which reflects the facial features of the ancient Andean peoples.
Other objects are representations of animals, such as snakes, birds, monkeys, camelids, the titi or Andean cat, and keru ceremonial vases.
Archaeologists point to the delicate decoration of the pottery and its exclusive use for religious ceremonies or ritual offerings to the god Viracocha.
Let our local guides illustrate these works of iconic beauty to you: contact us to book your visit to the Pariti Island Museum.
Services
- Visits available in English, Spanish
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm clothing, suitable for windy weather conditions, comfortable shoes, a hat and to bring sunglasses, binoculars, and a camera.
Where
Isla Pariti, municipality of Puerto Pérez, department of La Paz
Transportation
By public transport
From the interprovincial terminal of the city of El Alto, take minibuses to Quehuaya, travel time approximately 4 hours. The departure time of the minibuses is at 10:00 a.m., booth 17.
The ticket price is Bs 10 per person. Consult about changes in schedules or prices in the terminal.
Community transportation
From the city of El Alto in the Rio Seco area, in front of the interprovincial terminal near the Pil factory, take local transport to Quehuaya. The departure time 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. The ticket price is Bs 15 per person.
By private transport
From the city of La Paz take National Route 2 towards Batallas; take the deviation towards Pucara towards Lake Titicaca until the Community of Quehuaya. The duration of the trip is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. From the port of Quehuaya you can get to Pariti Island by boat.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of local population, remember to comply with all biosecurity protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay: wear a mask and carry hand sanitizer, plus a first aid kit, with sunscreen and medications for altitude sickness.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.