The ceramics museum houses pieces of great historical and cultural value recovered during excavations at Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The beautiful examples of Tiwanaku pottery are arranged in chronological order.
The Tiwanaku Ceramics Museum is located opposite the archaeological site. The exhibits are arranged and displayed in chronological, starting with pieces dating back to the ancient Wankarani and Chiripa cultures, through the various phases of the Tiwanaku culture, to the most significant examples produced in the classical period – during the heyday of pottery making – which stand out for their exquisite beauty.
The taste for detail can clearly be seen in the human figures of men and women who certainly belonged to the urban elite. The ceramic exhibits are characterised by their ochre background and the representation, in the foreground, of figures painted in different colours, including yellow, orange and black.
The most spectacular pieces are certainly the kerus, ritual vessels that appear in all sections of the museum. Tiwanaku was a ceremonial site and in its temples the priests performed a range of different rituals. The large number of finds during the excavations depends precisely on the widespread use of these vessels.
The rooms of the Tiwanaku Ceramics Museum reflect the complexity of Tiwanaku culture and will round off your visit to the archaeological site. Contact us to take you on a discovery tour of these sites so rich in history and culture.
Additional Info
It is recommended to wear warm or light clothing, depending on the weather conditions, and to bring a camera.
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
- Summer
- Weekend
- Winter
Where
Manco Kapac Avenue, Ingavi province, Tiahuanaco municipality, La Paz department.
Transportation
By public transport
From La Paz, in the terminal located in front of the General Cemetery on Beltazar Aquiza street, or from the interprovincial terminal of El Alto there are minibuses to Tiahuanaco. The trip takes about 2 hours.
By private transport
From the city of La Paz, head towards the community of Tiahuanaco, from the entrance you can see the lithic and ceramic museum of the Tiwanaku archaeological site.
Visiting Rules
For your health and the health of the population, remember to comply with all biosafety protocols and codes of conduct before and during your stay.
During your visit remember to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.