Isla del Sol
Tiwanaku to Inca (500 – 1532 CE)·Tiwanaku / Inca·🇧🇴 La Paz, Bolivia
About
About Isla del Sol
Isla del Sol in La Paz, Bolivia is a Tiwanaku to Inca (500 – 1532 CE) temple complex attributed to Tiwanaku / Inca culture. Inca origin myth: Sun born from Titikala rock; Chincana labyrinth, Pilko Kaina, Yumani fountain, Tiwanaku Chucaripupata shrine. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built Shrine c.500 CE, Inca palace c.1470 CE; purpose: Sacred Inca origin island of the Sun (Titicaca) with palace and sun temple. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 4080 m elevation.
Why it mattersInca origin myth: Sun born from Titikala rock; Chincana labyrinth, Pilko Kaina, Yumani fountain, Tiwanaku Chucaripupata shrine.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Isla del Sol
- 02Function and labor organization for temple-complex – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Tiwanaku / Inca
- 02Territorial marker / elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Shrine c.500 CE, Inca palace c.1470 CE
- Period
- Tiwanaku to Inca (500 – 1532 CE)
- Culture
- Tiwanaku / Inca
- Builders
- Inca (over Tiwanaku shrine)
- Purpose
- Sacred Inca origin island of the Sun (Titicaca) with palace and sun temple
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
Shrine c.500 CE, Inca palace c.1470 CE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1500–1800 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
16.0220° S · 69.1760° W · 4080 m · 3 mapped features
Isla del Sol — Principal Monument
templePrincipal Monument at Isla del Sol – temple (Tiwanaku to Inca (500 – 1532 CE)) – Inca origin myth: Sun born from Titikala rock; Chincana laby
16.0210° S · 69.1750° WIsla del Sol — Ancillary Complex
platformAncillary Complex at Isla del Sol – platform (Tiwanaku to Inca (500 – 1532 CE)) – Inca origin myth: Sun born from Titikala rock; Chincana laby
16.0232° S · 69.1768° WIsla del Sol — Outlier Feature
plazaOutlier Feature at Isla del Sol – plaza (Tiwanaku to Inca (500 – 1532 CE)) – Inca origin myth: Sun born from Titikala rock; Chincana laby
16.0200° S · 69.1745° W