Pukara

Bolivia


A set of Mollo ruins so little explored that locals say you can still find ceramic pieces and other artifacts. It lies like a fortress on the peak above Aucapata and can be reached on a 1½-hour hike from Aucapata's plaza (look for the cross and you'll see the ruins just above). When clouds rise out of the valleys, this site offers a privileged view of the entire region.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bolivia attractions

1. Museum

0.78 MILES

This small, poorly maintained museum contains artifacts from the Iskanwaya site, including ceramics, copper utensils and bone flutes. Admission is free…

2. Iskanwaya

2.33 MILES

The major but near-forgotten ruins of Iskanwaya, on the western slopes of the Cordillera Real, sit in a cactus-filled canyon, perched 250m above the Río…

3. Gruta de San Pedro

17.51 MILES

A popular excursion, San Pedro Cave, known in the Aymará language as Chussek Uta (House of Owls), is approximately 500m deep, with an enclosed lagoon that…

4. Mirador Wila Kollu

19.35 MILES

This vertigo-inducing lookout 3035m above Sorata is, quite literally, breathtaking. To reach it, walk (or hire a taxi, B$80) up the road to Laripata. Just…

5. Las Cuevas del Rio San Cristobal

20.08 MILES

A short 3km round-trip hike down the road past Altai Oasis takes you to these small caves by the river where rural farmers used to sleep before market…

6. Casa Günther

20.41 MILES

It’s worth taking a look at Casa Günther, a rambling, historic mansion in the northeast corner of the plaza that now houses the Residencial Sorata. It was…

7. Plaza General Enrique Peñaranda

20.43 MILES

The main square, Plaza General Enrique Peñaranda, is Sorata’s showcase. With the town’s best view of the nevados (snow-capped mountain peaks), it’s graced…

8. Church

20.45 MILES

This large cream-colored church towers above the plaza.