Pyramid of Akapan


Once the pyramid of Akapan was like a huge 18-meter high hill. Today, only ruins remain of her. From afar it is difficult to imagine that this is one of the most famous sights of Bolivia . But, coming closer to the construction, you can see its walls and columns.

The total area of ​​this majestic structure is 28,000 m & sup2. He is rightfully considered one of the largest in the ancient culture of Tiwanaku , the widely known city of the pre-Indian South America.

What is interesting about the pyramid of Akapan?

From the Aymara language, the name of the pyramid can be translated as "the place where people died." It is nothing but a mound, the wide side of which is facing east, the narrow side is facing west. Earlier on the top of the structure was a cross-shaped pool. Unfortunately, only a small part of the cladding has survived to this day. In most cases, local residents used it as a building material.

The main characteristic feature of Akapana is that it has a special depression on its top. Archaeologists assume that this was the place for a special pond, which in its time was created by the Indians.

There is still no reliable answer to the question of how they managed to build this mound. It is believed that in Tiwanaku, a fairly developed ancient city, construction was carried out with the help of some cargo aircraft. But these are only hypotheses.

To date, the pyramid has been partially restored with the help of unbaked bricks. As it later turned out, this restoration could damage the sights - the stone significantly increases the load on the foundation of the pyramid.

In 2000, Aqapan, like the entire ancient Tiwanaku, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, after an unsuccessful restoration, there is a risk that the organization may exclude the attraction from this list. Besides, till now no one can give an exact answer, how the Aborigines managed to erect such beauty on a high-mountain plateau, especially considering that the weight of some blocks reaches 200 tons.

How to get to the pyramid?

From La Paz , the capital of Bolivia , to the Tiwanako complex can be reached in 2 hours by car (route number 1). From Tambillo, nearest to the city's sight, you can get there in 30 minutes (road number 1).