Tiahaunaco

While in La Paz, we headed out to view what are considered the most important pre-Inca ruins at Tiahuanaco (Tiwanaku). Unfortunately the site is in a poor state of preservation. First the Inca´s moved and changed monuments, then the Spaniards stole blocks for their churches and builds and then for many years it was simply not looked after.

We found the intricate carvings on the monoliths absolutely amazing. There were some stunning details still preserved on several of the statues. The general skill of the stone masonry was bordering on the unreal - the smooth corners and surfaces seemed to perfect to have been made by man with out the aid of modern technology.

This idea of alien presence is encouraged by what appears to be alien heads amongst human heads in the semi-sunterrarian temple. It is a place were wild imaginations and conspiracy theorists can have a fantastic day!

This is a megaphone carved out of solid rock! Crazy! When you speak into it your voice is ampliphied beyond what you would imagine is possible! It was carved to be the shape of part of the human ear.

The Moon Gate - first moved by the Inca´s and then an English Lord who wanted to take it back to English!

The sun gate is an interesting feature and highlights the old cultures understanding, reliance and worship of the sun - as well as their mathematical skill. Every equinox the sun rises directly in line with the gate and on every solstice, it rises exactly 45degrees to either the South or North of gate.