Inca and Pre-Inca Ruins, Copacabana
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The town of Copacabana, best known for its Catholic shrine and location on Lake Titicaca, is also home to a number of interesting pre-Columbian ruins.
From near the end of Calle Murillo, a signposted trail leads up the Niño Calvario (Little Calvary) hill on the southeast side of town. A visit here is rewarded by weird rock formations and the Horca del Inca (Inca Gallows), a trilithic gate perched on the hillside. Despite its popular name, it is actually a pre-Inca site. It is surrouned by pierced rocks that permit the sun's rays to pass through onto the lintel during the solstices. Admission US$1.35.
Down the road toward Kasani is Cerro Copacate, which has pre-Inca ruins and pictographs. The most famous of these is the Escudo de la Cultura Chiripa, a unique icon attributed to the Chiripa culture. Always open.
On the southeastern outskirts of Copacabana, north of the cemetery, is a field of sculpted boulders known as the Inca Tribunal (Asiento del Inca). Its purpose is unknown, but some archaeologists speculate this may have been a meeting place for Inca priests. The huge indentations in the rocks resemble thrones, which is where the site gets its name. The rock carvings span different levels and what appear to be different rooms, and the "seats" don't all face the same direction. Several carved stones have basins and niches, which probably once contained idols. In the rainy season, the site hops with thousands of tiny frogs. Open daily 9-noon, 1-5 pm. Free admission.
Next to the colonial manor known as Kusillata, about 2km along the shoreline from the end of Calles Junin, ancient steps lead to a small archaeological site. The tunnel beside the manor was used to access the underground water supply, which flows into a carved-stone water tank and tap known as the Baño del Inca (Inca Bath) or Fuente del Inca (Inca Fountain).
