Puma Punku is an archaeological site located near Tiwanaku, Bolivia, dating back to around 500-600 AD. It is believed to have been constructed by the Tiwanaku culture, although the exact builders remain unknown.
The site was rediscovered in the mid-20th century by researchers such as Arthur Posnansky and Erich von Däniken.
Today, Puma Punku is situated within the larger Tiwanaku archaeological complex in western Bolivia, near the southeastern shore of Lake Titicaca. The site consists of intricate stone structures, including large stone blocks with precise cuts and interlocking shapes.
Its massive stone blocks, some weighing several tons, are notable for their precise cutting and fitting, without the use of mortar. The site’s construction features include its unique H-shaped blocks and precisely cut stone surfaces. The stones used at the Puma Punku site are primarily andesite and sandstone. These stones were quarried from nearby sources and transported to the site for construction. Andesite is a volcanic rock, while sandstone is a sedimentary rock, both of which are prevalent in the Andean region where Puma Punku is located.
