About
Iskanwaya is an archaeological site in the Andes of Bolivia, in South America. It is a pre-Columbian place, and its stone structures are associated with the Mollo culture, which flourished roughly between 1000 and 1500 CE. The remains are notably well preserved, so a visit offers a direct look at the built landscape of a people who lived in this high country long before the arrival of the Spanish.
What you will see
The site is known for its stone features, including ancient terraces and burial towers. Terraces in mountain settings often reflect careful work on steep ground, and the burial towers give a sense of how the Mollo treated the dead and set their monuments in the landscape. Much of the appeal lies in seeing these structures together, set against the surrounding peaks.
Getting there
Iskanwaya is reached only by a demanding mountain trek. It is not a place to visit on a whim, and it suits travellers who are comfortable with long walking at altitude and who have planned their route in advance. Good footwear, enough water and warm layers are sensible for a trip of this kind.
What the visit feels like
The site is remote, and that remoteness is part of the experience. Visitors who make the effort can expect a quiet visit, with wide views across the mountains and few other people around. For those who enjoy archaeology, landscape and solitude, Iskanwaya offers a rewarding day or more away from busier routes, and a chance to consider how the ancient builders chose and shaped this high ground.
