Large statue inside the temple walls. Note the detailed carvings in the sandstone rock.
Exploring the ancient ruins in Bolivia and Peru can be one of the highlights of any expedition to South America. We were extremely fortunate to have Willy as our guide as we explored Tiwanaku and Pumapunka. These ruins have great significance to the people of Bolivia. As you visit the ancient civilizations in South America, you quickly recognize that each site has its own feeling or spirit. It is very apparent that this particular location was home to a religious people.
Willy began by showing us the “semisubterranean temple,” a dug-out plaza about 30 meters square, with carved faces protruding from the walls.
Face on the walls
Some speculate that the faces are of aliens, while others feel that they are leaders of this ancient civilization. The faces all had one main characteristic in common.
Face carved in rock.
They all had extremely large eyes. This may indicate that they were enlightened, possibly having a prophetic role in this ancient civilization.
We walked through the massive Kalasasya Temple which resembled drawings of Solomon’s Temple.
A hole through the temple wall.
Willy showed us a hole that had been carved through the one of the walls. Willy walked about 20 meters from the hole and whispered, while we put our ears to the hole. We could here everything he whispered! I thought this must be where the people whispered their key words to enter the temple.
The sun gate.
Finally, we saw the Puerta del Sol or Gateway of the Sun. This depicts the Incan god Wiraqocha . The carvings in these rocks were extremely detailed even by modern standards.
Lastly we spent some time at Pumapunku which is part of the Tiwanaku ruins. There were some spectacular writings and artifacts that we were able to get close to. Though these ruins were not as far along in the excavation process, they were equally as impressive.
Carving in rocks.
Adventures of a Photographer 
Great photos and commentary … Thanks !!
Ed