Sillustani

Sillustani is a protected area in Peru.

Sillustani at a Glance

Location
Southern Andes & Altiplano, Peru, Central & South America
Coordinates
-15.721643, -70.157974
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for Amazon and Andean wildlife.

Getting to Sillustani

Nearest airport: Aeródromo de Ventilla (SPNP), 18 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional El Alto (LPB), 228 km away.

Weather & Climate in Sillustani

The warmest temperatures in Sillustani occur in November, averaging 10.8°C (up to 17.9°C). The coolest conditions are in June at 7.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 1.0mm. Average humidity: 43.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 9.4°C (rainfall: 215.4mm)
  • February: 9.3°C (rainfall: 206.5mm)
  • March: 9.0°C (rainfall: 178.8mm)
  • April: 8.4°C (rainfall: 63.0mm)
  • May: 8.0°C (rainfall: 24.1mm)
  • June: 7.3°C (rainfall: 1.0mm)
  • July: 7.8°C (rainfall: 2.0mm)
  • August: 8.6°C (rainfall: 5.2mm)
  • September: 9.6°C (rainfall: 35.1mm)
  • October: 10.1°C (rainfall: 61.7mm)
  • November: 10.8°C (rainfall: 102.7mm)
  • December: 9.6°C (rainfall: 187.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Sillustani

The best months to visit Sillustani are June, July, August, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 9.44°C, rainfall 215.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 73.8%
  • February: Poor, temperature 9.25°C, rainfall 206.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 76.5%
  • March: Poor, temperature 9.04°C, rainfall 178.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 77.7%
  • April: Good, temperature 8.4°C, rainfall 63mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 69.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 7.99°C, rainfall 24.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 55.3%
  • June: Great, temperature 7.34°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 43.7%
  • July: Great, temperature 7.85°C, rainfall 2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 41.8%
  • August: Great, temperature 8.59°C, rainfall 5.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 42.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 9.58°C, rainfall 35.1mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 51.7%
  • October: Good, temperature 10.11°C, rainfall 61.7mm, sunshine 11.9 hrs, humidity 55.6%
  • November: Good, temperature 10.85°C, rainfall 102.7mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 53.6%
  • December: Poor, temperature 9.61°C, rainfall 187.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 70.8%

Wildlife in Sillustani

Home to 20 recorded species including 9 waterbirds, 8 birds of prey, 1 iconic birds, 1 predators, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Sillustani

Based on average temperature of 9.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 59%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 9°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Sillustani

50 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

luxury

Similar Parks in Southern Andes & Altiplano

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Peru

Travel advisory for Peru

Sillustani FAQs

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter at Sillustani's protected area?

While not a traditional 'big five' safari, Sillustani offers opportunities to observe high-altitude Andean wildlife. You can often spot vicuñas, alpacas, and various bird species like Andean geese and flamingos around Lake Umayo, making for unique photographic moments.

What is the ideal time of year to visit Sillustani for comfortable exploration and wildlife viewing?

The dry season, from May to October, is generally best for visiting Sillustani, offering clearer skies and more comfortable temperatures for exploring the archaeological site and surrounding landscapes. This period also provides excellent visibility for spotting the local wildlife.

Given Sillustani's location, what health precautions, particularly regarding malaria and altitude, should I take?

Sillustani is located at a high altitude (around 3,900 meters or 12,800 feet), so acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness is crucial. While the malaria risk in this specific high-altitude region is generally low despite Peru's moderate overall risk, consult your doctor for personalized advice on preventative measures.

How busy is Sillustani typically, and what kind of experience can I expect regarding visitor numbers?

Sillustani generally experiences a moderate level of visitors, rated 2/5 for crowding, allowing for a relatively peaceful and unhurried exploration of the ancient chullpas and scenic lake views. Early morning or late afternoon visits can offer an even more serene experience.

Beyond wildlife spotting, what unique activities or sights does Sillustani offer for visitors?

Sillustani is primarily renowned for its impressive pre-Incan funerary towers (chullpas) set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Umayo. Visitors can explore these archaeological marvels, learn about ancient Colla culture, and enjoy gentle walks around the site.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.