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Bennett Monolith

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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The Bennett Monolith, also known as the 'Pachamama Monolith,' is the largest stone statue ever discovered in the ancient city of Tiwanaku, Bolivia. It was unearthed in 1932 by archaeologist Wendell Bennett inside the Semi-Subterranean Temple. Standing over seven meters tall, it was carved from a single massive block of red sandstone. The monolith's surface is almost entirely covered in intricate carvings depicting anthropomorphic beings, llamas, and various botanical motifs, highlighting themes of fertility and agriculture. The figure is shown holding symbolic objects, likely a kero (ritual cup) and a snuff tablet, used in shamanic religious ceremonies. In the 1930s, the statue was moved to La Paz for public display, but urban pollution and exposure led to significant weathering. In 2002, the monolith was finally returned to Tiwanaku and housed in a modern museum to ensure its long-term preservation from environmental factors.

Location: Bolivia
Top sights: Monolito Barbado · Templo Semisubterráneo · Monolito Ponce

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	9	9	8	7	6	5	6	7	9	10	9
Rain mm	135	114	80	36	15	10	17	23	24	48	45	105

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Bennett Monolith is housed in the museum of the Tiwanaku archaeological complex under a protective roof and can be viewed from all sides. Visitors can get up close to the monolith and admire the fine details of the carvings.

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Typical hours

The museum is typically accessible during the opening hours of the Tiwanaku archaeological park, most often from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is advisable to check the current hours before visiting.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the museum, but the use of flash is strictly prohibited to protect the sensitive surfaces. Please also refrain from touching the monolith.

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Time needed

Viewing the Bennett Monolith and the associated museum takes about 30 minutes to one hour. Together with the rest of the Tiwanaku complex, you should allocate half a day for the visit.

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Combine with

Be sure to combine the visit to the monolith with exploring the entire Tiwanaku site, including Kalasasaya, the Gate of the Sun, and Puma Punku. The entrance ticket covers all these areas.

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Getting there

The Bennett Monolith is located in the Tiwanaku archaeological museum, which is on the park grounds. Access is via the main entrance of the park; regular buses run from La Paz.

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Insider tip

Take time to closely study the symbols and figures on the monolith - they tell a lot about the Tiwanaku culture. A good guide can explain the meaning of the depictions.

Geography

Coordinates

-16.55390, -68.67260

Facts

The statue has a total height of approximately 7.30 meters.
The estimated weight of the monolith is about 20 tons.
It stood for several decades on the Prado Boulevard in downtown La Paz.
The detailed engravings feature more than 30 distinct figures.
The monolith is believed to date from the late Tiwanaku period (c. 800 AD).
Its return to Tiwanaku in 2002 was celebrated as a major cultural event.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ruins of Tiwanaku<1 km · SWExplore →

Ancohuma32 km · NEExplore →

Illampu34 km · NEExplore →

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Copacabana48 km · SExplore →

Isla de la Luna48 km · SEExplore →

Chacaltaya57 km · NExplore →

Isla del Sol59 km · SExplore →

Huayna Potosí59 km · NExplore →

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Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Sights in the town Bennett Monolith (10)

Monolito Barbado

Ruins of a monolith in Tiwanaku, Bolivia. Its exact function is unknown.

Templo Semisubterráneo

Semi-subterranean temple in Tiwanaku. Likely used for rituals.

Monolito Ponce

Monolith of the Tiwanaku culture, Bolivia. Stands on the archaeological site.

Kalasasaya

Archaeological structure that is part of Tiwanaku, an ancient complex in the Andes of western Bolivia.

Sun Gate

Megalithic solid stone arch or gateway constructed by the ancient Tiwanaku culture of Peru and Bolivia.

Estela Fraile

Monumental stela in Tiwanaku. Probably depicts a human figure.

Putuni

Archaeological site in Tiwanaku. Thought to have been a ceremonial area.

Mullukuntu

Ruins in Tiwanaku. Exact use is unknown.

Museo Cerámico🏛 museum

Museum in Tiwanaku with ceramic finds from the region.

Museo Lítico🏛 museum

Museum in Tiwanaku displaying stone objects of the Tiwanaku culture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where can you see the Bennett Monolith?

It is currently located in the Museo Lítico de Tiwanaku to protect it from the elements.

How large is the monolith?

It is about 7.3 meters high and weighs around 20 tons; it is the largest of its kind.

What is depicted on the statue?

An anthropomorphic figure holding a kero (cup) and a staff, decorated with symbols.

Who discovered the monolith?

The American archaeologist Wendell Bennett discovered it in 1932 in the sunken courtyard.

Is photography allowed in the museum?

Photography is usually strictly prohibited inside the museum.

Bennett Monolith: where is it located?

Bennett Monolith is located in Bolivia.

Bennett Monolith: what is there to see?

Highlights include Monolito Barbado, Templo Semisubterráneo, Monolito Ponce.

Bennett Monolith: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.

Bennett Monolith: why is it worth visiting?

The Bennett Monolith, also known as the 'Pachamama Monolith,' is the largest stone statue ever discovered in the ancient city of Tiwanaku, Bolivia.

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