For centuries, travelers have wondered about the function of the monumental areas visible at Tiwanaku from the surface. Only recently have questions about residential architecture begun to arise. In efforts to understand the nature of the residential and domestic occupation at this site, Harvard University (in close cooperation with the University of Pennsylvania and DINAR) is continuing excavations that Bolivian archaeologist Javier Escalante began in 1989. The area known as La Karaña is approximately 300 meters north of the Akapana pyramid and is thought to have been a relatively late occupation involving residential terracing and stone foundations for houses.

For the next five weeks, students from Harvard, University of Pennsylvania, Boston University, and Hampshire College will be participating in excavations under the direction of Gary Urton and Alexei Vranich.

Updates will be posted soon!