Puno

Travel to Puno over the Altiplano and visit the most important town on the edge of Titicaca Lake. Most of its buildings were made of adobe and roofs are covered with metal panels. The city center is small so if you like nightlife going to Jiron, Lima, is a must. There you find different restaurants and places to go if you want to listen to great music. Puno is located on the cold high plains at 3600 m above sea level.

The Main Square

Visit the Main Square where there is a Catholic church that was built in 1747 by Simeon de Asta. On certain days you will be able to see the local single ladies gather on the steps of the church to attract single men, dressed in their finest traditional ware. The square is surrounded by hotels and restaurants.

History

The city also known as “The Land of Camelidae”and was the home of the Tiahuanaco culture from many thousands of years ago. The culture has left some of the most beautiful legacies such as Puerta del Sol (The Sun gateway), a temple sculpted in stone.

February

The city of Puno is considered the Folklore Capital of Americas, because of its 300 variety of traditional dances. The “Caporales” and the “Diablada” are typical dances. Perfomed during festivities such as the “Virgen de la Candelaria” the city’s patron. This festivity is held in February and thousands gather to celebrate.

Lake Titicaca

Considered to be highest lake of the world, Lake Titicaca spans both Peru and Bolivia. The beautiful blue lake is like a mirror when the sky is clear and the sun shining. The history of the lake and its inhabitants goes back many thousands of years with interesting stories of warring tribes and Spanish invasions.

Amantaní Island

Amantani is located around 36 kilometers from the port of the city of Puno. Hiking to the top of the island’s highest peak, Pachatata, is a must do activity to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. From these viewpoints you can see the prehispanic temples of Pacha Tata, de Pacha Mama, Incachincana, Inca Tihana and the cemetery of mummies.

Taquille Island

Located close to Amantani, Taquille is a peaceful place inhabited by locals who are only too happy to share their history and culture. Here you will find the unusual custom of the men making handicrafts and the women tending the fields. The island makes an interesting change from the culture of the rest of Peru. Make sure you take some money to buy the beautiful handicraft.

Archaeological site of Sillustani

Sillustani ruins are located at 34 kilometers from Puno is famous for its “chullpas”. These towers held the remains of its main authorities of the people of Collao. Close by you can see its museum where you find different archaeological pieces of different cultures like Colla, Tiahuanaco and Inca.

The Uros

The Uros people live on and work on the “floating islands”. Centuries ago the people artificially made the islands entirely of totora reeds. They navigate and travel the island in their traditional boats also made out of totora reeds. The Titicaca National Reserve (36,180 hectares) protects extensive stretches of totora reeds and various species of plants and animals, to help preserve the Uros floating islands.

Enjoy the dances, lakes and beautiful landscapes of Puno, and don’t forget to include in your itinerary the town of Lampa and Azangar, whose temples hold undiscovered treasures.

• Location: 1320 km. aprox. southeast of Lima – capital of Peru
• Altitude: 3827 MAMSL
• Highlights of Puno: Juliaca, Sillustani, Azangaro, Desaguadero, Uros, Taquile, Amantani, Llachon, Tikonata