Puno

Puno, a city in southeastern Peru, sits on the western shore of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. The city serves as a gateway to the lake's unique floating islands and indigenous cultures. Visitors to Puno can explore the Uros floating islands, climb to the Kuntur Wasi viewpoint, or witness the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, one of Peru's largest festivals.

Discovering Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca, which straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia, is central to any visit to Puno. From the city, you can take boat tours to visit the lake's well-known islands.

The Uros Islands, a group of around 120 floating islands made entirely of totora reeds, demonstrate an ancient way of life. The Uros people have lived on these artificial islands for centuries, maintaining their traditional lifestyle. As you walk on these springy surfaces, you'll see how the inhabitants use the reeds for everything from building homes to making boats.

Taquile Island is known for its textile art. The island's inhabitants, who follow their ancestral customs, create high-quality handwoven textiles. You can identify men on the island by their colorful hats, which indicate their marital status.

Cultural Sites in Puno City

In Puno city, the Plaza de Armas serves as the main square and a good starting point for exploration. The 18th-century Puno Cathedral, with its detailed baroque façade, stands on one side of the plaza. Inside, you'll see a mix of colonial and indigenous artistic styles.

For a view of the city and Lake Titicaca, climb to the Kuntur Wasi viewpoint. A large metal condor sculpture marks this lookout point, which you can reach via a staircase of about 620 steps or by road.

Puno's Lively Festivals

Puno is known as the "Folkloric Capital of Peru" due to its many festivals. The Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, held annually in February, is the most famous. This two-week celebration involves thousands of dancers and musicians in elaborate costumes, performing traditional Andean and Aymara dances.

Archaeological Sites

About 45 minutes from Puno, you'll find the pre-Inca burial site of Sillustani. This archaeological complex consists of stone towers called chullpas, set against the backdrop of Lake Umayo. The Kolla people, who lived in the area before the Inca, used these cylindrical structures, some reaching up to 12 meters in height, as funerary monuments.

Climate and When to Visit

Puno's high-altitude location results in cool temperatures year-round. Daytime temperatures average around 15°C (59°F), dropping significantly at night. The dry season from May to October brings clear skies and less rain, making it easier to explore. However, this period also sees the most tourists. The rainy season from November to April can make travel more challenging but coincides with some of Puno's largest festivals.

Traveling to and Around Puno

You can reach Puno by air, bus, or train. The nearest airport, Inca Manco Cápac International Airport in Juliaca, is about an hour's drive from Puno. Regular buses connect Puno with major Peruvian cities like Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima. For a scenic journey, consider taking the luxury train from Cusco to Puno, which travels through the Andean landscape.

Within Puno, you can walk to many attractions. For longer trips, taxis and collective minibuses (combis) run frequently.

Local Food

Puno's cuisine reflects its Andean heritage and proximity to Lake Titicaca. Try the trucha frita (fried trout), a popular dish featuring fresh fish from the lake. Chupe de quinoa, a hearty quinoa soup, is well-suited to Puno's chilly evenings. For the adventurous, alpaca meat is a local specialty, often served as a steak or in stews.