The Puno region has an strategic location (Cusco – Puno – La Paz, Bolivia), its ancestral culture, presence of Pre-Inca cultures and Inca culture, and vestiges of the Viceroyalty; coupled with innumerable attractions of a natural nature (Lake Titicaca, lagoons, rivers, jungle, flora, fauna, etc.), archaeological ruins, temples colonial, and its rich and varied folklore (it is known as the “Capital of Folklore Peruvian”).
Puno has a variety of tourist attractions to be visited!
Puno City:
Puno is a city in the mountains of southeastern Peru, capital of the homonymous district, province and department. It was initially populated by the Puquina and the Uros, around the year 1000 with the fall of the Tiahuanaco culture the Aymaras arrived and with the expansion of the Inca Empire in 1472 the Quechua population arrived.
The physical spaceof Puno is comprised of the western shore of Lake Titicaca, in the interior bay of Puno (Paucarcolla), on a slightly undulating surface (the central part), surrounded by hills. The upper part of the city has a semi-flat surface (Comunidad Mi Perú, Yanamayo). Oscillating between 3,810 to 4,050 m a.s.l. n. m. (between the shores of the lake and the highest parts). Puno is one of the highest cities in Peru and the fifth in the world.
Climate in Puno
In general, the climate of Puno is alpine cold, sub-humid and with high environmental dryness, being located on the shores of the lake, the climate is tempered by the influence of the lake.
The Rainfall is annual and generally lasts between the months of December to April, although it usually varies in annual cycles, causing floods and droughts, rare and sporadic snowfalls and sleet also occur, rainfall is generally less than 700 mm.
The temperature is very decent, with marked differences between the months of June and November and with oscillations between a maximum average temperature of 21 °C and a minimum of -22 °C.
The Cathedral of Puno:
It is a religious construction that is located in the city, province and region of Puno. This temple is a colonial building that was built in the 17th century and was created under the protection of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. Today, the Minor Basilica of Puno is considered part of the Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
It is known, from the historical records in relation to this temple, that its construction began in 1669, and it was only completed almost at the end of the sixties of the following century. Although the building itself was completed in mid-1757, it is known that the temple has undergone a series of modifications throughout its history, among which is recorded, the inclusion of the clock that we can currently appreciate in its facade, as well as the placement of a new main altar.
Architecturally, the minor basilica of Puno has a floor plan in the form of a Latin cross consisting of a single nave. Structurally, one of the main materials for the construction of the temple was stone, an element that stands out especially in the beautiful façade that it presents; as well as in the atrium that the temple has and that presents a series of ten steps that lead to the Plaza de Armas of the city.
Regarding the facade of the cathedral of Puno, it is characterized by being carved in stone and by presenting a Romanesque style portal. The façade is flanked by two beautiful towers that also serve as bell towers for the church, one of which also features the temple clock.
Titicaca Lake:
Since time immemorial, this enormous portion of water had a mystical impact on Puno society, since Lake Titicaca is the protagonist of two of the most widespread legends in this southern Peruvian region.
The two founders of the Inca empire emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca. The God Viracocha came out of its waters to create the world as we know it. Among his most notable creations are that of the Inti (Sun), Killa (Moon) and the stars, in addition to the first inhabitants of the earth, to whom he entrusted the worship of the created Gods. For its part, the legend that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, sons of Viracocha, emerged from Lake Titicaca with the mission of founding the powerful and majestic Inca Empire, the most vigorous culture that prevailed in Peru, is also discussed.
Beyond the magical stories that passed from generation to generation, Lake Titicaca is today a tourist attraction for endless reasons, beyond the traditions spoken by the ancestors of Puno. It is not for nothing that it is the highest navigable lake in the world (3,812 m a.s.l.), with depths of up to 281 m in its 8,300 km² extension.
It will not be a complete visit if you do not take a tour to the Lake Titicaca. In Taquile, you can find vestiges of ancient pre-Inca and Inca constructions, as well as being amazed by the wonderful art that emerges from the hands of its inhabitants: they are experts in creating unique textiles in the world, since they capture their experiences, traditions and culture in them.
Amantaní is the favorite place to spend a night as the ancient Aymaras did, ancestors of the current inhabitants of the island. Fields surrounded by eucalyptus trees and cantuta flowers, where people dedicate themselves to agriculture so that food is not lacking on the table.
And in Uros, with its artificial floating islands, you will learn more about all the benefits of the totora and how this plant was the key to the development of their society: they use it to build the floor of their homes, the same ones that are there all their lives. floating on the waters of Titicaca. In addition to using the totora for medicinal purposes and as part of its gastronomy.
The Chullpas of Sillustani
Sillustani is an old funerary complex belonging to the Kolla culture and the impressive tubular constructions that can be seen are tombs. Many of them kept the remains of the ancient nobles of this area of Peru, which is why it is considered one of the most important cemeteries not only on the continent, but in the entire world.
Located on the road to the city of Juliaca (from the city of Puno), this cemetery sees its horizons adorned with water in which the sky is reflected, thanks to the Umayo lagoon that is located next to it. In its territory it has almost a hundred elongated capsular mausoleums, in which they found remains of nobles, priests and rulers of the Kolla (mostly), Tiahuanaco and Inca cultures. Also, some personal objects of the individuals and offerings were found next to the mummies.
Llachon
At 74 km from the city of Puno, on the shore of Titicaca, is Llachón, a Quechua-speaking community that opens its doors to visitors to make their customs and ancestral traditions known.
Here, history is recreated walking through archaeological sites, sharing farm work or simply lying on your back to gaze at the stars.
Do not miss the kayaking under the blue sky of the altiplano.
Lampa and “La Vie en Rose”:
Known as the “pink city” because of the clay that colors its facades, Lampa, in Puno, is one of the most beautiful towns in the southern Peruvian Andes.
It is estimated that this city began to form around 1540, as a result of the mining carried out by the first Spaniards who arrived in the area, and was the largest province in Peru until 1901. Its temple built entirely of stone stands out, which It houses an exact replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà from the Sistine Chapel.
The Suasi Island:
Located in the community of Conima, 30 minutes from Moho by land and 30 minutes by lake, from the Port of Cambría. It is a private and protected space to promote the defense of the ecosystem.
In its 43 hectares there is a great variety of flora: aromatic and medicinal herbs, grasses, natural pastures, trees and crops of potatoes, ocas, quinoa and tarwi; and wildlife: vicuñas and vizcachas.
In the wild bird protection areas there are choccas, cormorants, ducks, grebes, hummingbirds, cara caras, ibis, etc.