Puno, known as the “Capital of Peruvian Folklore”, is a hidden gem in the Andean highlands. Located on the shores of the majestic Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, this city offers a fascinating mix of culture, nature and ancestral traditions. If you are planning a trip to Puno, here are the best plans to make the most of this unique region in the world.
1. Explore Lake Titicaca and its islands
Lake Titicaca is Puno's main tourist attraction, and with good reason. With an area of 8,372 square kilometers and an altitude of 3,812 meters above sea level, this place is the soul of the region.
a) Visit the floating islands of the Uros
These unique islands are made entirely of totora, a plant that grows on the shores of the lake. The Uros, ancestral inhabitants of these islands, have kept their traditions alive throughout the centuries. During your visit, you can learn about their construction techniques, their customs and their way of life. Don't forget to try a mate de muña while you enjoy the scenery.
b) Taquile Island
Declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Taquile is famous for its high-quality artisanal textiles. The men of the island are responsible for weaving the hats and sashes they use in their daily lives. In addition, the mountainous landscape and panoramic views of the lake make this place an unmissable stop.
c) Amantani Island
Amantaní, known as the “Island of Love,” offers a quieter, more authentic experience. Here, you can stay with a local family and take part in community activities such as food preparation or farming. Also, don’t miss a hike to the Pachatata or Pachamama temple to enjoy the sunset.
2. Participate in the Candlemas Festival
If you are lucky enough to visit Puno in February, you will be able to witness the Fiesta de la Candelaria, one of the most important celebrations in Peru and Latin America. This event combines folkloric dances, music, and religious rites in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the region.
During the festival, more than 40,000 dancers and musicians fill the streets of Puno with color and joy. Each dance tells a unique story, from Andean myths to colonial traditions. It is a cultural experience that will allow you to deeply connect with the roots of this region.
3. Tour Sillustani and its chullpas
Located 34 kilometers from Puno, Sillustani is an archaeological complex that houses the impressive chullpas, funerary towers built by the Colla culture and later perfected by the Incas. These structures, which can reach up to 12 meters in height, are a testament to the respect that ancient cultures had for their dead.
The scenery around Sillustani is equally captivating, with views of Lake Umayo reflecting the surrounding mountains. This spot is ideal for those who enjoy history and archaeology, as well as being perfect for taking spectacular photographs.
4. Enjoy the local cuisine
Puno food is a delicious mix of local ingredients and traditional recipes. Some dishes that you cannot miss are:
- Grilled Trout : This Lake Titicaca specialty is fresh and delicious, served with Andean potatoes and salad.
- Chairo : A hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes, corn, and chuño, a type of dehydrated potato.
- Huatia : Ancestral dish cooked in earth ovens, generally based on meat and tubers.
- Calapurca : Corn and meat soup heated with volcanic stones.
To accompany it, try a muña infusion or a glass of cañazo, a typical liquor from the region.
5. Go up to the Kuntur Wasi Viewpoint
If you're looking for a panoramic view of Puno and Lake Titicaca, the Kuntur Wasi Viewpoint is the ideal place. To get there, you have to climb around 700 steps, but the effort is worth it. At the top, you'll find a monumental statue of a condor, a symbol of the Andes, and views that will take your breath away.
This viewpoint is perfect for those who enjoy photography or simply want a moment of reflection in contact with nature.
6. Discover culture in local markets
Puno's markets are a reflection of its rich cultural tradition. The Mercado Central and the Mercado Bellavista are two places where you can find local products, from textiles and handicrafts to fresh ingredients. Here, you can purchase chullos (Andean hats), alpaca ponchos, and unique souvenirs. It's also a chance to interact with locals and learn more about their daily lives.
7. Take a hike through the Tinajani Canyon
About three hours from Puno, the Tinajani Canyon is a perfect destination for nature and hiking lovers. This place, with its reddish rock formations, seems to come from another planet. In addition, here you can find cave paintings and archaeological remains.
The silence and serenity of Tinajani will allow you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and connect with the essence of the highlands.
8. Visit Lampa, the “Pink City”
Just an hour from Puno, Lampa is known as the “Pink City” for the color of its colonial buildings. This picturesque town is famous for its church, the Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol, which houses a replica of Michelangelo’s Vatican Pietà.
Lampa is ideal for a leisurely tour and for those who enjoy colonial architecture and religious history.
9. Kayaking or paddleboarding adventure on Titicaca
If you are looking for a more active experience, many local agencies offer water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Titicaca. These activities not only allow you to explore the lake in a different way, but also offer a unique perspective of the islands and the surrounding landscape.
10. Contemplate the starry sky of the high plateau
Puno, thanks to its altitude and low light pollution, is one of the best places for stargazing. If you stay on one of the islands or in a hostel away from the city, you can enjoy a night sky full of constellations. Some local communities even organize astronomical observation nights, combined with Andean stories and myths.
Puno is much more than just a stopover on the way to Lake Titicaca. Its cultural richness, its impressive landscape and the warmth of its people make this destination an unforgettable place. Whether exploring floating islands, enjoying local cuisine or connecting with ancestral traditions, Puno has something for every type of traveler. Pack your bags and let yourself be amazed by the magic of this unique region. We guarantee you will want to come back!