#punotours

Known as the folk capital of Peru, Puno is also mainly known by travelers for Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake in the world. This region was originally occupied by the Pucara and Tiahuanaco civilizations more than 1000 years ago, and it is believed that the founders of the Inca civilization came from this area after the decline of the Tiahuanacos. Puno is also a multicultural region where locals speak Spanish and/or Quechua or Aymara, and their customs and beliefs are a mix of the Andean way of living practiced by early Peruvians and the Catholic practices implemented by the Spaniards.

Lake Titicaca, undeniably the most popular attraction of Puno among travelers, can offer a truly amazing experience. Several communities have inhabited the area around the lake and even in the lake for hundreds of years, and their customs have barely changed. A standard visit to the lake will take travelers to the artificial Uros Islands, were locals have been constructing the islands with the Totora plant (a subspecies of the giant bulrush sedge) for at least 500 years. This one-day tour also allows travelers to visit Taquile Island, where natives welcome visitors and give demonstrations of their ancient practices and way of living. One of their main activities is weaving. Men play an important role in this task, and their clothing tells people who they are in their community.

The standard visit is the most common activity around the lake; however, there are other activities which offer a richer experience. For instance, the people of the Taquile, Amantani, and Uros Islands have prepared basic accommodations to welcome travelers who want to spend the night on the islands. In addition to learning more about the native customs, these travelers get to experience incredible sunsets and sunrises. In addition to these three islands, Suasi Island can offer a superb experience for travelers looking for more comfortable accommodations. The hotel there offers an all-inclusive three-day package for visiting the island and also relaxing in a unique location.

“La Virgen de la Candelaria,” the most interesting and entertaining Andean festival in Peru, takes place in February every year. This celebration congregates hundreds of colorfully costumed dancers and musicians, who energetically perform in the streets of Puno. Their music and dances, having evolved over time, are an artful expression of the syncretism of Quechua, Aymara, and Catholic traditions.

The traditions and customs of the locals are the product of ancient civilizations as well as the harsh environment itself, where humans, plants, and animals have had to adapt to the rugged terrain with its low temperatures and high elevation. The ancient Peruvians who settled in this area left behind the archaeological sites of Pucara and Sillustani. These sites offer important information about their customs and practices. The Pucara people developed an important civilization around 200 BC, building an impressive administrative center where several monoliths representing humans and animals, such as snakes, frogs, pumas, and fish, have been found. Later on, the Tiahuanaco emerged near La Paz in Bolivia and extended their domain to the region of Puno and other regions of southern Peru. At the archaeological site of Sillustani, travelers can observe the remains of tombs built by the Tiahuanacos, Collas, and Incas. This site is located next to Umayo Lake, where Andean flamingo inhabit during the warmer months of the year (mid-October to mid-April).

A visit to Puno should be carefully planned due to its high elevation. It is highly recommended that travelers first visit a lower-elevation region such as Arequipa or Cusco to get acclimated before spending time in Puno. When visiting the region, travelers should stay near the downtown or around the lake. Staying downtown allows travelers to experience the local way of living with several options to enjoy Peruvian food while observing local music and dance performances. Staying close to the lake allows travelers to relax at one of the secluded hotels in that area.