From hiking Lake Titicaca to visiting the picturesque Uros Islands: the best things to do and see in Puno, Peru’s Folklore Capital.
Nestled in the southeasternmost part of Peru, almost bordering Bolivia, Puno is one of the most picturesque and attractive cities in the entire country.
Known as “ Peruvian Folklore Capital ,” Puno stands at 3,800 meters above sea level and sits on the western shore of the sacred Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water in the world.
I had the opportunity to visit this enchanting Andean town during a project in collaboration with PromPerù and Chaski Ventura and, after having left you all the essential information for travelling in the country , I now give you the list of things to do and see absolutely in Puno.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN PUNO
To visit Puno and the attractions in its surroundings, you need at least two/three days, of which the first should be reserved for adapting to the altitude. As I have already explained in this article , altitude sickness is an illness that should not be underestimated, especially if during your trip you plan to pass directly from Lima (sea level) to Cusco or Puno, without passing through intermediate areas such as Arequipa .
HISTORICAL CENTER
To begin to settle in and become familiar with the rarefied air of Puno, you might consider dedicating the first day to exploring the historic center. Small and picturesque, this piece of land revolves around the central Plaza des Armas , where the Cathedral and the Minor Basilica are located , and the pedestrian Lima Street (Calle Lima). It is here, among alleys and open spaces, that the inhabitants love to show their most beautiful folkloristic side by organizing events, shows, songs and dances of all kinds.
LAKE TITICACA
With an area of over 8,000 km2 and a depth of 281 meters, Lake Titicaca is one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. Located on the exact border between Peru and Bolivia , Titicaca is made up of two bodies of water (Lago Mayor and Lago Menor) separated by the Strait of Tiquina . Inside it there are eleven islands, including the famous Uros Islands.
To explore Lake Titicaca you can rely on the numerous day trips that depart (and end) directly from the center of Puno. In the space of a day you will have the opportunity to navigate the Peruvian part of the lake and visit the picturesque Uros Islands (in some cases also the island of Tequile).
Curiosity! If you are sporty and love outdoor activities, I recommend the excursion of Lake Titicaca by kayak. It is an original and very exciting way to navigate one of the most sacred places in Peru and have the opportunity to enjoy its views from another perspective.
UROS ISLANDS
Among the must-see things in Puno, the Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca deserve a place of honor. They are a series of 70 artificial islands built with totora , a native and aquatic plant.
These floating islands (also called Islas Flotantes) are home to the Uros, an ancient Peruvian population that settled on Lake Titicaca about 10,000 years ago when they were forced to escape the aggression of warrior peoples including the Incas and the Chachapoyas.
Today the Uros live off agriculture, fishing, bird hunting and tourism. Children learn to fish and build totora houses from an early age and, in the winter months, attend schools in Puno, traveling on the lake in boats made of the same material.
TAQUILE ISLAND
Taquile Island is one of the largest on Lake Titicaca, second only to the less touristy Amantani . It is a true bastion of Andean culture that the indigenous population has proudly preserved over the centuries.
To get to Taquile Island you need to book a boat trip from Puno (about 1 hour and 30 minutes of navigation) or from the nearby island of Amantani and pay an entrance fee of 5 sols.
The only way to get around Tequile Island is on foot . To reach the central square (viewpoint), you will have to walk a picturesque uphill path for about 20/30 minutes. The effort will be amply rewarded!
Curiosity! The inhabitants of Tequile have maintained the traditional clothing of the Spanish peasants at the time of colonization. Each of them wears belts, capes and hats whose different colors represent different meanings. In Tequile, as in all of Peru, nothing is left to chance and everything has a profound analogy.
WHAT TO EAT IN PUNO
Among the things to do and see in Puno, there is undoubtedly the tasting of local dishes. Some of the most famous typical dishes of Peru , in fact, have their origins in these areas. Absolutely recommended are the quinoa soups (white or red) and the trucha a la plancha (grilled trout) with potatoes.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN PUNO
To visit all the main attractions of Puno you need to spend at least 2 nights in the city. My advice is to find accommodation in the historic center , not far from Plaza des Armas, and then move from there daily for excursions. Personally, during my stop in Puno, I stayed at the Casa Andina Standard (cleanliness, courtesy, large rooms, abundant breakfast and the possibility of dinner) and I had a great time.
Warning! Altitude sickness is a very common ailment among tourists arriving in Puno. All hotels are equipped, therefore, with oxygen tanks and natural remedies such as coca leaves and muna and aniseed teas.
Veronica Crocitti
