ESPAÑOLPuno: Lake Titicaca
Puno: Festivals and legends on the edge of Titicaca
Located on the Andean plateau of Peru, the Puno region is dominated by Lake Titicaca, sacred place of the Incas and home to natural and artificial islands. Among the many destinations, there are pre-Hispanic archaeological sites with circular constructions that still go by their original name of “chullpas”. Puno’s churches are characterized by their distinctive colonial architecture. Its inhabitants are proud of their Quechua and Aymara past, and their folkloric tradition that can be seen every year in the form of dances and rituals during the Candelaria festival. Puno is a legend, a multicolored festival, and home to natural and artificial islands.
Puno is a legend, a multicolored festival, and home to natural and artificial islands.
Location: Located in the mountainous south of Peru, it shares a border with Bolivia. The land is more or less flat, because much of it is on the Collao plateau.
Tours & Activities in Puno: Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca Tour (full day)
Let’s tour the Titicaca Lake in a full day excursion. We will be transferred from the hotel to Puno Port. We will start by visiting the Uros, where the friendly locals will welcome us on their floating islands built with totora reed. We will then continue to Taquile Island, where the people still preserve their ancestral traditions and will welcome us with their colorful typical garments. We shouldn’t miss the opportunity of exploring the island and be amazed with the beautiful lake views. We will have a traditional lunch prepared with products typical of the area. In the afternoon, return to the city.
From Puno city, we will take a motor boat to Taquile Island and the floating islands of the Uros community, native inhabitants of the Lake. These islands were built using lake straw that gives them a particular swaying feel under your feet. Taquile offers wonderful lake scenes, colorful folk traditions and eye-catching handicrafts. Lunch is included.
Highlights
• Uros Island
• Taquile Island
• Classic Lunch At the Islands
Available: from Mondays to Sudays
Departure time: 09.00am (to be confirmed)
Tour duration: 10 hours
Included:
• Transfers in/out from Puno Hotels
• Traditional Lunch
• Professional Guide
Tombs of Sillustani (3.5 hours)
The Great Cemetery of Hatum Colla is located along the road to Juliaca, 30 km away from Puno. Here lie the remains of the inhabitants who once dominated Lake Titicaca before being conquered by the Incas. Twenty foot tall (6m) towers surround the lake Umayo. The stonework of these towers is done in Inca style because these cultures were the roots of the great culture of Cusco.
Some people will get altitude sickness in Puno. To prevent this, you must remain calm for the first few hours until you’ve adjusted to the high altitude. Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea can help as well.
Vouchers will be delivered to your hotel in the city one week prior to tour departure.
This necropolis of Pre-Inca origin is located in a small peninsular plateau in the Umayo Lake, 32 Km from the city of Puno. We will begin our excursion with brief stops to see the waru-warus, or farming systems, and then continue to visit the Chullpas or funerary towers. From this point, we will be able to enjoy the view of the Umayo Lake and the contrast of these majestic towers with the altiplano landscape.
Highlights
• Sillustani Tombs
• Twenty Foot Tall Towers Surrounding Lake
• Inca Style Stone Work
Available: from Mondays to Sundays
Tour duration: 3.5 hours
Departure time: to be confirmed
Includes:
• Transfers in/out hotel in Puno
• Bilingual Tour Guide
• Entrances Fee
Puno Cathedral
It was built and dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in the 17th century. The temple is an example of the mestizo baroque style. The facade was sculpted by Peruvian stonemason Simón de Asto and has engravings cut into granite featuring predominately Andean motifs.
Location: City centre. Puno
Visiting Hours: Mon - Fri - Sun 7.00 am - 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm / Sat 7.00 am - 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm.
Free admission