Puno, Peru

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What is it that attracts so many travelers to Puno, Peru?

For one thing, no matter where you are in the vicinity of the city of Puno, you will be within sight of stunning Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.

As you move from one part of the area to another, the lake takes on a new dimension, bringing out aspects that you didn't see from your previous viewpoint.











About Puno Peru

Puno is the name of a departamento (state) as well as a city on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Textiles and Handicrafts

The city of Puno is an attraction in itself with a wide variety and high quality of local textiles and handicrafts made from alpaca, llama, and sheep wool.

  • About 50% of Peru's alpaca herds are found in the Puno region.
  • Alpaca is related to the llama family and produces an excellent soft and valuable wool.
  • Puno, and towns nearby, are the place to find your alpaca textiles and handicrafts.
Puno - Map of Location in Peru

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What to See In and Around Puno Peru

Puno has a lot to offer.

Lake Titicaca is the initial and biggest draw, but why not take the time to see other highlights while in the city of Puno?


Floating Islands Puno Lake TiticacaFloating Islands Lake Titicaca


Some of the interesting sights in the immediate vicinity of the city of Puno are:

  • Malecon Ecoturistico Bahia de los Incas
  • Plaza de Armas
  • Cathedra
  • Balcon del Conde de Lemos
  • Casa del Corregidor
  • Barco Yavari Museum
  • Municipal Museum Carlos Dreyer.

Remember the Altitude!

You are at about 12,500 feet (3810 meters).

According to the highland people, you should drink plenty of coca tea and rest.



In Puno, visit the "Complejo Arqueológico Sillustani" (Sillustani Archaeological Complex) famous for its "chullpas" (mausoleums or burial towers), some of which measure 40 feet in height.

  • Artifacts from pre-Inca cultures of defined periods
  • The Sillustani Treasure Exhibition.


Outside of Puno itself, there are a number of attractions:

  •     Sillustani Archaeological Complex

  •     Mirador Kuntur Wasi (Scenic View)

  •     Cerro Huajsapata (Scenic View)

  •     Juli "Rome of the Americas"

  •     Lampa (The Pink City)

Continue scrolling down to read about these attractions.





Sillustani Archaeological Complex

Puno, Peru - Sillustani ChullpasPuno, Peru - Sillustani Chullpas

Sillustani is a pre-Inca site on a small peninsula jutting out into the Laguna de Umayo (Umayo Lake), and 45-minute ride from Puno.

The "Complejo Arqueológico Sillustani" (Sillustani Archaeological Complex) is famous for its "chullpas" (mausoleums or burial towers), some of which measure 40 feet in height.

These mausoleums preserved the deceased in a fetal position. Some contain the mummified remains of the upper classes of the highland ethnic groups, their clothes and some belongings.



Mirador (Scenic View) Kuntur Wasi

Mirador Kuntur Wasi - Puno, PeruMirador Kuntur Wasi - Puno, Peru

This scenic outlook is about 2 km. from the center of Puno Peru (10 min. by car or 45 min. on foot)

Kuntur Wasi means "house of the Condor" and offers an excellent view of Puno and Lake Titicaca.

NOTE: Don't get this scenic viewpoint "Kuntur Wasi" confused with the ruins of the same name near Cajamarca.



Cerro Huajsapata (Scenic View)

Cerro Huajsapata is another natural viewpoint just to the northease of the city of Puno.

Huajsapata (Testimony to My Loves) provides an excellent vista of the city and the lake.

Distance is 350 meters from the Plaza de Puno (5 min. by bus, 15 min. on foot)

This hill is 45 meters high (150 feet) and at its summit is a monument to Manco Capac (founder of the Inca Empire).

During carnival (carnaval) there are celebrations which include traditional dancing that extends into the streets nearby.



Myths state that there are subterraneous caverns that connect Cerro Huajsapata with the Temple of Coricancha in Cusco. Umhmmm...

Juli "Rome of the Americas"

Juli - Templo Santa Cruz de JerusalénJuli - Templo Santa Cruz de Jerusalén

Juli is about 79 km. south of Puno Peru (1 hour and 20 min. by car)

Known as "Rome of the Americas" for the beauty of its colonial "templos" or churches, highlights include the Templo San Juan de Letran, San Pedro Martir and Santa Cruz de Jerusalen and the "Casa de la Inquisicion" (House of the Inquisition).

Churches include:

  • Templo de San Pedro Mártir
  • Templo museo San Juan Bautista de Letrán
  • Templo museo Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
  • Templo Santa Cruz de Jerusalén


Within the churches you can see stone sculptures, wood carvings, and paintings by prominent artists.



Lampa - the "Pink City"

Inmaculada Concepción Church in Lampa, PeruInmaculada Concepción Church in Lampa, Peru

Lampa is about 80 km. north of Puno Peru (1 hour and 30 min. by car)

Lampa is the capital of the province of Lampa and is known as the "Pink City" for the color of its walls.

It features the Church of St. James, also called "the Sistine Chapel of America", containing a replica of the Pieta by Michelangelo.

Quenua Trees - Lampa, PeruQuenua Trees

In the surrounding area there are great forests of quenua (species of plant in the Rosaceae family) as well as Puya Raimondi (a very tall plant also known as Queen of the Andes). 

The Lampa region is also known for its chinchilla farms.





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