Puno, Peru

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About Puno Peru

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?

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

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.

Sillustani Archaeological Complex

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

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 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"

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.

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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