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.
On this page, you'll find the following information on 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.
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:
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.
Outside of Puno itself, there are a number of attractions:
Continue scrolling down to read about these attractions.
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.
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 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 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:
Within the churches you can see stone sculptures, wood carvings, and
paintings by prominent artists.
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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