Puno with its Titicaca Lake, The world’s highest lake navigable
Puno is located in the southeastern part of Peru and on the shores of Lake Titicaca and considered the highest navigable lake in the world at 3812m. The lake is over 190 km long and 64 km wide and reaches a maximum depth of almost 300 meters.
Myth has it that the birth place of the Inca Empire was Lake Titicaca. In the creation myth, the God Viracocha surfaced from the waters bringing a human with him. He created the sun, moon, stars and more humans from stone and told them to populate the earth. According to Incan legend, this is the birth place of Manco Capac and siblings sent to earth by the Sun God. The Incas believed that upon their death their spirits would return to the lake.
Puno is known as the, Capital of Folklore, with more than 350 distinctive colorful dances that combine ancient traditions and miscegenation reflected in dance, music and art.
The most notable celebration is the Feast of the "Virgen de la Candelaria" and the Regional Competition of Autochthonous Dances.
- Altitude: 3827m / 12.553ft
- Climate: Maximum temperature is 14°C (58°F) / Minimum is 3°C (37°F).
Uros Island
When the Incas expanded and took over the Uros land, they were forced to move to Lake Titicaca. The Uros people began building their islands, boats, and homes from the totora reeds which are plentiful at Lake Titicaca. They built these islands to protect themselves from attacks from the Incas. The Uros people are believed to date back to 3700 years ago and were of Bolivia and settled in the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca.
Today, the Uros people sell their handicrafts and welcome tourism to their islands.
Visit the Uros floating islands in Lake Titicaca, Peru all year round.
Taquile Island
Taquile is a small island located in the middle of Lake Titicaca, Peru. The island was one of the Inca colonies and was conquered by the Spaniards in the 16th Century. Taquile is a Spanish name derived from the Spanish nobleman Pedro Gonzales de Taquila. The inhabitants speak Quechua and Aymara. They are renowned for their textiles knitted by the men of the island, which are the best in Peru and declared a Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005. Today you can embark on a boat ride to the island for a tour of the island and experience culture and see their beautiful textiles.
Amantani Island
Amantani is the largest lake on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. It is a circular shaped island with mostly Quechua speaking inhabitants. The inhabitants of the island maintain their Andean traditions and mysticism which makes it different from the other islands in Lake Titicaca. The people have been influenced by ancient civilizations and the Spanish conquistadors.
It is a beautiful island possessing ruins and two high mountain peaks. The island is becoming more popular for homestays to share a vivid cultural experience. You get to wear their typical wear, and delve into their lifestyle, sharing their music, traditions, and dance.
Sillustani Toms
Sillustani, an ancient cemetery, is located on the shores of Lake Umayo, 34 Km from the city of Puno.
The Sillustani pre-Inca circular tower tombs (chullpas) were built by the Colla Civilization that spoke Aymara, to bury their noble people. They were displaced upon the arrival of the Incas in the 1500´s.
It is surrounded by mountains creating a tranquil feeling as you explore the 90 chullpas that are about 12 meters high. This tour is offered en route from the airport in Juliaca to Puno or vice versa.
Destinations
Arequipa
The White City
Cusco
The Incas empire
Ica
The enigmatic Nazca Lines and Ballestas Island
Iquitos
Peruvian Amazon jungle
Lima
The City of Kings
Mancora
beautiful beaches and the good surf waves
Puerto Maldonado
Peruvian Amazon jungle
Puno
with its Titicaca Lake
