PUNO

Location and Geography:
The city of Puno is the capital of the department of Puno. Located in the southern sierra of Peru, on the border with Bolivia, one finds the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. Because of this it is also a port to transport goods and passengers to the diverse islands and the Republic of Bolivia. It has a range of 71,999 km2.

Altitude:
3830m

Access Ways:
The city of Puno is located 1,324 km southeast of the city of Lima. It is connected to Arequipa, Moquegua and Cusco by roads. From the city of Lima, the overland trip takes 17 hours passing through the city of Arequipa. There is also a train service to the city of Cusco. This service is solely for tourists.

Likewise, Puno is connected to the Republic of Bolivia by roadways. The Inter-Oceanic Highway which will unite the Pacific Peruvian coast with the Atlantic Brazilian coast is planned to go through here.

One hour from Puno you come to Juliaca, where the Inca Manco Capac International Airport is located. It receives flights from the cities of Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. The flight from the Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

History:
According to legend, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the mythical founders of the Inca Empire, rose from its waters. What is certain is that the region developed one of the most important pre-Incan cultures, the Tiahuanaco, the highest expression of the ancient Aymara people. The Viceroy Conde de Lemos founded the city and named it San Carlos de Austria on November 4, 1688. The Spanish then attempted to catechize the indigenous people, thrusting the Catholic religion on them, and built the churches which are still conserved today.

Culture and Traditions:
Puno, also called the Folklore Capital of Peru, has 250 registered dances but it is thought that there are more than 350. Dances, songs, garments and masks which represent personages coming from centennial legends make the Puno folklore one of the richest of the continent.

The principal dances from Puno are La Pandila, the Chujchus, the Morenos, the Caporales, the Saya, the Morenadas and the Kajello. From these other dances are born such as: the Llamerada, in which one calls on Pachamama (mother earth) for better crops; agricultural dances such as the Chusqui-Chuspi; erotic dances such as the K'ajcha; military dances such as the Qhapu; mystic dances such as the Kullahua; agricultural carnivals or ceremonies such as the Casarasiri.

Every year the largest patronage festival in all of Peru is held in homage of the Virgin of the Candlemas, Patron of Puno. The festival grows from day to day during the first two weeks of February. In this festival, more than 40,000 dancers and 9,000 musicians from all the departments of Peru enliven and decorate the streets of Puno. This unparalleled show is considered to be one of the three biggest events that are celebrated in South America. The others are Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Carnival in Oruro, Bolivia.


ATTRACTIONS - PUNO

Cathedral:
The cathedral was constructed in the XVII century. Its facade was carved by the Peruvian builder Simon de Asto. This church is an example of the Spanish baroque style and includes Andean elements which award the monument its mestizo character.

Deustua Arc:
Constructed of carved stone, it was erected for the PUNENO town in memorial of the patriots which fought for the Independence of Peru.

Municipal Museum Drever:
The museum contains pre-Inca and Inca pieces of ceramics, gold, textiles and stone sculptures. It also conserves a numismatics collection and documents which date to the Spanish founding of the city of Puno.

Balcony of Conde de Lemus:
Constructed at the time of the founding of the city, they say that the Viceroy Conde de Lemos stayed in this house when he came to the area to stifle a rebellion. It currently functions as a cultural complex of the National Institute of Culture for the Puno region and includes an art gallery.

Huajsapata Hill:
Huaisapata, which means "witness of my loves", is a natural lookout point from which one can gaze at the city and Lake Titicaca; on the summit there is a monument of Manco Capac, founder of the Inca Empire. It is said that in this hill there are some caverns which contain subterranean paths which connect Puno with the temple of Koricancha in the city of Cusco.

Bay of the Incas Eco-tourism boardwalk:
This pedestrian street has a beautiful view of the lake, where one finds the sukankas or intihuantans, whose principal function was to serve as solar clocks. The Pre-Inca cultures used them to mark places where they had ceremonial acts and sacrifices. They also served to delineate the lands between communities.

Kuntar Wasi Lookout Point:
Kuntur Wasi means "house of the condor" and offers an unforgettable view of Puno and Lake Titicaca. It is accessed by a climbing a long flight of stairs.

Puma Uta Lookout Park:
The park has a stone monument which represents a puma - the symbol of the lookout point represents a watchful animal which is connected to the protection of the Andes. It is constructed on top of a fountain which symbolizes Lake Titicaca. It contains various recreation areas.

Titicaca National Reserve:
Dozens of species of birds, fish and amphibians have been logged in the reserve. It was deemed a Natural Protected Area in 1978 with the aim of preserving the natural resources of the Lake Titicaca and surrounding ecosystem. It is 36,180 hectares. The birds are the most numerous with more than 60 species. Of note are the parihuanas (flamencos), geese, gulls, grebes, chullumpis and lapwings. There are also species which are in danger of extinction. The flora of the lake is represented by twelve varieties of aquatic plants such as the totora reed and pondweed.

Lake Titicaca:
This lake is very important to the Andean mythology as, according to legend, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, children of the Sun god and founders of the Inca Empire, rose from its waters. Peru and Bolivia share sovereignty of this navigable lake, the highest in the world at 3810m. It has an area of 8559 km² and a maximum depth of 283m. Its average water temperature varies from October to March between 9°C (48ºF) and 11°C (52ºF); from June to September between -7°C (19ºF) and -10°C (14ºF). The lake also tempers the area, as without it no life would exist at this altitude.

On the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca there are diverse islands. Those of note are Amantani, Taquile, Soto and Anapia (natural islands) and those of the Uros (artificial islands), each with its different attractions. Totora, a kind of reed, grows along the banks of the lake. Here diverse birds and fish such as carachis, ispis, bogas, umantos, suches (in danger of extinction), silversides and trout take refuge; all of these species are native and regarded for their high nutritional value.

Floating Islands of the Uros:
The islands of the Uros (3810m) are found in the Puno bay. There are approximately 20. Each is inhabited by 3 to 10 Uro Aymara families who construct and roof their houses with totora reeds, although there are a few who have replaced their traditional roofs with CALAMINA. Tupiri, Santa Maria, Tribuna, Toranipata, Chumi, Paraíso, Kapi, Titino, Tinajero and Negrone stand out among the principal islands. The Uros call themselves kotsuña, "lake people", and their origins date back to before the Inca. They maintain the tradition of artesian fishing, especially of carachi and silversides, as well as the hunting of wild birds. The men are skillful drivers of the totora rafts and the women are expert weavers. The cold, dry climate characteristic of the region moderates in the area thanks to the large amount of water which is constantly evaporating.

Taquile Island:
It is approximately 6 km2 and the altitude between the port and the town increases slightly, from 3810m to 3950m. The maximum temperature is 23ºC (66ºF) and the minimum is 7ºC (37ºF). The ruins on the island date to pre-Inca times and can be seen in the high area. During colonial times and up until the first years of the XX century, the island was used as a political prison. However, the island was given to the Taquile people in 1970. Taquile is characterized by its friendly people who have kept their customs, traditions and dress. The villagers are noted for their fine, laborious textiles with symmetric, symbolic decorations and loud colors. They reflect the Andean beliefs, way of live and customs.

Sillustani:
On a peninsula of Lake Umayo, there is a cemetery where one can see a series of impressive tombs belonging to the Kolla culture (1200 - 1450 A.D.) which developed in the north part of the lake in the place known as Hatuncolla. The particular forms of the tombs, trunks of an inverted cone, are called chulpas. They are constructions which can be seen in smaller numbers in various other areas of the altiplano such as Acora, Ilave, etc.

Amantani Island:
Eight communities live on the island who are especially dedicated to the cultivation of potatoes, corn, oca, quinoa, beans and ARVEJAS. Their most representative handicrafts are made of textiles and carved stone. Among its natural attractions, of note are two lookout points in the high sector from where one can take in the lake in all its grandeur, ceremonial centers, pre-Hispanic ruins and a mummy cemetery.

Chucuito:
18 km south of Puno (15 minutes by car). Also known as the City of the Royal Cashbox because it was the tax collection center during the colonial era. Of note is the main plaza and the renaissance churches of Santo Domingo (XVI century) and La Asuncion (XVII century).

Inca Uyo Archaeological Site:
Located in the district of Chuchito. The origin of this archaeological site has been identified as Inca because of its construction characteristics and use of stone materials. In Aymara, its name means Home or Local of the Inca.

The LITCA structures located in the plaza of the complex arrived there under the initiative of the municipal authorities and notable people of the city of Chuchito.

In the year 1993, on the order of the then director of the INC, Mr. Enrique Monroy, some stone fungi-shaped sculptures were placed in the area of Inca Uyo. This caused a poor interpretation of the site and many confused it with a "Temple of Fertility." This translation however has been castoff because during the Lupaca era, as in the Inca or Viceroy, there did was no reference to this idea.

It is surmised that the compound formed part of a larger aggregate of buildings of ceremonial character and was meant for rituals of political and religious nature.

Yaravi Ship Museum:
This ship contains original pieces, chests, navigation equipment, as well as an original Bolinder motor, of Swiss make, today considered the oldest and largest motor of its kind still in use in the world.

The Yavari Ship Museum was acknowledged as a historic specimen in the year 1998 and was incorporated into the National System of State Museums. It is the oldest iron boat in the world which works with only one prop.

Currently, the Yavari Association is in charge of the administration and maintenance of the Ship Museum.


OTHER ATTRACTIONS:

Pomata:
105 km south of Puno (1 hour and 30 minutes by car). Of note in Pomata is the Church of Santiago Apostol, in the mestizo style, and the incredible panoramic view of the lake and the Copacabana peninsula.

Juli:
Known as the "Little Rome of America" for its churches, of note in Juli are the churches San Juan de Letran, San Pedro Martir and Santa Cruz de Jerusalen, as well as the House of the Inquisition, or of Zevala. Within the churches, one can observe stone sculptures, wood carvings, paintings and oil paintings made by prominent artists.
This town was founded by the Dominicans in 1534 but later they were expelled by the missionary congregation of the Jesuits who established themselves in Juli during the viceroy period when the priests converted the area into a strategic center to prepare their missionaries which where sent to Paraguay and Bolivia.

Kalasaya Archaeological Complex:
Ceremonial center of the Pucara culture, constructed around the year 200 BC and reached its height between the years 250 BC and 380 AD. Two sectors are distinguishable: a ceremonial center made up of nine pyramids and the other urban.

Pucara:
The area of Pucara is famous for its pottery, especially for its celebrated "little bulls of Pucara". The Stone Museum of Pucara is located there, where they exhibit an ensemble of stone structures such as monoliths, stelae, and other attractions.

Lampa:
It is the capital of the province and is known as the "Pink City" because of the color of its walls. In the area there are extensive forests of quenua, puya raimondi and chinchilla breeding grounds, among other attractions.

Community of Cambria and Sausi Island (3810m):
157 km northeast of Puno (3 hours and 30 minutes by car), one comes to the area of Cambria which is found on the banks of Lake Titicaca. It is possible to participate in activities with the locals such as agriculture, fishing chores and observe textile production as well as to walk through the surrounding area. In this community there are transport services by row boat to access the island of Sausi (approx. 20 minutes by boat), on which there is a lodge constructed of local materials: stone, wood, straw and reeds; and is solely powered by solar energy.

Moho:
This area has diverse archaeological sites and natural and cultural attractions. Its microclimate is warm and there are a variety of roses. In the vicinity, the Church of San Miguel Archangel is found in the town of Conima. It was constructed in 1825 and of note is the image of the archangel, patron of the town of Conima. The monolith of Huata is found 5 km away.

Anapia Island:
Located on the Winaymarca, or Minor Lake, connected to Lake Titicaca. The archipelago of islands is populated by people who conserve their own customs, fishing being the principal activity. It has abundant fauna and sand and pebble beaches. Yuspique Island, the largest of the archipelago, is used by the community of Anapia to raise vicunas.

Putina Thermal Baths:
The waters reach an average temperature of 39ºC (102ºF) and contain a high percentage of sodium chloride, magnesium and zinc. The locals consider them ideal for the treatment of rheumatic and skin illnesses. In Cala and Picotani, other bordering areas, it is possible to observe South American camelids such as vicuna or alpaca and in the sector of Bellavista there are forests of puya raimondi.

Ayaviri:
In Ayaviri one can visit the Church of San Francisco de Asis, of baroque mestizo style; the thermal waters of Pojpojquella (5 blocks from the main plaza) which have curative properties; Tinajani (12 km from Ayaviri), a curious geological specimen which consists of giant and strange anthropomorphous formations, towers, animals and houses

Cutimbo Archaoelogical Complex:
This pre-Hispanic cemetery pertains to the Lupaca and Colla lordships. Despite that rock art dating up to 8,000 years old is found here, the principal structures date to the years 1100 to 1450 AD. There are also remains from the Inca era. The view is dominated by the chullpas or pucullos, large funeral towers.

Weather:
The city of Puno is found on the banks of Lake Titicaca and its climate is cold and semidry. The rainy season starts in October and ends in April. The maximum average annual temperature is 14°C (58ºF) and the minimum is 3°C (37ºF).

When to Travel:
The best month to visit is February because they celebrate the festival of the Virgin of the Candlemas. The main day of the festival is the 2nd of February when they pay her homage.