The wonderful and unique experience of traveling through Puno and the glimmering Lake Titicaca in Peru is almost equivalent to getting an education on culture, geography, and history. In this ultimate travel guide, we’ll discover even more about this rather magical place and share our tips on things and places you should not miss as well as the best places to stay!
Exploring Puno and Lake Titicaca
This is Puno city with its unknown but fairly large population that lies in southeastern Peru and is mostly considered a starting point for visiting Lake Titicaca – the largest lake in South America and at the same time the highest navigable lake in the world. Titicaca lake is believed to be located at 3,812 meters (12,507 feet) above the sea level, and apart from the beautiful nature views, it is also culturally important area of the Quechua and Aymara.
Arriving in Puno & Lake Titicaca
By Bus
Tourists prefer to get to Puno by bus because with this kind of transport one can observe beautiful Andean views on the way to Puno. Comfortable and economic buses from the cities like Arequipa, Cuzco, Lima will take you to Puno. Such transfers as, for instance, Arequipa to Puno last approximately six hours during which it is pleasant to observe the picturesque landscapes and make some stops in rather nice towns on the way.
By Plane
For the faster mode of transport, there are local airlines from which one can hire for the nearby Juliaca airport and the town is conveniently accessible. Several early morning flights are available from Lima and Cuzco to Juliaca, the airport itself is about 44 Km (27 miles) from Puno. It is from here that one is able to organize for transport through the use of bus or taxi to Puno in order to start the tour of Lake Titicaca.
Weather and the Best Time to Visit Puno and Lake Titicaca
Thus, Puno and Lake Titicaca can be visited at all times, but the best experiences in this area are commonly observed during the dry season, which begins from the mid-April to October. These are good months for travelers in the Geographical Europe due to the favourable conditions of clear blue skies, warm temperatures, low humidity and little or no rain.
Essential Attractions in Puno
Plaza de Armas and Cathedral of Puno are main attractions of the city that will be addressed in the work.
Plaza de Armas and Cathedral of Puno
The Plaza de Armas is an area which represents the beginning of the colonial part of Puno. Here tourists and guest can observe the historical buidings and beautiful constructions such as the Cathedral of Puno. This Cathedral was constructed in the 17th century and has very beautiful designs on the outside and inside walls and it shows history of Peru’s religious inclination.
House of the Corregidor
Standing in the Plaza de Armas it is a colonial mansion perhaps of the first half of the 17th century. Today this building is a cultural center and an art gallery where different exhibitions and art events dedicated to the cultural development of the region are presented. The visitors have an opportunity to walk through stately rooms and use the bar of the mansion, as well as pay attention to the collection of paintings and other significant pieces of art.
Some of the Best Viewpoints of Lake Titicaca
For a bird’s eye view of Lake Titicaca and the encompassing territories, potential sightseeing excellent spots can be found. Some known vantage points for viewing, fishing and particularly, photographing the lake are the El Condor Viewpoint (Kuntur Wasi), Puma Uta and Huajsapata Hill.
Museums and Cultural Centers
House of Coca and Traditions
Located in Puno and aimed to popularize the traditional lifestyle of the representatives of the indigenous population, the Museum of Coca and Customs offers the guests of the city to learn more about the customs of the region. Galleries are devoted to the coca leaf as a symbol of cultural importance of Andes; the headdresses and ballet dancers also contribute to the aesthetics of the area.
Wandering around the Lake of the Sun Titicaca a and Its Islands
Uros Islands
When traveling to Lake Titicaca these islands offering the accommodations in the houses built of the floating reeds cannot be omitted. Floating islands of pre-Columbian origin on Lake Titicaca and inhabited by the first inhabitant of America – the Uros Indians are a sight to behold. People can explore the islands and get acquainted with the locals, get to know the lifestyle of the population which are fishermen, weavers, and redis growers.
Taquile Island
This Island is famous for textile art and trace of culture on the shores of Lake Titicaca Taquile Island is not an exception. The people living on the island boast impressive methods of knitting and colorful dresses, which invites tourists to participate in observing their traditions. Walking through the villages of Taquile one can admire the landscapes of the lake, the fields and the constructions of loosely dressed stones which give a feeling for a life perhaps not so far from the Andes and its pre-Hispanic inhabitants.
Amantani Island
Amantani is the biggest island in the area of Lake Titicaca; this island is a perfect place to visit when get unbelievable bored in a big city of Puno. In this way the visitors are given a chance to share their host families, to feel the cordiality of Andean people. Hiking through the island’s steep trails, tombs, and terraces, gives insight of the area and its geographical features.
Day Trips and Excursions
Lake Titicaca Boat Tours
Many travel companies in the town are involved in the giving of boat rides at Lake Titicaca with tourists enjoying their tours at the islands, villages and anything that the natural landscape has to offer. Both the half-day boat trip around the Uros Islands or the full day boat trip to Taquile and Amantani islands are ideal, comfortable and exciting ways of experiencing what the beauty of Lake Titicaca has to offer.
Accommodation in Puno
Puno has many choices of accommodations from budget to upscale guest house to higher-end hotels. These are some of the best hotels in Puno; Casa Andina Premium Puno, Tierra Viva Puno Plaza, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno, Intiqa Hotel. These facilitate comfortable offering of rooms, modern comforts and ease of access to the main tourist sites in Puno making your stay a memorable one.
Conclusion
This part of Peru covers diverse attractions starting right from the city of Puno to Lake Titicaca and that also promises the tourist splendid experiences and unforgettable memories. Be it the meanders round ancient Sillustani, or the visit to the Indians’ islands, or a trip on the crystal waters of the lake, a travel to Puno and Lake Titicaca will be a unique voyage to the Andean spirit. Go and grab your luggage, prepare for the trip of your lifetime and explore Puno and Lake Titicaca.