Peru’s history began thousands of years ago, and countless attractions tell the story of a country full of mysticism and a culturally rich population.
Puno, for example, holds the most interesting sights within the southern Andean highlands of Peru, and here we have gathered some of them.
However, if you’re looking for information about the highest navigable lake in the world, here’s a guide about the top things to do in Lake Titicaca.
Therefore, you can plan the perfect itinerary through this cultural and natural wonder.
We won’t dig deeper into Lake Titicaca on this blog since we want you to know that Puno is not only defined by this massive water body.
Instead, there’s so much to know about this so-called Folkloric Capital of Peru that we’d love it if you joined any of the adventures we’ll cover on this blog.
Many ancient civilizations originated in the region of Puno, as well as Lake Titicaca itself, since historians believe that the first Incas came from this area.
Therefore, traveling to Puno is not only about sailing across the lake, but experiencing the everlasting mysticism of these lands.
1| Walk around Puno’s city center
Most travelers tend to overlook Puno while traveling to southern Peru. However, what they don’t know is that the city is as special as you can imagine.
Although Puno doesn’t have Cusco or Arequipa’s visually striking urban scenery, it does offer a unique experience where Andean and Spanish features merge harmoniously. Here’s what you should visit during your stay:
Puno Cathedral
The Cathedral, located right at the heart of the city, showcases a mestizo architectural style that combines the viceroyal influence with the Andean artistic expression of the region.
The religious building dates back to the XVIII century, though its construction took over 80 years to complete.
Like most structures of that time, the Cathedral of Puno has a Spanish baroque style, with beautifully carved ornaments on its facade.
Address: Jr. Ayacucho 416.
Casa del Corregidor
They built Casa del Corregidor in the 17th century. Although there’s no actual documentation about the house, we retrieved a rent contract that revealed Don José Salcedo rented the house in 1707.
Nowadays, the Casa del Corregidor serves as a cultural center, coffee shop, restaurant, and bar. The designers created their facilities to offer an intimate experience between art, food, and history.
The colonial mansion offers the perfect setting for a mid-morning coffee, a great lunch, or just a chilly night out.
Address: Jr. Deustua 576, Puno.
Parque Pino
It is located in the center of the city, a few minutes away from Plaza de Armas. It is a public space dedicated to the Pacific War hero, Dr. Manuel Pino. The Government of Puno founded the site in 1901.
The San Carlos National School, founded by Simon Bolivar in 1825, and the Virgen de la Candelaria Sanctuary surround the park.
It offers the perfect setting for people-watching and taking beautiful pictures, thanks to its picturesque surroundings.
Address: Puno 21001.
Keep in mind that Puno is located at 3,821 meters above sea level, so it would be best for you to take some time in the city before exploring its surroundings.
2| Discover the Archeological Site of Pukara
The Pucara culture developed between the years 1,400 and 550 B.C. This ancient civilization features impressive sculptures and pottery art, and influences succeeding societies.
These ruins are one of the most significant in the region since they give us a glimpse at the beliefs and organization of the Pucara people.
They certainly marked the beginning of an era, leaving a legacy behind that evolved over time with the succeeding cultures.
In 2001, authorities declared the Pukara Archaeological Site a National Heritage Site to raise awareness of the preservation of the site and its importance in our pre-Hispanic history.
The site consists of two areas: one features monumental characteristics intended for ceremonial purposes, and the other contains rudimentary residential structures.
If you’re eager to know another part of our history, you can visit this attraction on the way to Cusco with the Ruta del Sol tour!
3| Make your way to the Sillustani Tombs
Sillustani showcases impressive architectural and engineering techniques, though builders developed it around the 15th century.
The famous Inca culture replicated the legacy of the Kollas, who recognized others for their perfectly carved stones.
The archaeological site is located facing the Umayo Lagoon, surrounded by towering mountains and extensive valleys, a beautiful natural scenery complemented by this outstanding native work.
The complex is composed of dozens of funerary towers on the outskirts of the Folkloric Capital of Peru, built by the Colla people, a civilization later conquered by the Incas.
This civilization was characterized by its excellent architectural work and carved stones, being the Sillustani burial towers being one of the perfect examples of this ancient knowledge.
Puno is so much more than Lake Titicaca. If you’d like to visit this wonder of ancient Peru, our Sillustani Tour can do the work!
4. Explore the Tinajani Canyon
Nature is the most patient artist, and the Tinajani Canyon is certainly the perfect example of this definition.
It took millions of years to create this natural masterpiece, where towering rock walls and evergreen valleys will leave you spellbound by their greatness.
The Tinajani Canyon is located within the Puno region, only 3 hours away from the Folkloric Capital of Peru.
The natural wonder offers the perfect setting for camping activities, as well as rock climbing, mountain biking, and more.
First, we would like to highlight that the way up to the canyon is as impressive as you can imagine. The road will take you through the most visually striking scenery of the Andean highlands, where meandering rivers will accompany you along the route.
Also, you’ll be able to see the imposing Abra La Raya, a mountain range of the Andes that houses the Chimboya snow-capped peak, situated at 5,489 meters above sea level.
It took millions of years to create this natural masterpiece, where wind erosion and temperature changes managed to build an authentic scenery. Make sure to visit it during your stay in Puno!
5| Discover the mythical Aramu Muru Portal
The mysterious gate is thoughtfully carved into a gigantic red granite rock at the Hayu Marca Stone Forest, located an hour away from the city of Puno.
The site was discovered by a local tour guide in the 90s, who apparently had been dreaming about a similar place long before encountering it.
Although archeological research and excavations had been carried out on the site, there was no evidence about its origins or time of use.
The structure is composed of a T-shaped alcove with a particular circular depression in its center, which, for some, may be the ‘keyhole’ of a mythical artifact.
Therefore, the site has been open to speculation, where books have been written based on stories of ancient Inca communities and transatlantic tales.
The Aramu Muru Doorway will take you through authentic scenery but also into the most distinctive and sought-after attractions near Puno.
Peru has adventures and attractions for every traveler, and we couldn’t be more excited to take you to its most impressive destinations.
Make sure to contact Viagens Machu Picchu specialists to learn more about Puno and Peru. Start living your Peruvian dream with us!
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