Peru’s history began thousands of years ago and there are countless attractions that 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 so 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 of this so-called Folkloric Capital of Peru that we’d love if you join any of the adventures we’ll cover on this blog.
The region of Puno was the birthplace of many ancient civilizations as well as Lake Titicaca itself since it is believed that the first Incas were born out of it. 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, but what they don’t know is that the city is as special as you can imagine.
Although Puno doesn’t have a visually striking urban scenery as Cusco or Arequipa, it does offer a unique experience where Andean and Spanish features merge harmonically in one place. Here’s what you should visit during your stay:
- The Cathedral of Puno
Located right at the heart of the city, the Cathedral holds a mestizo architectural style, where the viceroyal influence is combined 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 beautiful carved ornaments on its facade.
Address: Jr. Ayacucho 416.
- Casa del Corregidor
It is the oldest colonial mansion in the city, Casa del Corregidor was built in the XVII century. Although there’s no actual documentation about the house, a rent contract was retrieved, which revealed that the house was rented to Don José Salcedo in 1707.
Nowadays, the Casa del Corregidor serves as a cultural center, coffee shop, restaurant and bar. Its facilities were accommodated to offer an intimate experience between art, food and history. The colonial mansion offers the perfect setting for a mid-morning coffee, 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 site was founded in 1901 by the Government of Puno.
The park is surrounded by the San Carlos National School, founded by Simon Bolivar in 1825 and the Virgen de la Candelaria Sanctuary. It offers the perfect setting for people watching and to take beautiful pictures thanks to the 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 is characterized by their impressive sculptures and pottery art, as well as for influencing succeeding societies.
These ruins are one of the most significant of the region since it gives 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 overtime with the succeeding cultures.
The Pukara Archaeological Site was declared a National Heritage Site in 2001 to raise awareness to the preservation of the place and the importance it had in our pre-hispanic history.
The site is composed of two areas, one with monumental characteristics intended for ceremonial purposes and another with 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 holds impressive architectural and engineering techniques though being developed around the XV century. The Kollas were recognized for their perfectly carved stones, a legacy replicated by the famous Inca culture.
The archaeological site is located facing the Umayo Lagoon, surrounded by towering mountains and extensive valleys, a beautiful natural scenery complemented with this outstanding native work.
The complex is composed of dozens of funerary towers in the outskirts of the Folkloric Capital of Peru, built by the Colla people, a civilization later conquered by the Incas.
This civilization was characterized for their excellent architectural work and carved stones, being the Sillustani burial towers 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 to this definition. It took millions of years to create this natural masterpiece, where towering rock walls and evergreen valleys will leave you spellbound to 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 check our travel packages and start planning the perfect trip through our country!