GUIDE

How to get there

By land
The best route is Lima-Arequipa-Juliaca-Puno (1,335 km.), which is about a 24-hour drive.

By air
Lima to Juliaca (that last about 1 hour and 45 minutes) and Arequipa (45 minutes).

By train
Arequipa (258 kilometers, 8-hour trip) on a train that passes through Crucero Alto (4,490 m.a.s.l.).

Where to go (tourist attractions)

Lake Titicaca: According to legend, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, children of the sun god and founders of the Inca Empire, emerged from the waters of the lake.  Peru and Bolivia share sovereignty over the highest navigable lake in the world (3810 masl).

The Floating Uros Islands: The inhabitants of this group of 40 large, floating, reed islands continue living the way their ancestors did.  An average of 30 to 50 persons live on each island in houses made of reed.  Among the best known islands are Toranipata, which is the largest island, Santa María, Paraíso, Pacha Mama and Tupiri.

The Cathedral: Completed in the eighteenth century, the Cathedral stands out due to the quality of its structure and its stone carvings.

Sillustani Archaeological Complex: 34 km north of the city of Puno (approximately 35 minutes by car). Famous for itschullpas, which are circular stone towers built to hold the remains of the most important authorities of the ancient inhabitants of Collao.  The largest one is 12 meters high and has an unusual structure, as the base has a smaller diameter than the upper part.

Special dates (local festivities)

Virgen de la Candelaria (February): Festivity in honor of the patron saint of the city of Puno

Alasitas (May): Air featuring popular art in miniature, believed to bring good luck

Virgen del Carmen (July 16): Feast of the patron saint, with a procession and folk dancing exhibition, at which the Ayarachi dancers stand out.

Folkloric Parade (August 29): With participants dressed in suits of lights and native attire, university students from the different schools of the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano participate in this parade down the main streets of the city.

Anniversary of Puno (November 04): Anniversary of the Spanish foundation of Puno, with fireworks,  contests among students, civic-military parade and a grand folkloric parade with the participation of institutions and schools, dance exhibitions on city streets with participants in suits of lights and native attire

Emergence of Manco Capac (November 05): Dramatization of the emergence of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo from the waters of Lake Titicaca to found the Inca Empire.