The first steps of your adventure in Puno begin now. Get ready to embark with me on this fascinating journey to the “Folkloric Capital of Peru,” a cultural treasure located in the heights of the Peruvian Andes, the cradle of the Inca civilization, and a city of colorful folkloric celebrations. It is also the gateway to the legendary Titicaca Islands: the world’s highest, navigable, and most mysterious lake! This vital place between Peru and Bolivia holds many unanswered enigmas. In its surroundings, we can see remnants of ancient civilizations like Tiwanaku. Viracocha, the supreme creator god, emerged from the legends of Titicaca Lake who is said to have given rise to the Inca people.
It’s early August, the dry season, with no rain, sunny days, and very cold nights. I boarded at the Cusco terminal at 10:00 PM on one of the many sleeper buses that travel the Cusco-Puno route. I bought the ticket personally at the terminal two days earlier when I decided to travel. The nighttime schedule was ideal for covering the 7-hour journey while sleeping, and upon waking, I was already in Puno.
The journey was smooth, with no stops. I was so tired that I “shut down”! I only realized I had reached my destination when the driver turned on the lights and announced our arrival. The Puno city terminal is located on the shores of Titicaca Lake, which made it very convenient for me as I just disembarked and started walking along the boardwalk in the early morning cold, enjoying one of the most beautiful sunrise spectacles in Peru, appreciating not only the first views of the famous lake but also acclimating to the atmosphere of this small city with its cobbled streets and skilled handcrafts made from totora, the region’s typical and edible plant.
This boardwalk, which stretches from one side of Puno to the other, will also be your reference point so you don’t get lost: as you move into the city blocks, you know that at the end of each street, you’ll have the Puno boardwalk to guide you.
The City of Puno
How to Get There?
By Air: The Inca Manco Cápac International Airport, located in Juliaca, is the option for those who prefer to travel by plane. Regular flights are operated by different airlines from Lima, the capital of Peru, and other cities like Cusco and Arequipa. Once you arrive at Juliaca Airport, you can opt for a taxi or bus to reach Puno, approximately 45 kilometers away.
By Land: From Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, and other cities in Peru, you can opt for a nighttime bus to Puno. The journey time varies depending on the city of departure: for example, from Lima, it takes 20 hours, and from Cusco, 7 hours.
By Water: The only option to reach Puno is via Titicaca Lake. From Copacabana on the Bolivian shore of the lake, you can board the boats that make this trip. Through its crystal-clear waters, impressive views, and surrounding mountains, this is an option to reach the city of Puno.
Means of transportation in Puno
With relatively heavy traffic, the city surprises with its transportation options: bicycles with two seats in the front are widely used and very popular with tourists, but tuk-tuks are the favorites, seen everywhere (if you don’t know them, you’ll like them a lot!). Vans charge one sol to travel around the city and are also a good option.
Puno has two terminals:
Terminal Terrestre Puno
The intercity bus terminal, located at Plaza Mayor de Puno, Jr. Deustrua, 458.
Terminal Zonal Sur de Puno
The terminal for municipal vans that take you to nearby cities like Ilave, Yunguyo, Desaguadero, and Juli is at Jirón Branden 415.
Location and Altitude
It is essential to organize your trip to understand Puno’s geographical location and altitude, as these are two factors that can influence your health during your stay in Peru.
Location: Puno is situated on the Peruvian high plateau in the country’s southeastern region. It borders the Cusco Department to the north, Bolivia to the east, the Tacna Department to the south, and the Moquegua Department to the west.
Altitude: Puno’s striking altitude is 3,800 meters above sea level. This elevation is responsible for the city’s cool and dry climate, with temperatures varying significantly between day and night.
Altitude Sickness: The altitude is also an additional challenge for visitors arriving in the city due to altitude sickness, especially if coming directly from sea-level cities with proper acclimatization in lower-altitude cities, such as Cusco, which is located 3,399 meters above sea
Climate
Puno has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
Dry Season (April to October): Puno enjoys primarily clear skies and dry weather during this period. This is the best season to visit, with sunny days and cool nights.
Note: Protect yourself from the sun: even though the climate may be cool, the highland sun is intense. Apply sunscreen and wear a hat or cap.
Rainy Season (November to March): During these months, as the name suggests, there is an increase in precipitation, with heavy rains in the afternoon and evening. Although mornings can be sunny, preparing for showers is essential. Wear appropriate clothing!
Note: Bring waterproof clothing, an umbrella, layers, and water-resistant shoes.
What to Do in Puno?
Plaza de Armas de Puno
You will enjoy walking around the Plaza de Armas, located in the vibrant center of Puno, the epicenter of the city’s social, cultural, and political life, where history, tradition, and daily life intertwine. Sitting on one of its benches and admiring the landscaping of its carefully pruned trees, the beautiful view of the Puno Cathedral with its Andean Baroque style, stone facade, and baroque towers dominates the urban landscape. It adds a touch of grandeur to the surroundings. Entrance is free, and you can visit at your leisure.
Surrounded by majestic colonial buildings, the Plaza de Armas of Puno is a living testament to the architectural splendor of the past. The surrounding buildings, with their carved wooden balconies and ornamental details, offer a charming glimpse of the colonial era.
This iconic space is more than a mere meeting point; it is the chosen place for Puno’s cultural events, festivals, and community activities. From colorful parades to open-air concerts, this space transforms into the perfect stage for artistic expression and celebrating the region’s rich cultural diversity. Locals and visitors gather here to enjoy music, dance, and the vibrancy of urban life. Continuing along Calle Lima, a boulevard of just over three blocks, you will find numerous restaurants, hotels, cafes, banks, ATMs, currency exchange offices, travel agencies, and shops (but nothing compared to the prices and varieties of the Lacustre Artisan Center in Puerto de Puno). At the end of this street, you’ll find Parque Pino.
Carlos Dreyer Municipal Museum
The Carlos Dreyer Municipal Museum is a true cultural treasure reflecting the identity and diversity of Puno. With its impressive collection, commitment to education, and role as a cultural dissemination center, the museum is a living testament to the region’s rich heritage and a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.
It features thematic exhibitions exploring various aspects of Puno’s history, culture, and identity. From exhibits on the daily life of pre-Inca cultures to contemporary art displays, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s evolution over time.
Local Gastronomy
Visitors to Puno must try the delicious local cuisine, which combines traditional ingredients with Spanish and Andean influences. Dishes like roasted guinea pig, Titicaca Lake trout, quinoa soup, and a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, and traditional pastries are just some of the culinary delights awaiting you in the city’s restaurants and markets. In the center, near the Plaza de Armas, you’ll find excellent places to eat!
Central Market of Puno
By visiting this market, which is easily accessible by walking through the city streets, you’ll interact with Puno’s local population and artisans. You can buy fresh products, cheeses, fruits, meats, some “handicrafts,” traditional ceramics, handmade textiles, and offerings for Pachamama. Don’t be surprised to see many fetuses and mummified llama babies used for ritual purposes.
Puno and Its Viewpoints
El Cóndor Viewpoint
Also known as Kuntur Wasi Viewpoint, this viewpoint offers a privileged view of Titicaca Lake and the entire city of Puno. With some luck, you may see some condors soaring above and the enormous statue that symbolizes the viewpoint.
To get there, it’s ideal to take a taxi since the Mirador El Cóndor is 1,500 steps from the city to the top. Visiting in the afternoon is recommended so the sunset can further enhance the view.
Puma Uta Viewpoint
Located in the Alto Puno area, at the northern entrance of the city, this viewpoint pays homage to the puma, a sacred animal representing the vigilant and protective sentinel of the city.
The word Titicaca, meaning “Puma of Stone,” has its imposing image on a water fountain representing the sacred Lake.
This viewpoint offers visitors an exclusive view of the city and part of the Lake’s inner bay. In addition to the immense statue of the puma, visitors will also find a sculpture of a colossal snake portrayed as a tunnel.
It’s best to get there by taxi or combi due to its high altitude and steep slopes.
Puno Port
I arrived on foot, just four blocks from the bus terminal. The street leading to the famous Puno Port is a two-way street, with hundreds of children’s pedal cars on one side and, on the other, several stores from the Quechua and Aymara Artisan Center. (By the way, this is the best place to buy your travel souvenirs because prices are much higher on the islands!)
At the end of the street, you’ll see a beautiful red and white lighthouse, where you’ll find the entrance for the boats.
Boat and Island Tickets
If you choose to visit the islands (Uros, Lanchón, Amantaní, and Taquile) as part of a tour, don’t worry; the agency will handle everything. If you’re short on time, you can visit only the Uros.
However, if you want to explore the islands independently, various boatmen at the port offer tickets and boat trips. The price per person is 20 soles; at each visited island, you’ll pay an entrance fee of 8 soles. Additionally, lunch costs around 30 soles (excluding drinks).
When I arrived at the port alone without a tour, I went to the first boatman who offered me the trip since I already had a set itinerary and my accommodations on the islands were reserved. I only needed the transportation. According to my itinerary, I would first visit Amantaní Island, where I would stay for two days at Lucy Pacompia’s house in Arco Wasi.
Then I would go to Taquile Island, to Felipe and Inés’s house for another two days, and finally, I would stay at the Uros, in a floating lodge made of totora. Several tourists were crowded at the port to board, and I quickly got on the boat that would take me to Amantaní.
However, I realized that no boat goes directly to the island you choose: you must follow the pre-established itinerary of other tours, pay the entrance fee, and visit each island the boat passes before reaching your destination. And that’s what I did, understanding that my day would be longer than I expected but happily so—what an adventure, Titicaca Lake!
Isla Los Uros
After half an hour of traveling along a long canal with murky water, surrounded by totora on both sides, we arrived at a group of islands, where the boat slowed down and stopped at the chosen island: Los Uros! And I didn’t need the guide to announce it.
From afar, we could already see the little houses, buildings, arches, animals—everything made of totora! It’s a scene straight out of a movie, and despite being widely shared on social media, being there in person makes all the difference. Before disembarking, a group of Aymara women welcomed us, singing and clapping our arrival. It was strange to step off the boat and onto the totora ground for the first time: my foot sank into a mattress, and as I walked, I had to adjust my step to the swaying structure…
Each family is responsible for an island, and upon arrival, they welcome visitors with an explanatory class about totora and its uses, including a sample of this plant to taste!
After the class, it’s time for shopping: each resident proudly displays their work, showcasing beautiful crafts of various types: fruit bowls in the shape of typical boats, the boats themselves—everything made of totora! Pillows and embroidered panels are sold with designs depicting daily life on the islands, but, as I mentioned at the beginning of the article, at much higher prices than you’d pay at the port. However, it’s up to each person where to buy and their budget for the trip.
Isla Lanchón
After half an hour of travel, delving into Titicaca’s clean, beautifully green waters, we reached our second stop: Lanchón. With a lovely beach where the children from the boat ran to see the waters up close and a climb up stone steps that led us to a restaurant with a stunning view, it was time for lunch. A delicious and typical meal awaited us: trout with potatoes and salad! Then, we continued to Amantaní.
Isla Amantaní
This island took a while to reach. I don’t know if it was due to my anticipation or if the nearly forty-minute distance from the other island was felt. All the passengers disembarked at the same port, and I was the only one left on the boat to be taken to the other side of the island: Muelle Incatiana was the name of the part where I would stay.
There are no hotels on the islands; the families host us in their homes. The boat turned around, and the captain focused on avoiding sandbanks. He leaned several times out the window to dodge any obstacles. I spotted Lucy from afar. Lucy, with her colorful attire that stood out, would be the person hosting me in Amantaní. The arrival scene was dreamlike. Greetings, smiles, hugs. Now, I was on solid ground under Lucy’s care.
From the beach, we began an uphill path, and as we gained more height, the view became even more spectacular, forcing me to stop several times to photograph the scenery. Lucy always went ahead, majestic, with her colorful sweater waving in the wind, seemingly having no difficulty climbing the stones. I encountered a group of sheep and took photos. Soon, we arrived at Lucy’s house amidst abundant and beautiful vegetation, where the few houses seemed like toys, perfectly integrated into the landscape.
We crossed the fields surrounding Lucy’s two-story residence. She told me that she had just built the top part herself. Proudly, she opened the door, and I saw that everything was prepared for me: the table set adorned with a flower jug, the embroidered tablecloth, the cutlery.
Everything was very harmonious and well-kept! Lucy hurried to serve lunch since the boat had arrived late. Lucy prepared a hearty and delicious lunch. Fresh. I waited in the dining room, a cozy space decorated with wool flowers, the typical flower of Peru, made by Lucy’s daughter. I was exhausted. The boat trip was exhausting. Climbing and descending on the islands was tiring. The anticipation was tiring. Lucy took me to my quarters. What a lovely room, all decorated! Three beds just for me, as there were no other guests. I chose the bed closest to the window, where I had the most beautiful view of Titicaca Lake. I said goodnight to Lucy and snuggled in. With the curtain open, I fell asleep, watching the waters of the highest navigable Lake in the world, also falling asleep.
After a delicious breakfast with pancakes and warm sandwiches the next day, I explored Amantani. As a journalist, I had already researched the various fascinating points of the island online, and there are quite a few. There are only a few hours before nightfall to explore everything. Lucy asks if I want her to accompany me, and I tell her no because I need my solitude to focus on the report I will make. She showed me the places I’d chosen on a map and taught me the best paths. I set off on my adventure.
Immediately, my goal was to reach the famous Chincana of Amantani: an Inca construction that, through underground paths, would traverse millions of kilometers, crossing Titicaca Lake and passing through all cities until it reaches Cusco, more precisely, the Qoricancha! And once I arrived at the island’s Plaza de Armas, I quickly found the blocked entrance of the Chincana. Unfortunately, despite all my will and excitement, I could do nothing more than admire and photograph from the exterior of the walls, with the entrance sealed, which has preserved the famous Chincana of Amantani for years.
My next visit is to the Ceremonial Center of Pachatata. The path is not easy; it involves a 1 hour and 40-minute climb under the blazing sun. There are no shops along the way, nothing but the stone path, the landscape of cultivated fields, and the lake, with flocks of sheep accompanied by women and older women dressed in their work clothes. I realized I left my water bottle at Lucy’s house. There’s no time to go back. The hours are counted, just enough for the round trip. It will soon be dark.
Pachatata is a ceremonial center located at 4,115 meters above sea level. It is a sacred place of worship, open once a year to celebrate the ancient ritual ceremony “to Mother Earth,” Pachamama.
Several paths lead us to the top of the mountain, where the Ceremonial Center of Pachatata and the nearby Pachamama are located. I stop several times, wondering if I should give up and return to Lucy’s cozy refuge. I feel thirsty, very thirsty. Suddenly, as if by magic, I see an elderly lady sitting along the path under the blazing sun. She is a vendor because of the bundle she carries on her back. I was right; she is a vendor, and besides precious crafts made by her tired hands, she also has water to sell. It was my lucky day. I still had a long way to go.
I managed to resume my hike, and this time, I became more confident that I would make it. At this moment, I encounter a group of musicians coming from the mountain’s horizon, walking in my direction, each carrying their musical instrument, there in the middle of nowhere… They approach, playing their drums, and the rhythm helps me climb. We greet each other. Among them is a Brazilian like me. We exchanged a few words, enough to know they were actors rehearsing for a play they would perform the next day, high on the mountain at the Ceremonial Center of Pachatata. The audience? They don’t seem worried. They know there’s no one else but some adventurous tourist daring enough to climb the mountain, like me.
I continue with them, joining the caravan of performers. I achieve my goal of reaching the top of Pachatata Mountain. I am here in this sacred place, accompanied by the rhythm of the drums and the songs sung by the group of actors. I contemplate the magnitude of this moment in my life. Although closed, I admire the ceremonial center behind the bars of its two doors. This moment, unique in my life, will be unforgettable.
I returned to Lucy’s house at dusk; she was worried. She prepares a delicious dinner, the last of my stay in Amantani. We agreed that I would leave at dawn, and Lucy would accompany me to the port so I would stay aware of the island’s 1 hour and 40-minute path. There is only one departure time for boats to Taquile, at 7:30 in the morning. I cannot miss that boat. My two days in Amantani flew by. I must leave for the next island, Taquile, for two more days of experience on the Titicaca islands. I set my alarm for 5 in the morning.
We depart at dawn—many steps to reach the port. Lucy talks to the boatmen and organizes everything for me. I say goodbye to Lucy, and the boat, full of tourists, heads to Taquile.
Taquile Island
We arrive after about 40 minutes of travel. I jumped off at the port; no one came to receive me. I had also not coordinated anything with the couple who would host me in Taquile—this time, I booked through Booking.com. I wanted to have this internet booking experience. I decided to follow the guide with the large group of tourists who arrived on the same boat as me to find out about my destination at the Plaza de Armas of the town—more than an hour of steep ascent with beautiful views of the island and its surroundings. The snow-capped peaks of Bolivia were even visible.
Here in Taquile, at least on this side of the island, there are many houses, one next to the other. Upon reaching the main square, many women and men dressed in traditional costumes dance to the sound of flutes and Andean musical instruments. Many little shops around sell various products but at relatively high prices.
I asked about Felipe and Inés’s house, and in their language, I understood that it was far from where we were. To get there, I must choose between two paths: the first descends, crosses the cultivated fields, and then climbs up a much steeper incline to the lodging. The second is flat but much more expansive. I will have to take a more considerable detour to reach it. I ended up choosing the flat path and began the walk.
The path is made of stones; some houses seem abandoned with broken windows. A silent and unsettling atmosphere. Why are there so many uninhabited houses? There are others with white chalk marks, visibly marked; what for? I start to notice tombs scattered across almost all the land. There are sheep, some oxen, and animals along the path. I go down a trail that leads nowhere, turn back, and correct my route. After half an hour, I finally arrived at the blue awning that was said to be my lodging.
The door is open. Unlike Lucy’s house in Amantani, there are many people here. All were seated at their tables, talking loudly, not even noticing my presence. We are in the house’s relatively flowery and sunny gardens. Many children run through the few empty spaces. I notice, in a corner, a woman weaving on a manual loom. I approach a young man serving the tables, introduce myself, and say I want to speak to the house owner because I will be staying. He asks me to wait at a table next to the kitchen inside the house. There is no sun here; I feel cold. The house owner comes out of the kitchen, not smiling, and seems busy. Wiping her wet hands, she asks me to wait. I say I’m hungry. She tells me that lunch is not included. Still, I order the same food I see being served at the other tables. That was my arrival.
After about two hours, the family came to join me once all the visitors had left. Men, women, older women, children. They all belong to the same family and all live in the same house. The rented rooms are in the middle of this crowded scene. They rushed to fix my room, which seemed to be under construction. The bathroom was covered with a thin piece of wood that let in all the cold air from outside. I immediately decided that I would not stay two nights, but just one, and that’s if… I understood that everyone in the family was focused on a dance presentation they would participate in the next day. Many colorful fabrics are spread out on the inn floor, and there is little time for the women to prepare so many garments, as each outfit has at least 20 colorful skirts underneath.
I go out to explore on my own, as I need to make the most of the rest of the day. I discovered sun doors, descents, secluded ports, and villages with a medieval atmosphere. I communicated with one or two locals along the way and found out that the Taquile cemetery is for less-loved people. Loved ones are buried within their house grounds. I now understand the tombs everywhere.
Dinner is served around 10:00 PM—a bowl of soup amidst the fitting of skirts and blouses for the next day’s party. The chairs are piled on the tables. I explained that I needed to leave the following day for work reasons. I ask for the bill. The charge for just one night is much higher than the two nights stipulated by Booking.com. I try to argue, but to no avail. If I insist, she attempts to explain the rates in dollars… I decide to accept it without further argument.
I leave early in the morning after a hastily served breakfast—just the basics. Everyone is concerned about the presentation. I pass by the Plaza de Armas to appreciate the efforts of this family for the anticipated party. I take photos with everyone and set off for a long walk, followed by an Olympic descent of over 600 stone steps down the mountain to reach the port. After the adventure, exhausted with my feet and knees in pieces, I take off my shoes and bathe my feet in the waters of Titicaca Lake while waiting for all the passengers to arrive. What a delight! A mild temperature is ideal for relaxing… I loved this ending to my adventure that I decided to give myself. Sometimes things don’t go as expected, but there’s always a way to improve the situation, right?
Back to Puno
Once I canceled my two-night stay in Taquile, I also decided to cancel the stay on the Uros Islands and return to Puno for an exceptional reason… There are still many super exciting places to visit in the city! Without a reservation, as soon as I return to the Puno Port, I start looking for accommodations for just one night, for a few hours. I discovered that the city has many options for only 30 soles. I chose the one I liked the most and created a new last-minute itinerary: the next day, I will visit the enigmatic Aramu Muru Portal, just 40 minutes from downtown Puno!
Aramu Muru
“He who has a mouth goes to Rome,” and to Aramu Muru! Known as “The Portal of the Universe” or “Willka Uta” (Place of the Sun or Door of the Gods). It is mysterious in an impressive stone jungle with peculiar and striking shapes. There are still petroglyphs and monoliths scattered here and there. And an immense portal, approximately 7 meters wide and 7 meters high, with eight angles, accompanied by high depressions on its sides.
I woke up early to find the best way to get to Amaru Muru. It is located in the Ayumarca region, at the southern end of the Llave district, in the El Collao province, in the department of Puno, Peru. Asking around, I discover a van terminal called Terminal Zonal Sur de Puno, a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. I boarded a van for seven soles from there, heading to Juli. As advised, I asked the driver to drop me off earlier at the part of the road that would take me to the Aramu Muru portal.
The road is a desert, both because there were no living souls and due to the arid, sun-bathed ground of the season. The van disappeared into the road landscape, leaving me alone in that setting. I believed in my goal and followed the necessary steps, advancing along the dirt road. Not far off, I could see, like a mirage, the Aramu Muru portal appearing on the horizon.
Indeed, the formations of the mountain range, rising in the landscape as if they had been artificially built, do not match the topography of the place: something that should not be there, according to the characteristics of the Titicaca plain. The Portal, then, goes without saying. Amazing and thrilling! Around, rock walls take on astonishing shapes. Being in the middle of this setting causes awe in anyone.
Located 3,850 meters above sea level, it has a square shape, 7 meters high by 7 meters wide, with a 2-meter high portal carved in stone. It has two grooves on its sides, large enough for a person to fit through. The legend says that the smaller opening represents the entrance of the souls of this world, while the gods use the larger entrance and only open at certain hours of the night. It is considered an energy source, and its Portal is a passage to another dimension. A strange prophecy claims that this door will one day open, and its gods will leave in their solar ships.
The Legend of the Aramu Muru Portal
The legend says that, in the time when Spanish conquerors arrived in Peru, plundering all the gold and precious stones of the Inca tribes, a priest of the Temple of the 7 Rays, named Aramu Muru, fled with the sacred golden disk from Qoricancha, known as the key to the gods of the seven rays, and hid in the Ayumarca mountains.
After walking a lot, he finally arrived at the Portal, which shaman priests guarded. Aramu Muru is said to have shown them the key of the gods. Then, they performed a ritual culminating in a magical event: the golden disk opened the Portal! According to the legend, a blue light emanated from an internal tunnel when the door opened. At that moment, Aramu Muru handed the golden disk to the shaman and then crossed the Portal, disappearing forever.
The legend also says that great heroes crossed the Portal to live a glorious life of immortality. Local inhabitants claim that 65 years ago, a group of musicians disappeared while playing near the Aramu Muru Portal. Flesh-and-blood people assert that by placing their hands on the Portal, they had visions of stars and columns of fire and heard strange music. Many locals have reported sightings of lights during the night. Currently, rituals are performed at this place, and you can see people kneeling at any time of day in front of this door with their hands extended to absorb energy. Being in front of this dimensional Portal is truly a unique experience.
Personal Account
I am a 56-year-old journalist. For most of my career, I never had the chance to witness phenomena of this nature like those found in Peru. The Amaru Muru Portal undoubtedly makes the list of these fantastic places. Throughout my time in the vicinity of the Portal, I felt an intense energy emanating from the place. Standing at its main entrance, I had the impression of hearing many voices coming from inside as if they were murmuring.
The rocks around really do form concrete figures, as if they were sculpted in stone. I saw the image of an ant, a horse with its back visibly bent, and the shape of an Inca in profile. I could see the stone of the seven rays, which inexplicably has seven cavities oriented upwards, like a connection with the sky.
Petroglyphs, some quite visible, most are fading with time. Several monoliths also suffer the action of time, one in particular that everyone who goes to Amaru Muru wants to see: it is shaped like an extraterrestrial!
And it is true that there is a recently closed tunnel where visitors leave their “payments to the earth” at the entrance. While filming, I didn’t notice, but upon reviewing the images, a strange red light appeared from the bottom of this cavity.
Sillustani Chullpas
Located 34 km from Puno, the Sillustani Chullpas were built by the Kolla culture. There are hundreds of tubular structures (tombs) where the remains of priests and rulers were found. An excursion that will leave you speechless.
The height of these capsule-shaped tombs averages 4 to 6 meters, but you will find some reaching up to 15 meters high, which is truly impressive. The preservation of this funerary complex is due to the construction materials used by the Kollas, such as stone, carved blocks, and clay.
And once in Sillustani, you will undoubtedly reach Lake Umayo, a spectacle! Mystery intertwined with scenic beauty is what awaits you at the Sillustani Chullpas.
Inca Uyo – Chucuito
In the Aymara language, the name means “abode of the Inca.” This archaeological site is considered of Inca origin due to its construction characteristics. Known as the Temple of Fertility, it is located in Chucuito (18 kilometers from Puno). It has a rectangular shape with thick walls. The site is believed to be part of a larger complex of ceremonial buildings. What attracts the most attention are the stone phalluses found inside. There are more than 80 phalluses, some complete, which draw the attention of thousands of curious tourists who visit the site. The locals believe that if a woman sits on a phallus, she will be able to have children, and there are people who claim to have witnessed this. If you go with a guide, you’ll hear several theories about the site. One of them is that the locals brought these phalluses to turn them into a tourist attraction and thus increase the town’s income. The fact is, it’s a unique place you should take advantage of visiting.
Tinajani Canyon
About 150 kilometers from Puno, we find Tinajani Canyon, located at 3,953 meters above sea level. This majestic place boasts impressive rock formations in the shape of animals and people, surprising its visitors. It is said that this “stone forest” was the bed of a large lake and that the wind-sculpted these shapes over time.
The enormous reddish rock formations captivate visitors, and you’ll enjoy being in the midst of this stone forest and the spectacular view surrounding it. Rivers, springs, and the sky make the view even more beautiful. Additionally, you’ll see the Puya Raimondi crowning the mountains, which can reach heights of 3 to 4 meters. This place will undoubtedly allow you to connect with nature authentically and is one of the gems of these fantastic surroundings.
Puno is all this and much more! Take advantage of visiting this city, a cultural treasure located in the heights of the Peruvian Andes. You will be amazed!
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