Puno

Overlooking the beautiful and sacred Lake Titicaca, Puno is a treasure chest filled with mystery, religious beliefs and ornately sculptured architecture. Walk along the Bahia de los Incas Ecotourism Seawall and see the Sukankas (solar clocks) or Intihuatanas (calendars) once used by the Incas to determine the times and dates of their ceremonial rituals. Hire one of the many Puno Tourist guides to navigate your way to the historical sites. On the Plaza de Armas, the large exterior of the Catedral Puno has the most beautifully carved entrance filled with images of saints and the dimly lit interior calls for silence. Acknowledge those that fought for the independence of Peru at the Deustua Arch and visit the cultural complex of Conde de Lemos Balcony and its special art gallery of pre Inca artefacts, ceramics and textiles. Sit at one of the many side-walk café’s on Parque Pino Square and enjoy a bowl of Chairo – a lamb based soup before walking to the Mercado de Artesanía to purchase woollen articles made by one of the many artisans. The Uros floating islands made of both natural and man-made islands is home to several communities of the Aymara and Quechua Indians. Amongst the reed boats plied by the locals, stands an Antique British Ship, now a museum and a bar. Textile work and knitting are very popular in the city, and have been practiced by women and men for thousands of years, particularly on the Isla Taquile in the middle of Lake Titicaca. Hop over for a look, or better still, ask your Puno tour guide to arrange an overnight stay with a local family for a unique experience The city is rich in traditional Inca culture, and residents continue to practice their rituals with the same gusto as generations past. Consider yourself lucky if you are in Puno when its hosts the celebration of the Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria; a colourful festival where folk dance is one of the most notable activities.