Puno Peru is a city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. It is the capital of the Puno Region and the most populous city in the region with a population of over 120,000 people. Puno has a long and rich history, and is home to some of the most amazing facts and things to do.
History of Puno
Puno has a long and rich history that dates back to pre-Incan times. It is believed that the first inhabitants of the area were the Aymara people, who settled in the region around 1000 BC. During the Inca Empire, Puno was an important religious center and home to the Viracocha Temple, which was dedicated to the god of creation. After the fall of the Incan Empire, Puno became part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, and the city was used as a port for the Spanish fleets. In the 19th century, Puno became an important center for the Peruvian War of Independence, and in 1825 it was declared the capital of the newly independent Republic of Peru.
Amazing Facts About Puno
Puno is home to some amazing facts and features. It is the highest city in the world, located at an altitude of 3,827 meters (12,552 feet) above sea level. It is also the Folkloric Capital of Peru, due to its vibrant traditional culture and festivals. Puno is also home to the largest traditional festival in the world, the Virgen de la Candelaria Festival, which attracts over 300,000 visitors every year.
Things to Do in Puno
Puno has many things to do and see, from its vibrant culture to its stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the top things to do in Puno:
• Visit the Uros Islands: The Uros Islands are a group of man-made islands located on Lake Titicaca. The islands are home to the Uros people, who have lived on the islands for centuries. Visitors can take a boat tour of the islands and learn about the culture and history of the Uros people.
• Explore Sillustani: Sillustani is an ancient burial ground located on the shores of Lake Umayo. The site is home to several chullpas, or tower tombs, which were used by the pre-Inca Colla people.
• Visit the Sillustani Museum: The Sillustani Museum is located near the burial ground and is home to a collection of artifacts from the Colla people.
• Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo: The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo is an art museum located in Puno. The museum is home to a collection of modern and contemporary art from Peru and around the world.
• Take a Boat Tour of Lake Titicaca: Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and is home to many different species of wildlife. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake and explore its islands, villages, and natural beauty.
• Visit the Floating Islands of Uros: The Floating Islands of Uros are a group of man-made islands located on Lake Titicaca. The islands are home to the Uros people, who have lived on the islands for centuries. Visitors can take a boat tour of the islands and learn about the culture and history of the Uros people.
• Explore the Sumbay Caves: The Sumbay Caves are a series of underground caverns located near Puno. The caves are home to a variety of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as ancient rock paintings.
• Visit the Sillustani Archaeological Site: The Sillustani Archaeological Site is located near the burial ground and is home to a collection of artifacts from the Colla people.
• Take a Tour of the Historic Center: The Historic Center of Puno is home to many of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Puno. Visitors can take a guided tour of the center and learn about the city’s history and culture.
• Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery: The Santa Catalina Monastery is a 16th-century convent located in the Historic Center of Puno. The monastery is home to a collection of religious artifacts and artwork from the colonial period.
• Explore the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo: The Museo de Arte Contemporaneo is an art museum located in Puno. The museum is home to a collection of modern and contemporary art from Peru and around the world.
• Hike the Chullpas Trail: The Chullpas Trail is a popular hiking trail located near Puno. The trail leads to the top of a hill, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and Lake Titicaca.
• Visit the Chullpas of Sillustani: The Chullpas of Sillustani are a series of ancient tower tombs located near the Sillustani burial ground. The tombs are a popular tourist attraction and are home to a variety of artifacts from the pre-Inca Colla people.
• Take a Boat Tour of Lake Umayo: Lake Umayo is a small lake located near Puno. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake and explore its islands, villages, and natural beauty.
• Visit the Museo de Arte Popular: The Museo de Arte Popular is an art museum located in Puno. The museum is home to a collection of traditional art from Peru and around the world.
• Explore the Sillustani Archaeological Site: The Sillustani Archaeological Site is located near the burial ground and is home to a collection of artifacts from the Colla people.
• Take a Tour of the Historic Center: The Historic Center of Puno is home to many of the city’s most important landmarks, including the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral of Puno. Visitors can take a guided tour of the center and learn about the city’s history and culture.
• Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery: The Santa Catalina Monastery is a 16th-century convent located in the Historic Center of Puno. The monastery is home to a collection of religious artifacts and artwork from the colonial period.