Exploring Puno, Bolivia: A Travel Guide To Adventure

Puno is a port city in Peru, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca, with a population of approximately 140,839. It is the melting pot of the Aymara and Quechua cultures, with most of its inhabitants being of Andean origin. Puno is a popular stop on the South American tourist trail, with its main attractions being the Uros Floating Islands and its proximity to the Bolivian border.

- Take a boat ride on Lake Titicaca and explore the Uros Floating Islands.

- Visit Taquile Island, known for its beautiful traditional handicrafts.

- Visit the Plaza Major de Puno, a beautifully decorated square flanked by colonial-era houses, a fountain, and flower benches.

- See the Cathedral of Puno, a beautiful Catholic church with two impressive bell towers.

- Stroll through Parque Pino, a charming plaza in the heart of Puno.

- Hike to the Condor Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city, lake, and surrounding landscape.

- Shop for local handicrafts in the main shopping street.

- Try local dishes such as lomo saltado, cuy (guinea pig), alpaca, and local trout.

Explore the Uros Floating Islands

The Uros Floating Islands are a group of around 120 self-fashioned floating islands on Lake Titicaca, just five kilometres from Puno. The islands are constructed from reeds by the Uru people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the lake. The Uru use the dried Totora reeds to make the islands, as well as boats, homes, and handicrafts.

To visit the islands, you can take a half-day tour, or go independently. Boats leave from the port in Puno and take around 25 minutes to reach the islands. The boats cost 10 Soles for the return trip, and there is an additional 10 Soles entry fee to the islands. On arrival, you will usually be greeted by the island's 'president', who will give a presentation on the history and construction of the islands. You will then have the opportunity to explore the island, interact with the locals, and perhaps take a short reed boat ride to another island.

The Uros Floating Islands are a unique cultural experience and well worth a visit. The Uru people have a rich history and a strong connection to the lake, and their way of life is truly fascinating.

Visit Taquile Island

Taquile Island is a tiny island in the middle of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. It has a dramatic, rocky landscape topped with pre-Columbian ruins. The island has become a tourist hotspot due to its famous knitwear and textiles, which have been recognised by UNESCO.

Getting There

Taquile Island is 35 km (22 miles) and a three-hour boat ride from Puno. You can also opt for a full-day tour from Puno, which includes a visit to the floating Uros Islands.

What to Do on Taquile Island

The island is known for its archaeological remains and wonderful views of the lake, with a backdrop of the snow-capped Cordillera Real in Bolivia. There are no roads or vehicles, erratic electricity, and few dogs.

The Taquileños are known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing, regarded as some of the highest-quality handicrafts in Peru. Men on the island can often be seen spinning wool or knitting the floppy woollen red caps that they wear as part of their charming traditional attire. Women wear voluminous skirts and beautifully embroidered blouses, which can be seen in a museum and crafts store on the main plaza.

The island's inhabitants also offer home stays, transportation, lodging for groups, cultural activities, local guides, and restaurants.

Food and Drink

Taquile offers a range of typical dishes. Breakfast consists of two pancakes with sugar or bread with eggs, served with a cup of tea made from either Muña or Coca. Lunch includes vegetable soup, fish with rice, and a tomato and onion salad. Dinner is usually vegetable soup with bread.

Culture and Religion

The Taquileños run their society based on community collectivism and the Inca moral code: "ama sua, ama llulla, ama qhilla" (Quechua for "do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy"). The majority of the inhabitants are Catholic, having adapted this religion to harmonise with the Andean religion and its deities, such as Pachamama (Mother Earth).

Visit the main Plaza Major de Puno

Puno, a port city in Peru, is a melting pot of Aymara and Quechua culture. The city is situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca and is the capital of the Puno Region and the Puno Province. With an altitude of over 3,800 meters, Puno is a picturesque hillside city that offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

One of the main attractions in Puno is the Plaza Mayor de Puno, a vibrant and bustling square located in the heart of the city. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

• Explore the Surrounding Area: Plaza Mayor de Puno is surrounded by beautiful colonial-era churches, colourful buildings, and lively streets. Take a leisurely walk to admire the architecture and soak in the unique blend of modernity and Andean traditions.
• Visit the Cathedral of Puno: Located just a stone's throw away from the plaza, the Cathedral of Puno is a must-see. Step inside to admire the intricate interior and learn about its history.
• Indulge in Local Cuisine: Puno offers a variety of dining options, from upscale restaurants to quaint cafes. Try local specialties like alpaca meat and trout, or enjoy a cup of coca tea to help with the high-altitude adjustment.
• Shop for Local Crafts: Plaza Mayor de Puno is often surrounded by local artisans selling their handmade crafts and souvenirs. It's a great opportunity to support local artists and find unique gifts to take back home.
• People-Watching: Plaza Mayor de Puno is a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists. Sit on a bench, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and observe the diverse crowd. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and watch the world go by.
• Attend Cultural Events: Keep an eye out for cultural events and festivals that often take place in the plaza. From traditional dance performances to musical celebrations, these events offer a glimpse into the rich folklore of Puno.

Plaza Mayor de Puno is a vibrant and lively hub that captures the essence of the city. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy the surrounding architecture, or simply relax and people-watch, a visit to Plaza Mayor de Puno is a must when exploring this charming Peruvian city.

Hike to the Condor Viewpoint

The hike to the Condor Viewpoint in Puno, Peru, is a must-do when visiting the city. Known as "Mirador El Condor" or "Mirador de Kuntur Wasi", this viewpoint offers unmatched views of the city, Lake Titicaca, and the surrounding landscape. The viewpoint features a massive Condor statue, built in homage to the Andean condor, the sacred bird in Inca culture and the tutelary bird of the Andes.

The hike to the Condor Viewpoint takes approximately one hour from the city centre of Puno and is free to enter. It is important to note that the path involves climbing a significant number of stairs, so it is recommended to take your time and stay hydrated. Benches are available along the way for rest stops. The ideal time to visit the viewpoint is at sunset, offering the perfect opportunity for panoramic photographs.

To reach the viewpoint on foot, follow Jr. Deustua street, which will lead you to Llave, the direct road to the viewpoint. It takes about 20 minutes to get there directly, and then you'll need to climb stairs for about another 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive or take a taxi to the viewpoint, which will take around 5 to 7 minutes.

The Condor Viewpoint is located at an altitude of 3990 meters above sea level, providing a majestic view of the city and the lake. It is a great spot to capture memorable photos of your trip to Puno. Don't forget to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and hiking shoes for the trek.

Shop for local handicrafts

Puno is a port city in Peru, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca, and is a melting pot of Aymara and Quechua culture. The city is characterised by its unique blend of modernity and Andean traditions, with women in traditional clothing living and working alongside their modern counterparts.

Puno's altitude of over 3,800 metres means that the weather can be extremely cold, especially at night. During the day, however, the sun is uncomfortably hot, so be sure to pack accordingly.

If you're looking to shop for local handicrafts, there are several options to choose from. Firstly, there is a large artisan market on the lake by the tourist terminal, where you can find souvenirs at cheaper prices than in Cuzco or Lima. Here, you can purchase a range of handcrafted items, including decorative articles, clothing accessories, and clothes. These items are crafted by artisan associations, often composed of entire families, who rely on this art form to support their livelihoods.

In addition to the market on the lake, there are several textile-producing communities in and around Puno that are renowned for their high-quality products and designs. These include Tarabuco, Challa, Calcha, and Callarmarca. Llama and alpaca wool are commonly used as raw materials, and you may even spot locals plying the steep streets of La Paz, carrying baskets of textiles ready for sale.

If you're looking for something a little more unique, you can find products dyed using traditional, natural dyes in some areas. These dyes are made from flowers, leaves, bark, seeds, roots, and even cochineal beetles, among other things. Wooden carved products are also available in La Paz and Cochabamba, featuring cultural symbols such as soaring condors and towering mountains.

For those interested in supporting local economies and preserving traditional heritage, purchasing handicrafts directly from artisans is an excellent way to do so. By buying these skillfully crafted items, you not only acquire a unique souvenir but also contribute to the livelihood of local families and the continuation of ancient traditions.

Frequently asked questions