Introduction to Puno

Puno is the stepping-off point for exploring Lake Titicaca and its amazing array of islands, diverse native inhabitants, and colorful traditions. Perched at a dizzying 12,421 ft / 3,860 m above sea level, Puno is the capital Peru's altiplano – the harsh highland plateau region that could almost be said to be better suited to roaming vicuñas and alpacas than to visiting North Americans and Europeans. It is also an ideal complement to travel in the Cusco region: this indigo mirror to the sky affords a breathtaking contrast to the rugged heights of Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Characterized by epic landscapes and azure skies, Puno is undoubtedly most often visited for Lake Titicaca, the legendary lake where the Inca Empire has its fabled origin. Legend has it that the first two children of the Sun, Manco Capac and his sister-consort Mama Ocllo, emerged from the cerulean depths to be the first pair in the mighty Incan dynasty.

Decorating the lake’s surface are the renowned Uros, or floating islands, where pre-Incan people live on self-fashioned floating artificial islands made of woven totora reeds. Larger natural islands such as Taquile and Amantani also grace the lake’s shimmering turquoise façade, reachable in just a few hours by motorized launch from the city port.

As Peru's self proclaimed Folkloric Capital, Puno boasts a plethora of handicrafts, costumes, holidays, legends and, most importantly, more than 300 ethnic dances. Fortunately for the culture-seeking traveler, visitors are welcomed warmly and allowed remarkable insight into the customs and ways of life of communities whose traditions have remained unchanged for centuries.