Things to do in Puno

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Peru

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca straddles the Collao Plateau on the border of Peru and Bolivia, with an altitude of approx. 3,800 m. It is a rare, large, high-altitude navigable freshwater lake in the world, often known as the Pearl of the Plateau. Although located inland, its water is not salty, and despite its high altitude, it never freezes. The crisp, thin air of the plateau and the light, which is closer to the sun's true color, make the lake surface appear even bluer than the sky. The origin of the lake's name is debated, but a widely circulated theory is that it is derived from the local language for Rock of the Puma. A highly recognizable experience here is the reed floating islands of the Uros people: hundreds of years ago, this small tribe moved onto the lake to escape the encroachment of the Inca Empire, creating floating islands using layers of bundled reed roots and stalks. Today, there are still hundreds of floating islands on the lake, where thousands of Uros people have lived for generations. On the islands, reeds are almost everything in life—houses, boats, and beds are all built from reeds, and the tender stems of the reeds, playfully called lake bananas by the islanders, can be eaten directly, with the craft of building with reeds passed down from generation to generation.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Puno

Uros Floating Islands

Uros Floating Islands float on the azure waters of Lake Titicaca and are one of the legendary cultural wonders of South America. Hundreds of years ago, to escape war, the Uros people wove totora reeds into movable floating islands, building a secluded home on the water. Today, these golden floating island clusters have become a window into exploring Andean civilization. Visitors can leisurely travel between them on traditional reed boats, step onto the soft yet resilient reed ground, and feel the unique sensation of the reeds creaking with every step. Watching islanders cut totora reed root bricks and bundle foundations to build floating islands is a vivid experience. But for a deeper immersion, consider staying in a reed hut, sleeping to the sound of lake waves, and waking up to see the morning sun gilding the floating islands, as if in a world apart. This floating kingdom of reeds is both a living museum of Andean civilization and an epic poem on the lake about perseverance and inclusion.

Plaza Mayor de Puno

Pino Park

Sillustani

Sillustani is located about 34 km northwest of Puno, Peru, and is an important archaeological site famous for its cylindrical stone towers, "Chullpas." These towers were used by the Colla and Inca civilizations to bury their nobility, showcasing the exquisite stonemasonry of the ancient Andean region. The site is situated on the shores of Lake Umayo, surrounded by beautiful scenery where the lake and mountains create a picturesque landscape. It takes about 40 minutes to drive to Sillustani from downtown Puno. Visitors are advised to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strong midday sun and enjoy more comfortable temperatures. When exploring the site on foot, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and drinking water. This place is not only a testament to history but also a paradise for photography enthusiasts to capture the magnificent views of the lake and the towers.

Enrique Torres Belon Stadium

Mirador Puma Uta

Cerrito Huajsapata

Condor Hill (Mirador de Kuntur Wasi)

Archaeological Site Inca Uyo