Puno is one of the most important cities in the edge of the Titicaca, the most navigable and highest lake of the world. The city of Puno is considered the Folk Capital of America, because of its 300 variety of traditional dances. The Sikuri and the Diablada are typical dances perfomed during festivities such as that of the Virgen de la Candelaria the city's patron. This festivity is held in February and gathers thousands of people. Puno is located on these cold high plains at 4000 MAMSL. The city also knwon as the land of camelidae, was the home of Tiahuanaco culture many thousands of years ago. This culture has some of the most beautiful legacies such as the Puerta del Sol (The Sun Gate), a temple sculpted in stone.
Surroundings
Sillustani
Sillustani, just outside of Puno, is the site of some of the areas most impressive funerary towers (chullpas). They were built by the Colla people around 600 AD to bury their nobility. Entire families, along with food and personal possessions were buried in these cylinders.
The tallest of the several towers at Sillustani is 12 m/38 ft. Most of these are set along the bank of Lake Umayo. The scenery here is beautiful. Visitors walk up a hill from the parking lot to the plateau above. The towers stand at the far end of the field with the lake in behind. Below the parking lot is a small marshy lake where locals can be seen poling along in their boats, harvesting reeds.
Pomata, Peru
The small town of Pomata is located about 100km/60 mi. from Puno, along the south shore of Lake Titicaca. The main attraction in this little village is the Dominican Church on top of a hill. The church was built in 1700 and has carved puma in the facade. Pomata means 'place of the Puma'. There is not a whole lot to see in this town and there is only very limited accommodation.
Other Tours near Puno
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
- Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 5 days
- Inca Quarry Trail 4 Days
- 2 Day Inca Trail Tour
- 2 Day Inca Trail with Camping
- 3 Day Inca Trail
- Vilcabamba Hike to Machu Picchu 6 days
- Choquequirao trek to Machu Picchu 9 days
- Ausangate trek 7 days
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
When is the best time to hike to Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
