Discover Puno

The lake, situated at over 3,800 meters, is considered the highest navigable body of water in the world and is revered by locals as the sacred birthplace of Inca civilization, its deep blue water reflecting the snow-capped Andean backdrop impressively.

The indigenous Uros people still build their islands entirely from woven totora reeds, which must be regularly renewed, and traditionally live from fishing as well as, increasingly, from tourism around this unique floating way of life.

Puno is regarded as Peru's folklore capital, and during the annual Virgen de la Candelaria festival thousands of colorfully costumed dancers and musicians transform the city into a pulsing center of traditional Andean culture for several days.

The self-sufficient island community of Taquile lives far from any vehicles according to traditional collective laws, and its intricately woven textiles have been recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The nearest airport is in Juliaca, about an hour away, and is served several times daily from Lima. Alternatively, comfortable long-distance buses run from Cusco in about six to seven hours across the Altiplano.

The lake, situated at over 3,800 meters, is considered the highest navigable body of water in the world and is revered by locals as the sacred birthplace of Inca civilization, its deep blue water reflecting the snow-capped Andean backdrop impressively.

The indigenous Uros people still build their islands entirely from woven totora reeds, which must be regularly renewed, and traditionally live from fishing as well as, increasingly, from tourism around this unique floating way of life.

Puno is regarded as Peru's folklore capital, and during the annual Virgen de la Candelaria festival thousands of colorfully costumed dancers and musicians transform the city into a pulsing center of traditional Andean culture for several days.