Puno is the main city and gateway to all attractions around Lake Titicaca. Founded by the Spaniards in 1668, Puno is a city rich in local mestizo art, the fusion of native and Spanish styles that can be appreciated in its colonial balconies, weavings, music and pottery. In the Titicaca National Reserve near Puno, you can see the famous floating reed islands of the Uros Indian community. A visit to the remote islands of Taquile or Amantani is also an unforgettable experience. Isolated from the modern world, these communities have kept their traditional customs alive. The Taquilenos produce elegant dresses sold only on the island and offer visitors lodging in their own homes. Towns near the lake possess treasures of colonial architecture, such as the carved stone churches of Juli and Pomata.
Activities in Puno include:
Visits to the Chullpas de Sillustani built by the Tiwanaku people
Exploring the islands by boat
Festivities of Virgen de la Candelaria (Feb 1-14)
Climate
Dry and cold throughout the year mainly due to its inland location and altitude. Maximum temperatures average 55F while average lows range in the lower 30’s. The rainy season (also the warmest) extends from December through March.
