Puno, paradise in the highlands.

Puno is a land defined by color, festivity and an amazing historic legacy. It is known for its textile art, its numerous dances and the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. In Puno the joy and energy of its people merge perfectly with the natural beauty that surrounds it.

Travelers want to discover Puno and Tierra Viva is there to receive them.

Considered to be one of the main cities in the Andean highlands, Puno constitutes a natural bridge between Peru and Bolivia through Lake Titicaca. Puno’s importance dates back to pre-inca times, when it was home to the people from the Pucara and Tiahuanaco cultures. Tombs, caves with human remains, ceramics and textiles evidencing this have been found and can be appreciated by tourists. Puno’s neighbors are Cusco, Arequipa, Moquegua, and Tacna.

Puno is surrounded by an unparalleled natural beauty, which along with the magical waters of Lake Titicaca, the Tinajani Tower and old pre-inca monuments, amazes tourists that visit this city. It has been designated by Peruvian Law as the “capital of Peruvian Folklore”, due to its more than 250 different dances. Dances, songs, dresses and masks that represent characters from centennial legends and make Puno’s folklore one of the richest in the continent.

Puno has many interesting and beautiful tourist attractions.

The Taquile Islands, Suasi, Amantani and of the Uros: Enjoy a boat ride and discover a beautiful set of islands, just a few hours from the city.

The Cathedral: One of the region’s most important churches. Its main attractions are its impressive architecture, its altar made of gold leaf and its paintings from the Cuzco School.

Church of the Asuncion: Traditional colonial church, known for its artistic stone arc.

House of the Lemos Count: One of the oldest colonial houses in the city. In its interior you will find an interesting exhibition prepared by the Peruvian National Institute of Culture.

Kuntur Huasi Lookout: The perfect place to admire the beauty of the city and enjoy an awe-inspiring landscape.

Chancharani: Located only 3 kilometers away from the city, this beautiful natural place is home to the area´s most splendid flora and fauna.

Puno’s Surroundings:

Puno offers a variety of tourist attractions outside the city, where nature and history merge.

Pucara: Located at 3,850 meters above sea level, this historic complex made up of houses and ceremonial centers is known for the Kalasasaya archeological enclosure and for its famous ceramics picturing the Pucara Bull.

Ayaviri: In this quaint town you will find beautiful colonial churches and relaxing thermal waters.

Sillustani: A pre-Hispanic archeological complex located only 30 kilometes away from the city of Puno. Its highlights are the funerary “chulpas” built by the Collas surrounding the Umayo Lake.

Lake Titicaca National Reserve: Created in 1978 to help preserve the 36,180 hectares of totora trees from the Ramis sector in the North and Puno in the South, as well as Lake Titicaca’s flora and fauna.