Puno (region)

The Puno region lies on the Coyao Plateau. It owns the western part of Lake Titicaca (including this territory (5004 km²), the area of ​​the region is 71,999 km²), the highest mountain shipping lake in the world. Andes occupy 70% of the region, the remaining 30% are covered by the Amazon rainforest.

The climate is cold and dry, the rainy season lasts four months. The climate of the rainforests is warm. The region is rich in water resources: Lake Titicaca, 50 lagoons and more than 300 rivers.

Large rivers: Suce, Huancan, Ramis, Coata, Iyave, Desaguadero and San Gaban.

Lakes: Titicaca and Arap.

Lagoons: Lagunias, Saka-Kocha, Umayo.

Islands on the lake. Titicaca: Amantani, Takuile, Chirita 1, Soto, Chirita 2, Ustut, Kuipata, Chilata, Suazi, Estevez.

Mountain peaks: Viskachani (6000 m) and Ananea Grande (5830 m).

In ancient times, the Coyao Plateau was inhabited by the Aymara tribes. According to legend, the first Inca Manco Kapak and his wife Mama Okyo left Lake Titicaca to establish an Inca empire.

Aymara culture, also known as Pukin culture, was the region’s most significant pre-Hispanic culture. In the middle of the XVI century , the first Spaniards appeared in the region and, learning about the rich deposits of minerals in the area, and especially gold and silver, began constant wars for land ownership.

During the existence of the Viceroyalty of Peru, a road passed through Puno to Potosi in Upper Peru (now Bolivia ).

Around 1660, the struggle to own the richest mine in Laicacota (located 7 km from Puno) forced Viceroy Pedro Antonio Fernandez de Castro, Count de Lemos , to pacify the belligerents, which led to the founding of the city of San Juan Batisto de November 4, 1668 Puno, the administrative center of the province of Paukarkoya. Later it was renamed San Carlos de Puno, in honor of King Charles II, and then at Puno.

In 1870, the Arequipa - Puno railway was built and shipping began on Lake Titicaca.

In 1986, the coastal areas of Lake Titicaca were affected by flooding caused by a river spill.

On September 15, 2007, south of Lake Titicaca in the Chukuito province near the village of Karankas, a meteorite named after the village Karankas fell.

More than three quarters of the population are representatives of the Quechua and Aymara peoples.

The region is divided into 13 provinces, which in turn are divided into 107 districts. Provinces include:

Puno's economy is mainly focused on agriculture and tourism.

International Airport "Inca-Manco-Kapak" in the city of Juliaca .

Roads connecting the region with the regions of Arequipa , Tacna , Mokegua , Cuzco , La Paz in Bolivia.

Railway connections with Cuzco and Arequipa .

Water communication Puno with the islands of Lake Titicaca.

Puno is called the folk capital of Peru. Folklore is characterized by a mixture of various dances (more than 300), music and traditions of the inhabitants of Puno.

The most important religious festival of Puno is the feast of the Virgin de la Candelaria, which takes place on February 2 .

The most common production of textiles is made of alpaca, llama and sheep wool, as well as local musical instruments, shiku and charango.

The Cathedral on the central square of Puno - built in the 17th century by the Peruvian architect, Simon de Asto, in the Baroque style with elements of Peruvian culture.

Count Lemos House is the former residence of Viceroy Pedro Antonio Fernandez de Castro, Count de Lemos.

Municipal Museum of Dreyer with a collection of ceramics, jewelry, fabrics and sculptures of the Inca era and previous cultures.

Arch of Deustoit in memory of the patriots who fought for the freedom of Peru.

Uahsapata Hill with stunning views of the city of Puno and Lake Titicaca.

Lake Titicaca - the main attraction of the region, belongs to Peru and Bolivia. There are 32 natural islands on the lake (Amantani, Takuile, Soto, Anapia, Ustut, Kuipata, Chilata, Suazi, Esteves and others).

In addition to these islands, in the Bay of Puno there are 20 more floating islands of Uros from the Totors (reeds), inhabited by Indians, which number about 1,200 people. They preserved the traditional way of life, customs, beliefs and national costumes.

Usually 3-10 families live on one floating island. Men are engaged in fishing, women in handicrafts and housekeeping. The main source of income is the sale of souvenirs to tourists. Totors make dry boats from sump stems with steeply bent stern and bow. The largest islands are Turipi, Santa Maria, Tribuna, Toranipata, Chumi, Paraiso, Kapi, Titino, etc.).

Silyustani is an ancient Inca burial and call culture on the shores of the Umayo lagoon with stone funeral towers 30 km west of Puno.

• Hiskairumoko - pre-Columbian archaeological site - excavation site located 54 km southeast of Puno.

Pukara 101 km north of Puno. It produces one of Puno's main souvenirs - ceramic gobies.

Chuquito is 14 km from Puno with its beautiful main square and the churches of Nuestra Signora de la Asuncion and Santo Domingo located on it. Near the city - the place of worship of the Incas Wio .

Iiave , 56 kilometers south of the city of Puno. Churches - San Miguel de Ilaba and Santa Barbara.

Huli 60 kilometers south of Puno, called the "Little Rome of America." It was an important Jesuit center for training missionaries for Paraguay and Bolivia. It is notable for churches in the Renaissance and Baroque style.

Pomata 108 kilometers south of Puno with the church of Santiago Apostoli and a beautiful view of the lake.

Totorani Waterfalls