Puno: Lake Titicaca's Festival Authority
The locals of this small village play as hard as they work. Between their many festivals throughout the year these Quechan-speaking people are always working diligently on something, whether it be an intricate weaving pattern or cultivating a field. Serving as the capital of the antiplano region, the harsh highlands of Puno seemed better suited to hardy vicunas and alpacas, but its inhabitants have learned to prosper from the land.
Festivals
One of their most important contributions to the area is their passion for folklore. Not only is Puno considered the folklore center of Lake Titicaca, but it is also known for its careful preservation of over 300 different ethnic dances. Each dance is enriched with a colorful array of costumes and legends, which can be witnessed at one of the many festivals. The most famous is "Diablada," or devil dance, which is performed in February during the feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria. The dancers often try to out-do each other with elaborate hand-made masks as spectators indulge in food and drink.
Highlights
Although little is left of Puno's colonial heritage, there are a few buildings that are worth noting. With its impressive stone structure and baroque-style exterior, The Catedral is quite a remarkable architectural achievement. Next to the cathedral is the famous Balcony of the Count of Lemos, which rests on the corners of Deustua and Conde de Lemos streets in an old colonial mansion.
The Plaza de Armas also has some important structures, including a library, the municipal art gallery of Pinacoteca, and the Museo Carlos Dreyer, which holds a collection of rare Nazca, Tiahuanaco, Paracas, Chuma, and Inca artifacts.
Also be sure to check out two of the scenic viewpoints at Huajsapata Park and Deustua Arch. The first is located on the hills surrounding the village a few blocks southwest of the Plaza and containing the statue of Mano Capac. The Deustua Arch was built in 1847 to commemorate the heroes of the Battles of Junin and Ayacucho and can be reached by walking north on Independencia just before Cornejo.
Lodging
Because of the strong tourist infrastructure Puno provides many accommodation options. For the best in modern luxury Hotel Libertador on Lake Titicaca is the best bet. It has all of the amenities as well as a private dock where boat trips can be arranged. The Hotel Colon might not be as luxurious but it is centrally located and housed in a cozy, antique mansion.
Libertador Hotel Website
Colon Inn Website
Map of Lake Titicaca
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