Uros Islands
Puno lies on the Peruvian banks of Lake Titicaca, and while it’s often considered the gateway to Bolivia, there’s a lot more to this particular area of Peru than just being a transit point. There is a wealth of local culture to be enjoyed here and, as the people are mostly indigenous, it’s very different to the culture that can be found elsewhere in the country. So why not relax and enjoy great day trips from Puno before moving on?
Cutimbo
This hilltop village is where you can enjoy some of the best views in the area, looking out over the surrounding plains; one of the great aspects of this attraction is that you are unlikely to meet many other travelers enjoying the same views. At the top of the hill there are several chullpas, funeral towers from the pre-Columbian civilizations, and many of these still show the intricate carvings placed on them by the indigenous people.
Uros Islands
Although they are referred to as islands, the Uros Islands are actually made from the local totora reeds. The comfort of the homes that people have created with this material is quite remarkable. The Uros Islands are any easy day trip from Puno and can be visited by boat, and most people go with a guide, although it is possible to travel independently. There is even a post office on one of the islands that allows you to send a postcard home.
Chucuito
One of the most interesting things about a visit to Chucuito is the old Temple of Fertility from the Inca civilization. While quite small, the mushroom-shaped objects within the temple were created to resemble a phallus, of which there are several in the temple. There is also a pleasant church in the town itself, while a walk up to the nearby hill provides views back over the town.
Isla Taquile
Isla Taquile is a great place to explore the culture of the indigenous people. The people of the tribe on the island help to present this culture, while also making sure that visitors are welcome. A day trip usually includes a meal on the island, which often features some of the wonderful fish caught in Lake Titicaca itself by the local people.
- Contributed by Ayngelina Brogan
