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peru.travel
Monday, November 6, 2023
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Puno is one of the most incredible destinations in Peru for two reasons: it boasts a historical circuit highlighting its most emblematic cultural attractions and houses a vast number of natural areas. Even though the region sits at 3827 meters above sea level, travelers recount that their energies are renewed by the magic of local dances such as Danza Morenada, Rey Moreno and Rey Caporal, Ayarachis, Sikurus, the Diablada Puneña, and more.
This adventure allows travelers to immerse themselves in the traditions and biodiversity of Puno, uncovering some of its most renowned legends.
Puno's history through its archaeological sites
Here are some of the most representative destinations of the civilizations that inhabited ancient Peru in Puno.
Sillustani Archaeological Complex
Under the white clouds of Puno lies one of the most important necropolises in the world. Centuries ago, the Chullpas of Sillustani, now part of the historical complex of the same name, were part of the Colla culture kingdom, housing the funerary remains of the most important authorities of this culture. One of the most well-known tombs is the "Chullpa de Lagarto". This mystical destination is located on the shores of Lake Umayo and takes the shape of inverted tree trunks up to 12 meters high. Moreover, the ancient inhabitants believed this cemetery held a direct connection with the Sun God.
The Chullpas of Sillustani were part of the Colla culture kingdom. Credit: PromPerú.
Willka Uta or Aramu Muru
Also known as Hayu Marca or "The Devil's Gate," it is one of the most mysterious destinations on the route to the city of Puno. Although it is a pre-Incan construction, the legend tells that the Inca priest Aramu Muro, along with a priestess, were escaping from the advance of the conquerors in the 16th century; he carried the solar portal, an invaluable object for this civilization. During their escape, they reached this sandstone gateway and mysteriously disappeared. This tourist attraction in Puno is located near Lake Titicaca.
Landscapes and natural wonders
Lake Titicaca
This is where it all began when Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo emerged from these waters to begin the legend of ancient Peru. This destination holds the denomination of Hierarchy 4, the same as the Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu or the Nazca and Palpa Lines and Geoglyphs. With an extension of 36 180 hectares, it is the highest navigable lake in the world. Its importance for biodiversity lies in the wide variety of flora and fauna that inhabit it, such as the Titicaca grebe. It comprises different islands, including the Uros Floating Island, Taquile, Amantani, Tikonata, Suasi, and more, which are inhabited by communities with an ancestral heritage.
This is the highest lake in the world and spans 36 180 hectares. Credit: Gihan Tubbeh / PromPerú.
Tinajani Canyon
We continue with the destinations wrapped in myth. Hundreds of years in the past, the Inka Pachacutec consulted the empire's wise men on how to solve the problem of droughts, and they indicated to him that where the canyon is located today, the devil was wandering. That is why he ordered the construction of attractions known as "tinajas" to purify the land and thus warding off evil. Despite their efforts, it was impossible to do so, and according to local stories, evil still roams the area. To traverse this landscape, one must reach the city of Ayaviri and continue 150 kilometers to the north of Puno to this point at 4059 meters above sea level.
Some travelers mention that this devil can still be seen in the destination. Credit: PromPerú.
Stone forest in Macusani
This destination is also known as the "Gothic City" and is located in the district of Macusani, the alpaca destination of Peru. The main attraction here is the rock formations of different sizes, resembling human and animal figures, as if in the past, this place had been a town. Inside, there are some cave paintings approximately 8000 years old, still under investigation. Additionally, it is surrounded by a green landscape contrasting with the area's beauty, where activities like trekking can be carried out.
This destination is also known as the "Gothic City" and is located in the district of Macusani. Credit: Shutterstock.
As part of this incredible route, we cannot overlook the marvelous artistic legacy of Taquile:
Crafts of Taquile
In 2005, this art was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage by UNESCO. The community residing here continues the legacy of ancestral civilizations through traditional pre-Hispanic looms, which also reflect their syncretism. For example, the calendar belt is an example of how annual agricultural and ceremonial cycles were organized in the past.
In 2023, Taquile was included in the World's Best Tourist Villages list by the World Tourism Organization.
Credit: Gihan Tubbeh / PromPerú.
Puno is one of the most majestic destinations in the high Andean area of Peru due to its stories, myths, and nature. It is undoubtedly one of the journeys every visitor should make when traveling through the country.
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