Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
land Inca settlements of Amantaní or Taquile. While you're exploring, look for intricate
crafts made out of reeds - these are local to the area. In the evening, retire to Puno for a
little bit of highland nightlife.
The last day will be all about ruins - specifically
chullpas,
the massive funerary towers
that look like spaceship capsules. Find them in abundance at
(3) Sillustani
, which also
happens to have excellent views of the sapphire blue Lago Umayo.
PUNO TO THE ISLANDS
Living Like a Local
Spend the first day engaged in leisurely activities in
(1) Puno
, given its literally breath-
taking altitude of 3830m. Hit its cultural highlights, including the cathedral and the Coca
Museum.
The next day, set out for a one- to two-night homestay on one of the Lake Titicaca is-
lands. If you like your islands to float, then make arrangements to stay on the
(2) Islas
Uros
. Otherwise, boat over to
(3) Isla Taquile
or, better yet, the less-visited
(4) Isla
Amantaní
. Here, you'll cook over an open flame, watch the moon rise over the lake and
generally enjoy a simple, rural existence.
Afterwards, return to Puno for some land-lubbing. Spend a day taking in the nearby
pre-Columbian site of
(5) Sillustani
, and, if you have time, visit the village of
(6) Lampa
, where a graceful church contains a lovely baroque facade and some highly unusual de-
cor. (Hello, taxidermy!).
For your last full day in the area, head south to
(7) Chucuito
, where you can admire
the stone phalluses at the Templo de la Fertilidad. Spend the last night back in town enjoy-
ing Puno's hospitable watering holes - and maybe a
cerveza
(beer), or two.
