Puno

For all the modernistic marvels in Puno’s urban center, it is perhaps the image of the clay-tinted town over Lake Titicaca that captures the heart at first sight. With audacious attractions dominated by the lake and a medley of natural sights, Puno lives up to its exalted reputation as a watery wonderland. The city may be a commercial center. But at its heart, centuries-old traditions of the Inca and Aymara tribes still pulsate in full force. Their heritage makes Puno a place to be cherished and savored. The city hosts colorful festivals each year, earning it the epithet “the folkloric capital of Peru.”

Set at 3,800 meters from the ground, Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable body of water and anchors the city with splendor. Only a handful of selected spots on earth will match your first glimpse at this dazzling pond. Peppering the lake are the floating islands of Uros, a must-see attraction for the ultimate Lake Titicaca experience. You will be surprised to hear that they are human-made to the last drop. Uros people built the islands in the pre-Columbian era to secure their land from other inhabitants. Today, visitors to the islands witness their time-capsuled traditions, bright clothes, and hearty tunes.

A realm of colorful handwoven textiles and authentic lifestyle, Taquile Island is another indigenous hub on the lake. Around 2,200 people live on the island, most of whom carry on the traditions of knitting and weaving. After a few hours of tasting the ways of the Taquile folk, you won’t want to return to the city.