Puno

Puno is a high-altitude city on the northwestern shore of Lake Titicaca, at roughly 3,830 metres above sea level. Known as the "City of the Lake," it is the capital of the Puno region and province and serves as the main gateway to the Peruvian side of the world's highest navigable lake.

Founded in 1668 as San Carlos de Puno, the city is widely regarded as Peru's folklore capital. Its colonial centre, including the baroque Puno Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas, reflects its Andean-Spanish heritage, while the historic Yavari steamship and local museums preserve the area's lake and regional history.

The city is best known as the starting point for Lake Titicaca experiences, including the Uros floating islands and the islands of Taquile and Amantaní. Nearby, the pre-Inca chullpa towers of Sillustani offer a striking look at the region's ancient funerary architecture, and the port and waterfront add to the city's relaxed lakeside character.

Puno's economy is driven by tourism, regional trade, textiles and highland agriculture, with alpaca wool, quinoa and fresh lake trout among its best-known products. The February Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, recognised by UNESCO, fills the streets with music, dance and elaborate costumes and ranks among South America's largest festivals.

For leisure travellers, Puno is an essential stop between Cusco and Bolivia, while business and event visitors use it as a base for regional commerce, cultural tourism and cross-border travel around Lake Titicaca.