Discover Puno: Sillustani, the Uros and Lake Titicaca
Accommodation in Puno
Puno brings together archaeological sites, culture on Lake Titicaca and local cuisine. When choosing a hotel in Puno, it can help to plan your stay around the places you want to visit: Sillustani, the Carlos Dreyer Municipal Museum and the Uros Islands each offer a different focus. Chucuito, with its cuisine, is another specific regional point of interest.
Archaeology: Sillustani and the Municipal Museum
The Sillustani Archaeological Complex is located in Atuncolla, in the province of Puno. The Colla civilization built a burial center there with 91 towers. Laguna Umayo is also in the province of Puno; its waters surround the archaeological complex. The funerary architecture and the waterside setting are therefore both part of what defines Sillustani.
The Carlos Dreyer Municipal Museum in the district of Puno displays the Sillustani treasure, grave goods and a replica of a chullpa from Sillustani. The museum has a different focus from the complex itself: here, the emphasis is on exhibits and a replica; there, on the burial center and its towers. This distinction can help you include the museum collection and the archaeological site as separate interests in your plans.
Lake Titicaca, the Uros and totora
The floating Uros Islands are built from totora reeds and maintained by their residents using traditional techniques. On the Uros Islands, visitors can take part in an interactive demonstration of textile-making with alpaca and vicuña wool; check locally whether the visitor program is available. Boat trips on Lake Titicaca are offered from the Uros Islands. Check current departures and routes before setting out. The craft demonstration and boat trip have different focuses: textile-making and a journey on the lake, respectively.
An agreement with SERNANP covered a two-year service interpreting the cultural heritage of totora for the Circuito TurĂstico Balsero Chimu. Check in advance whether this service is currently available.
Protected area and regional cuisine
The Titicaca National Reserve lies in the inland waters of Lake Titicaca and extends across the provinces of Puno and Huancané. This is a different scale from the single archaeological complex of Sillustani: the reserve covers an area in the lake’s inland waters across two provinces.
Local cuisine in the district of Chucuito, in the province of Puno, includes queso frito, trout, pejerrey prepared in various ways and chairo, among other dishes. These dishes offer specific ideas for your culinary plans. Check locally which dishes and restaurants are available.
Getting to Sillustani
The route from Puno to Sillustani begins with a public minibus to Atuncolla, followed by a combi to the parking area. From the parking area, it is a five-minute walk. Check the route again before traveling so you can plan your journey using the latest connections.
Discover more destinations: Desaguadero, Puno, Copacabana; also Llachon.
Return to the main travel overview: Puno.
