PUNO Attraktionen und Umgebung
Lake Titicaca - Puno
The highest navigable lake in the world, it is situated east
of Puno, at 3,810m.a.s.l. It is 194 km long at its longest section
and 65 km wide, on average. It is the habitat of birds, such
as the parihanas (Phoenicopterus chilensis); of fish, like the
carachi (of the orestias spp species), suche (trichomycterus
punctulatus or trichomycterus rivulatus) trout and Peruvian
silverside; and of totora (cattail or reed) a water weed which
can be as high 3 m. tall.
Totora is used by the Uros as material in the construction of
houses and rafts, and as baby food -the lower portion of the
stem is called ch'ullu- as it is a very good source of iodine.
It must be mentioned that a section of the lake (36,108 ha)
was declared the Titicaca National Reserve in October 1978,
in order to preserve its natural species and its scenic beauty.
From the lake port of the City of Puno, there are excursions
trips to the islands of the Uros, Taquile and Amantaní.
The Islands of Uros - Puno
The Uros are a people who live on approximately 40
floating islands, made mainly of totora (cattail or reed). These
islands occupy a large part of the Titicaca National Reserve,
from the Bay of Puno to the Peninsula of Capachica. The Uros
group themselves under the highest moral and religious authority:
the grandfather. They mainly live off hunting and fishing, but
they are also known for their high skills knit totora, which
they use in making their rafts and their houses, as well as
handicrafts.
Amantani
- Puno
This is another of the Lake Titicaca islands, situated
some 40 km (4 hrs and 30 min) northeast of Puno and about 30
min north of the Island of Taquile, by lake. There are interesting
archaeological sites here, such as the cove at the Chatajón
Cemetery, and ceremonial sites, like Pasallasca Oc'co, where
the Mama Qocha, the lake, is veneered each year. The inhabitants
are mainly engaged in agriculture and fishing. They produce
textiles with a variety of designs and they make baskets and
containers, using the straw they obtain from the ichu. They
also carve granite rock they extract from Llacastiti Hill.
Taquile - Puno
This is a peaceful island on Lake Titicaca, situated some 35
km (4 hr) east of the City of Puno, by boat. There are no roads
or electricity in Taquile, but here are plenty of hills and
archaeological ruins. From Chilcano one may arrive at the Main
Square, the island's main pier; after climbing 540 steps. The
most popular attractions in Taquile are its landscape, dominated
by tiered platforms where potatoes, corn, quinoa and broad beans
are cultivated; ceremonial sites hosting rituals imploring for
abundant harvests and fishing, and the hospitality of its people,
who are so outstandingly organized. The textile industry is
the main activity on this island and the garments they manufacture
relate to their daily chores.
Sillustani - Puno
In the archaeological site of Sillustani, 34 km (approximately
30 min) north of the City of Puno, on the shore of beautiful
Umayo Lake, one runs into enigmatic chullpas, which were built
by the Collas, some of which are more than 12 m high. Used
to bury the most important personalities of this nation, the
chullpas known as Lagarto and Intiwatana are the most prominent.
Chucuito
- Puno
This is a town which is 18 km (about 30 min) southeast
of Puno. Its Main Square is flanked by two beautiful churches:
La Asunción and Santo Domingo, both with a Renaissance
style, built in the 16th century. This is where Inka Uyo is
located, a space reportedly used to invoke and induce fertility,
also known as the Temple of the Phallus.
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