Sights in Lake Titicaca
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Yavari
The much-loved Yavari is the oldest steamship on Lake Titicaca. In 1862 the Yavari and its sister ship, the Yapura, were built in Birmingham, England, of iron parts - a total of 2766 for the two vessels. These were shipped around Cape Horn to Arica, from where they were moved by train to Tacna, before being hauled by mule over the Andes to Puno - an incredible undertaking that took six years to complete.
The ships were assembled in Puno and the Yavari was launched on Christmas Day 1870. The Yapura was later renamed the BAP Puno and became a Peruvian Navy medical ship; it can still be seen in Puno. Both had coal-powered steam engines, but due to a shortage of coal, the eng…
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Islas Uros
Just 5km east of Puno, these unique floating islands are Lake Titicaca’s top tourist attraction. They’re built using the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The lives of the Uros people are interwoven with these reeds, which are partially edible (tasting like hearts of palm) and are also used to make their homes, their boats and the crafts they churn out for tourists.
The islands are constructed from many layers of the totora, which are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom, so the ground is always soft and springy. (Be careful not to put your foot through any rotten sections!)
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Coca Museum
Puno’s tiny, quirky Coca Museum offers lots of interesting information – historical, medicinal, cultural – about the coca plant and its many uses. Presentation isn’t that interesting, though: reams of text (in English only) stuck to the wall interspersed with photographs and old Coca-Cola advertisements. The display of traditional costumes is what makes a visit to this museum worthwhile. Though its relation to coca is unfathomable, it’s a boon for making sense of the costumes worn in street parades.
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Cutimbo
Just over 20km from Puno, this dramatic site has an extraordinary position atop a table-topped volcanic hill surrounded by a fertile plain. Its modest number of well-preserved chullpas, built by the Colla, Lupaca and Inca cultures, come in both square and cylindrical shapes. You can still see the ramps used to build them. Look closely and you’ll find several monkeys, pumas and snakes carved into the structures.
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B
Casa del Corregidor
The 17th-century Casa del Corregidor, one of Puno’s oldest residences, houses a cultural center where exhibitions, workshops and concerts take place. There’s also an art gallery and a bookshop. Its cafe-bar is a great place to hobnob with local expats and artists over a cappuccino and a pastry.
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C
Cathedral
On the western flank of the Plaza de Armas is Puno’s baroque cathedral, which was completed in 1757. The interior is more Spartan than you’d expect from the well-sculpted facade, except for the silver-plated altar, which, following a 1964 visit by Pope Paul VI, has a Vatican flag to its right.
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Huajsapata Park
A 10-minute walk west of the Plaza de Armas brings you to Huajsapata Park atop a little hill crowned by a larger-than-life white statue of the first Inca Manco Capac looking out over the legendary site of his birth. The view is excellent but don't walk here alone - several robberies have been reported.
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D
Puno Cathedral
On the western flank of the Plaza de Armas, Puno's baroque cathedral was completed in 1757. While its facade is well-sculptured, the interior is surprisingly spartan apart from the silver-plated altar that, following a 1964 visit by Pope Paul VI, had a Vatican flag placed to its right.
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E
Museo Carlos Dreyer
Museo Carlos Dreyer houses a fascinating collection of Puno-related archaeological artifacts and art. Upstairs there are three mummies and a full-scale fiberglass chullpa.
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F
Museo Naval
The Museo Naval has a fascinating if tiny exhibit on navigating the lake, from rudimentary reed boats up to 19th-century steamers. The Spanish-speaking staff will show you around for a tip.
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