PRESS RELEASE: With the reopening of the airport Juliaca (Puno region) - the main airport for Lake Titicaca - and the positive adjustment of the travel advice on the Netherlands Worldwide for the Puno region, tourism to Peru fully operational again. All connections, both by train and plane, have been resumed. At the beginning of this year, other major tourist attractions such as Macchu Picchu in the Cusco region already reopened. From January to March, 473.206 tourists visited Peru; The Netherlands is the sixth country of origin of travelers from Europe.
Get to know the folklore capital of Peru, Puno
Puno, located in the southeast, is one of the destinations visited by many travelers to Peru and ranks as a highlight in many tours. Around Lake Titicaca, at 3.812 meters the highest navigable lake in the world, the Inca Empire was born, you will find the floating Uros islands and the colorful folklore of the local population is always visible everywhere. The region is famous for its many traditions, festivities with dance and rituals, and the hospitality of the inhabitants. Puno, known as the capital of Peruvian folklore, owes this title to the great diversity of cultures and traditions that come together in more than 350 dances. The name is reflected in colours, music and artistic expressions.
Floating Uros Islands on the lake
Fascinating are the inhabited, floating Uros Islands made entirely of 'totora' reeds. The life of the local population depends on the reed beds on which they live. Centuries ago, Uro-Aymara families made their home on the lake. Everything revolves around totora, including the houses, (fishing) boats, utensils and decoration are made of reed.
Uros Islands is the perfect place for community tourism, without pollution or noise, and with great accommodation options.
For an authentic cultural experience and discovery of the ancient culture in the Andes heights of the Andes, a homestay is highly recommended. A local family welcomes their guests into their home as part of the family for a night (or more). These families are present on the floating islands of Uros, Taquile and Amantani.
Rich historye and Inca sites
The rise of the Incas started around Lake Titicaca, from where they moved in the 12th century to the Cusco region, the later Inca capital. Remnants of the Inca culture can be visited around the lake, but also on the islands. Such as 'Island of the weavers', which is the nickname of Taquile, located 45 km east of Puno in Lake Titicaca. On the highest part are several sites of the Inca culture, including the agricultural terraces on the mountain slopes and Mulsina Pata.
Taquile is best known for its handicraft traditions and high-quality woven fabrics, full of color and special patterns.
Become fascinated by the art of the Quechua communities, textiles also play an important role in communication as it is a language of its own. Your camera is working overtime!
Discover Peru through the south route, Puno, Cusco and Arequipa
Anyone who discovers Peru via the 'south route' will also visit Cusco, about 385 km north or south, in addition to the Puno region. Arequipa, 300 km west. Cusco is an absolute must-see, the former Inca capital and rich in cultural heritage. The region of the same name takes you to the Inca heyday, with Machupicchu and numerous other sites in the Sacred Valley in the Andes Mountains. The nature with mighty Andes peaks and rainforest is impressive.
Arequipa, the white city, breathes a completely different atmosphere, which stands out thanks to the beautifully decorated facades of buildings and houses made of a local, white stone. In the background of Arequipa rises the snowy peak of the active volcano El Misti. Arequipa is also a perfect base for Colca Canyon, where you can spot the Andean condor.
More about Puno, Cusco and Arequipa at www.peru.travel/
