PUNO

The city puno

Puno is a city in southeastern Peru, located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. It is the capital city of the Puno Region and the Puno Province with a population of approximately 100,000. The city was established in 1668 by viceroy Pedro Antonio Fernández de Castro as capital of the province of Paucarcolla with the name San Juan Bautista de Puno. The name was later changed to San Carlos de Puno, in honor of king Charles II of Spain. Puno has several churches dating back from the colonial period, they were built to service the Spanish population and evangelize the natives.

Puno is an important agricultural and livestock region; particularly of South American camelids (llamas and alpacas) which graze on its immense plateaus and plains. Many homes in Puno, much like surrounding cities, are half-finished. This is done so that the inhabitants do not have to pay taxes. Much of the city economy relies on the black market, fueled by cheap goods smuggled in from Bolivia. Puno has been designated to become a Special Economic Zone or "Zona Económica" by Peru's president, Alan Garcia. Puno is served by the Inca Manco Capac International Airport in nearby Juliaca.

Trivia & Quick Points:

• Puno has been designated to become a Special Economic Zone or "Zona Ecomomica" by Peru's president, Alan García.
• The area surrounding the city of Puno was where the Aymara civilization started.
• Puno has been named the "Capital folklórica del Perú" (folklore capital of Peru) from its wealth of artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance.
• Knitting and textile arts have been practiced for thousands of years by both the men and women equally on the island of Taquile, (Isla Taquile) in the middle of Lake Titicaca.

Facts & Information:

History:

Like most of northern Peru, the territory of Puno's importance to the vast Inca empire was reflected in a legendary connection. Inca tradition has it that Manco Capac, the first Inca, rose from the waters of Lake Titicaca, under the orders of the Sun God, to start the Inca Empire, which would be centered in the neighboring region and city of Cuzco.

In 1668, viceroy Conde de Lemos established San Juan Bautista de Puno as the capital of the province of Paucarcolla. Later, it was called San Carlos de Puno, in honor of the ruling king, Charles II of Spain.

From that moment, the town began to change physically, as the Spanish priests, in their eagerness to evangelize the natives, built the churches which still stand today.

Culture & Folklore

Puno has been named the "Capital folklórica del Perú" (folkloric capital of Peru) from the wealth of its artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance.

They are most notable during the celebrations of the Feast of the "Virgen de la Candelaria" and the Regional Competition of Autochthonous Dances.

Travel & Tourism:

The city of Puno, Peru is a popular tourism and traveler's destination for a few reasons, the most obvious being the fact that it's located on the shore of world famous and fascinating Lake Titicaca.

The other reason Puno sees a lot of travelers is because it offers relatively easy border crossing choices to Bolivia- which is just on the other side of the lake.

Many Peruvian travelers use Puno as a basecamp to a Bolivian vacation.

The City of Puno

Sightseeing highlights around the city include obligatory visits to the Church of San Pedro, the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, and to the shoreline of Lake Titicaca at the Puno harbor. There, you can stroll along the boardwalk, spend your money at the giftshops, take endless pictures, check out the boats, and even visit a Titicaca boats museum.

There's also quite a lively nightlife for a city of this size, due to the large numbers of tourists from all over the world mixing it up with the plethora of artists and musicians of Puno.
Hiking around Puno-

Walking up in the hills just outside the city of Puno affords nice views of the city and lake, but it is quite dangerous! Locals recommend against doing it because tourists are often the victims of armed robberies in the hills.

If you like hiking, here's an idea: take a colectivo to Chuciuto (19km, 1 Sol, US$ 0.30) and start hiking from there. Next to the highest mountain (with a thin antenna on the top, 4550m) there is a summit where locals bring sacrifices. Fireplaces, flowers and bottles give witness of that.

Beyond the city of Puno, the surrounding area offers lots more touring and sightseeing options.
What to Do & See in the Surrounding Area

Here's 3 key attractions of the Puno region we recommend. There are many more, depending on your time constraints.

Floating Reed Islands of the Uros-

Lake Titicaca has some 41 floating reed islands on it that are an interesting experience for any traveler. These man-made islands have a fascinating history and story behind them.

Although in modern times it can be argued that they are a bit "touristy" and somewhat artificial, it is also a fact that for thousands of years up to now, the Uros people have lived on and maintained these unique Peruvian islands, depending on the lake for their survival.

Many tour companies offer trips to these reed islands, (as close as 20 minutes from Puno) and some combine reed island stopovers with organized tours of wonderful Taquile island. (a 3 hour boat ride and then spend a few hours on the island.) Definitely go for this combo tour if you have time... it's great! (and there's a lot more to see and do on Taquile island than the little reed floaters.)

These tours can be organized from both Copacabana and Puno.
Lake Titicaca-
Another great reason for getting out to the reed islands or Isla Taquile is because this gives you a chance to experience the magic and desolate beauty of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest elevation commercially navigable lake.

Seeing the scenery around you, breathing the clean air, and marveling at the magnificent greenish blue colors of the lake will give you a new perspective of this region and the body of water that has played such a key role in it's history.
Isla Taquile-
is a fascinating time capsule of wonderfully preserved Peruvian and Bolivian cultures, having stayed the same now for thousands and thousands of years.

If you have time, consider seeing the other islands of the lake as well: Isla Amantani, a 4 hour trip from Puno with boats leaving daily at 8:30 am and also Isla del Sol, easily reachable from Bolivia's Copacabana.
Sillustani Burial Towers-
Hundreds of years ago, the ancient people from the Altiplano, that lived at the shore of the mystical Lake Titicaca, built a series of funeral towers to bury their kings and other important people of their regions.

The Sillustani towers are perhaps the finest and most perfect cylindrical constructions of ancient Peru, as such perfection can be found nowhere else in South America.

A tour to Sillustani will give you a better view into the life of pre-Inca civilizations, and exploring the area, you can marvel at the great beauty of the Umayo Lagoon, which is located at the foot of Sillustani.

Getting There & Away

• By Plane:
  Puno is served by the Inca Manco Capac International Airport in nearby Juliaca. Although there are international flights arriving to this airport, you are well advised to price out your trip by way of Lima.
  
  Puno.com recommends comparing various airlines and ticketing agents with our Travel partner Booking Wiz. (see widget on top right of page)
• By Bus:
  Daily buses depart to and from Cuzco and Arequipa. The ride from Puno to Cuzco takes about 8 hours. There's a night bus leaving Puno at 19:30 and arriving in Cusco at 4:30 am.
  
  Daily buses depart to and from La Paz, Bolivia on two slightly different routes:
  1) The direct route, (faster.)
  2) Via ferry boat across Lake Titicaca and Copacabana. (more interesting)
  
  It's a good idea to change some Peruvian money at the border in order to be able to pay the ferry in Bolivianos. Be prepared to change buses in Copacabana. (you might lose your good seats.)
• By Train:
  Trains to and from Cuzco travel to Puno only 3 times per week. Other trains travel to Arequipa.

Getting Around

Most people get around town by foot... Taxi's and mini vans are not hard to find for longer distances. They are called "collectivos".

Food and Eating Tips

Most tourist spots are in and around Calle Lima. A little bit of bargaining will get you a discount, but don't push it too far if you want your food prepared without any bodily fluids.

In and around the mercado central are several budget places to eat for less then 3 soles. Also try a fruit juice at one of the many juguerias on the second floor.

• Cafe restaurant Monterrey- at Pasaje Grau 158, has reasonably cheap and good breakfasts.
• Restaurant pizzeria Ollantay- at Pasaje Grau 160, has pizzas, trout and alpaca. Ask for el menú.

Taking Photos

If you enjoy documenting your experiences with photography, a phenomena you are sure to encounter in Puno is that MOST locals seem to hate getting their pictures taken. Unless you've got a long lens, catching a natural shot of a local is a challenge.

At first you may chalk this up to thinking the people are just camera shy, but it's actually much more than that. Once you learn about the local culture, religions, and superstitions, you will discover that most locals believe that your camera sort of "sucks out their soul" when you capture their image. They are quite adamant about avoiding looking into your lens. We recommend you be understanding of this idea and respectful to the people- and don't push them...

So what's the best way to get a great shot of a local "being natural" Smiling helps, and paying money is always a good strategy...

recommendations

Arequipa

Arequipa is the capital city of the Arequipa Region in southern Peru. With a population of 904,931 it is the second most populous city of the country. Arequipa lays in the Andes mountains, at an altitude of 2,335 meters (7,661 ft) above sea level; the former snow-capped volcano El Misti overlooks the city.

The city has many colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, from which it gets the nickname La Ciudad Blanca ("The White City"). Reportedly, it first acquired this nickname in the colonial era, because most of its inhabitants were Creole of Iberian descent. The historic centre of Arequipa was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity.

Soon after its founding, the city became a major commercial hub of southern Peru, accumulating commercial and administrative functions. In times of the Viceroyalty of Peru it was an important economic hub in southern Peru. It played a significant role in the history of the Republic of Peru, declaring itself "Capital of the Republic" during the government of Montero. Arequipa has also been home of many of the outstanding intellectual and political figures, as well as religious icons, in the country. In recent decades it has become an important industrial and commercial center in Peru, now being the second most industrialized city in Perú.

Recommendations for the tourist

Lenguaje  focus  giving  safety  aduice

Arequipa city with the increment of the population in relation to the number of thefts, at Arequipa city, of late years, an increasing tendency has evidenced, getting constituted in one of the most urgent social distur bances. You must  take a few precautions, i cecommend you take a sofe taxi where meet and the licenceplate you should not take large o mounts of cash is danger, you should try not  to attract  attention. Avold  walking around the poorer areas of the Arequipa  city. It is best to book with on organised tour, it is  a good idea to take a medicament if you get sick.

AREQUIPA

AREQUIPA CITY

Arequipa is the capital city of the Arequipa Region in southern Peru. With a population of 904,931 it is the second most populous city of the country. Arequipa lies in the mountains, at an altitude of 2,335 meters (7,661 ft) above sea level; the former snow-capped volcano El Misti overlooks the city.

The city has many colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, from which it gets the nickname La Ciudad Blanca ("The White City"). Reportedly, it first acquired this nickname in the colonial era, because most of its inhabitants were Creole of Iberian descent. The historic centre of Arequipa was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity.

Soon after its founding, the city became a major commercial hub of southern Peru, accumulating commercial and administrative functions. In times of the Viceroyalty of Peru it was an important economic hub in southern Peru. It played a significant role in the history of the Republic of Peru, declaring itself "Capital of the Republic" during the government of Montero. Arequipa has also been home of many of the outstanding intellectual and political figures, as well as religious icons, in the country. In recent decades it has become an important industrial and commercial center in Peru, now being the second most industrialized city in Perú.

It has several industrial parks, as the city has close trade ties with Chile, Bolivia and Brazil; it also has links with cities connected by the Southern Railway and with the port of Matarani.

Name

There are various traditions about the name, said to come from the Quechua or Aymara languages. One tradition says that the Inca Mayta Capac received a petition from his subjects to reach the valley of the Chili. They requested permission to stay in the region, because they were amazed by the beautiful scenery and mild climate. The Inca responded, "Ari qhipay" (in Quechua: "Yes, stay"). This was the etymology described by a Calancha father, which was translated by J. Ignacio Gamio.

Another version was that of the missionary Padre Blas Sailing and the 16th century Peruvian historian, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. They said that the name came from an old dialect of Aymara. Ari qquepan (literally, way of war horn) was named after a marine snail which the Indians used as a horn. In English the phrase means "trumpet sound".

Juan de la Cruz Salas y Sanchez and the historian Ernst Middendorf proposed an etymology that recognized the area was settled by people of highland (Aymara) origin. They contend the name is derived from Aymara, with the phrase ari qhipaya; ari (acute, sharp or pointed) and qhipaya (behind), meaning "behind the bill," referring to the volcanic cone of El Misti, Arequipa, which dominates the skyline.

The Incas believed Cuzco to be the center of the world. They referred to the area of Arequipa as the "land or place behind the volcanoes", or other location behind the mountains, or ariq qipao.

Climate

The climate of Arequipa is warm and rather dry all through the year. Arequipa lies alongside the southernmost tip of Peru's Desert Coast and enjoys plenty of sunny weather, with daytime temperatures rarely dipping much below 20 °C (68 °F) or thereabouts.

However, by night, temperatures in Arequipa can drop sharply, particularly in June, July and August, when evening temperatures hover around 10 °C (50 °F), and at times fall to 5 °C (41 °F).

History

On 15 August 1540, day of the Virgin of the Assumption, is founded the Villa de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora del Valle Hermoso de Arequipa by Lieutenant Governor Garci Manuel de Carbajal, on the left bank of the River Chili.

Arequipa is located in the southwestern part of the country and is the second biggest city of Peru, with a population of almost one million. It is the largest city in the Peruvian Andes. It is also the capital of the department of Arequipa, 1,000 km from Lima. The city sits at an altitude of 2,335 meters above sea level in a mountainous desert in the western Andes, at the foot of El Misti volcano.

El Misti is currently inactive, but had strong eruptions between the years 1438 and 1471. It is located between two small volcanoes, Chachani and Picchu Picchu. Both names come from the Quechua language from the Inca Empire. Arequipa has more than 80 volcanoes nearby, most of which can be found in the Valley of the Volcanoes. Unfortunately the city was built on a very earthquake prone area, and was completely destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions during the 17th century.

There is archaeological evidence of the Aymaras from the pre Inca period in Lake Titicaca. During the 15th century, the region occupied by the Aymaras was conquered by the Incas and served as an important provider of agricultural products for the Inca Empire. One explanation of the name is that the Aymara named the city Ari, which means "peak", and quipa, "to lie behind". Therefore, the name Arequipa means "The place that lies behind the peak (Misti)".

The modern city of Arequipa was founded on 15 August 1540 by Garci Manuel de Carbajal, an emissary of the conqueror Francisco Pizarro. A year later King Charles V of Spain gave it the rank of city and the coat of arms that it still bears.

On 21 July 1821, Don José de San Martin declared Peru’s independence from the Spanish colony, and during the 19th century Arequipa housed many Peruvian nationalists. During this period Arequipa became known across the continent as a land of leaders, and for the courage of the Arequipeñan rebels.

Its colonial buildings were erected in sillar (pearl coloured volcanic rock) which was used abundantly throughout the city, giving it the nickname of "The White City". The historic centre was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in December 2000 due to its architecture and historical integrity. “The historic centre of Arequipa is an example of ornamental architecture, representing a masterpiece of the European creative coalition and native characteristics.” “A colonial village challenged by the conditions of nature, indigenous influence, the process of conquest and evangelization as well as spectacular natural scenery.”

The White City of Arequipa has become the centre of economic growth in the south and is one of the most important milk producers in the country. This has allowed Arequipa to develop and grow in population and change over the years. In the mid-20th century there was an influx of immigration from the highlands and mountain areas, and now Arequipa’s population is a mixture of Spanish, indigenous and mixed.^[2]

Geography

Panoramic from Chilina, area near at forest of the same name, in it is the Canyon and the Chili valley, on the first is crossed by the river that takes the same name to go through the city.

The city of Arequipa is located in the southwestern part of the country, between the coastal area of the coastal desert and the spurs of the western Andes. It possesses a series of volcanic cones such as "El Misti", "Chachani" and "Pichu Pichu". Its territory is rugged due to the presence of the Andes in the west of the continent, and is characterized by thick layers of volcanic lava that cover large areas of its geography. There are low-lying plains and dunes that are features. Particularly beautiful and developed are those seen on the plains of Majes, Sihuas and La Joya.

The city is located at an altitude of 2328 m; the lowest part of the city lies at an altitude of 2041 m. in El Huayco and Uchumayo. The highest point is located to 2810 m. The city is crossed by the River Chili from north to south.

Demography

The agglomeration of Arequipa, according to INEI references, is composed of 13 continuous and densely populated districts that concentrate 95.31% of the metropolitan population. The population of the conurbation is 783,165 inhabitants.

Metropolitan Arequipa has a metropolitan population of 821.692 inhabitants, equivalent to 71.31% of the population of the department of Arequipa. This is 95.07% of the population of the province of Arequipa and 3.00% of total population of Peru, making it the largest city in southern Peru and the second most populous.

Economy

The contribution of the city of Arequipa to Peru's GDP is 5.7% (74.2% of GDP in the Arequipa region), being the second highest in the country.

According to recent reports on the American Economy it is the "City with greatest economic growth in Latin America," presenting a percentage change in GDP per capita of 66.1% in the period 2003-2008. Also in the 2007-2008 period it was the city with the highest percentage change in GDP in Latin America with a variation of 9.59%.

The city of Arequipa has certain characteristics which give it economic importance, among which are:

It has an important administrative, agricultural, commercial, financial and industrial role in the area of international trade.

It is the city of greatest economic diversification in the country.

The city of Arequipa contributed 74.2% of the 7.7% of GDP provided by the department of Arequipa in national GDP.

It concentrates 42% of the SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in the southern region, generating 52% of the regional SAP, and SAP has the largest trade amounting to 50,000 workers.

The city of Arequipa from the 20th century has developed industries related to the primary sector and the alpaca and wool industries, providing a center of exchange and mediation in the southern Andes, and serving as a link between the coast and the mountains.

The city of Arequipa, in the "Specialized Household Survey on Employment Levels 2007", is the city after Lima with the largest number of people economically suitable for work amounting to 625,547 people, and the most economically active population (PEA) which amounts to 376,764 people. In the same survey the city of Arequipa has a rate of work activity above the national average.

The economically active population is distributed as follows: quarrying activities (7.1%), manufacturing (12.9%), construction (4.8%), trade (23%), non-personal services (36, 6%), personal services (11.4%), households (4.1%).

The city shows high percentages of income. The income from the PEA of Arequipa is located above the national average. The city is one of the cities with highest earnings in Peru, together with the city of Cajamarca, Cusco, Metropolitan Lima and Puno; these four cities and Arequipa are above the Peru average.

Industry

Villa Medica towers in the José Luis Bustamante District  The city's industrial sector has the highest level of diversification, and Arequipa is the second most industrialized city in Perú, product of the Industrial Park that was established during the first government of Fernando Belaúnde Terry. After two major earthquakes, in 1958 and 1960, with the Law of the Committee for the Rehabilitation and Development of Arequipa, the Industrial Park was built with two or three factories at that time, and the Yura Cement factory.

The city's industrial sector comprises industrial parks which include the (for large and medium enterprises), the "Industrial Park APIMA" (small enterprises) and the "Industrial Park Rio Seco" and industrial areas in the Alfonso Ugarte avenue, in Uchumayo, and in the North.

Currently in the Arequipa Industrial Park there are over 150 companies, including: Alicorp SAA, Processed Foods SA, Laive, La Iberica, Manuel Muñoz Najar, Bin Pan SA, Consorcio Industrial Arequipa SA, Omniagro, Backus and Johnston, Corporación Aceros Arequipa, etc. Also in Arequipa is a well-developed cotton textile industry as well as alpaca and wool factories represented by: Francky and Ricky, Michell & Cia, and IncaTops.

Tourism

Tourism is an important economic factor for Arequipa, the third most visited city in Peru. 1,217,254 people visited Arequipa in 2008, 290,983 of whom were foreign (23.9%). It is the third most visited city in Peru after Lima and Cuzco.

People who visit this city can admire the colonial architecture in the historical center of Arequipa, the magnificent Inca terraces in the countryside surrounding districts, and a very extensive landscape, product of human and nature creation, an important factor in its declaration as Cultural Heritage Humanity.

Arequipa Travel Guide and Colca Canyon Travel Guide include first-hand information for a visit, with the best selection of hotels and tours.

Historical architecture

The city was founded on 15 August 1540 by several Spanish conquistadors, in a valley formerly inhabited by successive pre-Hispanic cultures, who provided the place names of the city and its surroundings. Opposite the Spanish trace survives the nearest Indian village (now suburb of San Lazaro).

The role of the "sillar", (volcanic rock) began in the last third of the 16th century. This volcanic stone, pearl or pink in color, free, inexhaustible, soft, light, thermal, aesthetic and weatherproof, emerged as a seismic structural solution. Sillar was not used much in the early years, except for the covers of the main church and some houses. The original Arequipa was built with adobe, masonry, sticks and straw roofs or mud pie. Houses of this type were made until the 19th century and were common in the 18th century; some remain in the original district of San Lazaro. Later came the brick and tile houses, as found in the Monastery of Santa Catalina. The cataclysm of 1582 settled these systems and raised the issue of earthquake reconstruction. It appeared then that sillar was the prime structural solution.