Candelaria Festivities - Puno 2 Days / 1 Nights

The best time to travel to Puno is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C.

November to April is the rainy season in Puno, which can make access to some areas difficult due to flooded or blocked roads. There may also be delays or cancellations in transportation services due to adverse weather conditions.

Here are some of the things you can see in Puno:

1. Lake Titicaca Islands: Lake Titicaca is the main tourist attraction in Puno. There are several islands in the lake, such as Uros Island, Taquile Island and Amantani Island, which you can visit to learn about the local culture and enjoy beautiful landscapes.
2. The Cathedral of Puno: The Cathedral of Puno is one of the most important churches in the city and has a beautiful colonial architecture. It is located in the Plaza de Armas, in the center of the city.
3. Kuntur Wasi viewpoint: The Kuntur Wasi viewpoint is an ideal place to observe Lake Titicaca and enjoy panoramic views of the city of Puno. This viewpoint is located about 15 minutes by car from the city center.
4. The Carlos Dreyer Museum: This museum exhibits a collection of archeological and ethnographic artifacts from the region, such as textiles, ceramics, and gold and silver objects. It is a good option to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
5. La Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen: If you have the opportunity to visit Puno in July, do not miss the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen, which is a traditional and popular celebration that takes place during two weeks. During this time, various activities take place, such as parades and traditional dances.

The climate in Puno is cold and dry, due to its high altitude and location on the Andean plateau. The average temperature in Puno is around 7 °C to 8 °C throughout the year, although temperatures can drop during the night.

Puno has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season runs from May to October, when there is less rainfall and days are generally sunny and dry. During these months, daytime temperatures range between 15 °C and 20 °C.

The rainy season runs from November to April, when rainfall is more frequent and abundant, especially in the months of January, February and March. During this time, temperatures are similar to those of the dry season, but can be cooler due to humidity and the presence of clouds.

The Uros Islands are a group of small artificial islands made of totora, an aquatic plant that grows in Lake Titicaca. These islands are inhabited by the Uros, an indigenous ethnic group that has lived on Lake Titicaca since pre-Hispanic times.

The Uros islands are built by weaving reeds and totora reeds, forming a floating surface that is then anchored to the bottom of the lake with wooden stakes. Today, the inhabitants of these islands use this same technique to build their houses, boats and other objects necessary for their daily lives.

The Uros Islands are one of the main tourist attractions in the Puno region, making them very popular among tourists visiting the area.

The Ruta del Sol from Puno to Cusco is a popular tourist route in Peru that crosses the Andes and stops at various tourist attractions along the way. This route is usually done by bus.

Along the route, travelers can enjoy breathtaking Andean scenery, such as snow-capped mountains and green valleys. They can also visit tourist attractions along the way, such as the Pukara Museum or the Andahuaylillas Chapel, which features impressive colonial frescoes and paintings.

Another highlight on the tour is Raqchi, an Inca archaeological site with an impressive structure called “The Temple of the God Wiracocha”, built with large blocks of stone.

They also stop at La Raya, the highest point on the route at 4,313 meters above sea level, where you can see beautiful views of the Andes mountain range.

Finally, the route reaches Cusco.

The Candelaria Festival is a religious and cultural festivity celebrated in Puno. The festival is held every year in the first days of February, in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the city.

The Candelaria Festival is one of the largest and most colorful celebrations in Peru and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. During the festival, parades and folkloric dances take place in the streets, as well as music and dance competitions between different groups and ensembles. Religious processions and ceremonies in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria are also organized.

The Diablada dance is one of the highlights of the Candelaria Festival, in which dancers dress in brightly colored costumes and devil masks to represent a battle between good and evil. Other traditional dances are also performed, such as the Morenada, the Llamerada, the Waca Waca and the Kullawada, among others.

If you want to attend the Candelaria Festival, it is best to plan your trip at least 4 to 6 months in advance, especially if you want to be there between February 2 and 14. On those days, many people visit Puno and there are fewer places available for staying and transportation, which makes prices higher. Therefore, it is better to book in advance so you can get a good place to stay at a reasonable price.

But if you are visiting Puno on other dates, you can plan less in advance and you may find more lodging and transportation options at lower prices. In any case, it is important that you check availability and make your reservations as soon as possible so that you can fully enjoy your trip and have no setbacks.

If you are planning a trip to Puno, here are some things you might consider taking with you:

1. Warm clothing: Puno is in a high region and the weather can be cold and variable, especially at night. Bring warm clothing such as jackets, scarves and hats to protect you from the cold.
2. Sunscreen and insect repellent: Puno is at high altitude and solar radiation can be strong. Bring sunscreen to avoid sunburn and insect repellent to protect you from mosquitoes.
3. Comfortable shoes: If you plan to walk in Puno or on the Uros Islands, bring comfortable, sturdy shoes so you can explore without problems.
4. Cash: In Puno, not all places accept credit cards, so be sure to bring enough cash for your expenses.
5. Camera: Puno has breathtaking scenery and a rich and colorful culture, so bring a camera to capture the most memorable moments of your trip.
6. Important documents: Bring your passport, identification documents and any other important documents you may need during your trip.