Foto 1: Titicaca Lake

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Why is Puno considered the Capital of Peruvian Folklore?

Puno is the land of more than 300 dances that are highlighted by their costumes, choreography, music, and tradition which are each steeped in their own story. All of this led to the city’s recognition on November 7, 1985 as the Capital of Peruvian Folklore.

These dances are mostly performed at the different festivities celebrated in the city of Puno:

• The Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria (February 2)
• Carnival – Feast of Joy (Between February and March)
• Easter Week (Between March and April)
• Feast of the Alasitas (May 1)
• Feast of Santiago Apostol (July 25)
• Feast of All Saints and All Souls (November 1 and 2)
• Puno’s Anniversary (November 4)

Let’s take a deeper look into the iconic dances of the Department of Puno.

La Diablada

This is the main folk dance troupe and one of the most iconic that Puno has to offer. A popular legend linked to the worship of the Virgin of Candelaria says that, in 1675, some miners who were trapped in a mine shaft dreamt of the Virgin and prayed to her, and this led to a battle that represented the fight between good and evil.

Foto 2: Diablada

However, recent studies take its origin further back to 1577, when the Jesuits settled in Juli, which today is the capital of the Province of Chucuito.

The dancers make their offerings to Pachamama to the tune of their panpipes, dressed in dazzling costumes and completely masked.

Sikuris

This dance originated on the Altiplano, the highland plateau, particularly because of their worship of mythical Andean beings such as the condor, the suri (the ostrich of the high Andes), the Pachamama (Mother Earth), the apus or mountaintops, the sun, and the moon.

Foto 3: Sikuris

The dance carries a martial rhythm and expresses the deepest sentiments of the inhabitants of Puno. It features the panpipe (or siku), the wind instrument made of pipes of different diameters and lengths, and the drums that set the pace.

Pandilla Puneña

The Marinera and Pandilla Puneña is a hybrid that originated in Puno and is danced the length of the country. It is an unhurried but happy rhythm that expresses the elegance of the women of Puno and the gallantry of the men.

It begins as a marinera, with features similar to the different marinera dances in other regions and is then followed by a Huayno Pandillero or Pandilla. This Pandilla traces its origins to an urban setting in the city of Puno, created in a low social stratum known as “cholada” and then adjusted for a higher social status.

Foto 4: Pandilla Puneña and Huyano Pandillero

The women wear colorful and finely woven shawls and their traditional skirts or polleras. They also wear white blouses and bowler-type hats, with their hair tightly combed into two braids.

The men wear a jacket, white shirt and trousers and a Borsalino-type hat. Many of the clothes are a mix of black and white. They also wear a colorful shawl on their shoulders, which Puno men used to wear in days gone by.

Tundique, Tuntuna and Caporales

The Tundique dance is a reminder of how the black slaves lived during the Colonial period until they were freed. Its origin is a controversy between Peru and Bolivia. The dance is performed mainly by black dancers who play the different roles of slaves, a lawyer, a ranch formal and a female slave.

Foto 5: Tundique

The Tuntuna dance is an offshoot of the Tundique. It tells the story of how the black slaves were forced to work in the mines in the Altiplano. Their rhythms and dances were blended with the local dances, giving shape to a new way of expressing their dance.

Foto 6: Tuntuna

The dance of the Caporales is an offshoot of the Tuntuna, taking on more colorful and dazzling costumes. The movements are more expressive and acrobatic.

Foto 7: Caporales

Besides these already mentioned, there are also many more dances: the Wifala, Morenada, Tucumanos, Qhapu, Tita Titas, Papa Tarpuy, Kajchas, Casarasiri, etc.

Puno dances not only celebrate history and folklore but also invite us to join in a vibrant weaving of rhythm, color and meaning. With each step, gesture and costume, these dances capture the essence of the soul itself of the Andes, transporting us to a world of beauty connected to the place’s roots.

You can get to the city of Puno aboard our PeruRail Titicaca train, on which you can enjoy a luxurious experience you will always remember. Cross the Peruvian Andes to reach the shores of the mystical Lake Titicaca on a completely exclusive train on a route that has been prized for its beauty

This majestic experience includes a three-course gourmet lunch, a show and taste session of the famous Pisco Sour, live typical music and dances and, of course, one of the best views you can ever have of the Peruvian Andes. Get your tickets here!

Getting to know the PeruRail Titicaca train

You will be welcomed by the crew of our PeruRail Titicaca train, bound for the city of Puno in the Highlands or the imperial city of the Incas, Cusco, with an estimated travel time of 10 and a half hours.

Our dining cars have 08 properly marked emergency exits: 02 doors at the front of the car, 02 doors at the back and 04 emergency windows at the sides. In case of any emergency, our first aid kit and fire extinguisher are in the service areas.

Reminder: due to government regulations, smoking is prohibited inside the train. This rule also includes the observatory car.

What is on board the luxury train to Puno?
As we already mentioned, you will be welcomed with a hot drink at the boarding station. In addition, on the way, there will be a fashion show featuring baby alpaca garments, where our friendly hostesses will display the fine and delicate garments such as sweaters, hats, coats, shawls, gloves and much more. Of course, there will also be a fantastic live music show with typical local dances.

The luxury train to Puno would not be one without its respective observatory bar car, located at the end of the convoy. In it you will find cold drinks, hot drinks, cocktails, as well as international drinks and, of course, our flagship drink: pisco sour which we will also teach you to prepare during your train trip.

However, and as the name implies, the privileged Andean mystical landscape that can be seen from here is simply impressive. Imagine being surrounded by windows, on both sides and on the ceiling, and large glass walls from where you will be able to see the beautiful life in the valley. Small villages, cattle feeding from early hours of the day, corn fields, etc. You can witness all types of weathers in a single day! Not only will the landscape alternate between mountains and plains, but you will also be able to experience the different climates on the same trip, including snow. Unbelievable, right?

For this occasion, we have 1 scheduled stop: Abra La Raya, the highest point of the route.

Destinations before stopping at Abra La Raya
The first half of the trip is dominated by the Andes: a large outline of imposing mountains over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. The train will travel through the Andean plains, which seem never ending, and will offer us the unique opportunity to spot animals such as llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.

Sicuani
Sicuani, located at 3,552 meters above sea level and 118 km from the city of Cusco, is one of the first towns that the PeruRail Titicaca train will cross. In this part of the journey, we will be listening to typical music of Sicuani to connect even more with this endearing city.

Did you know that it is the second most populated city in the entire department of Cusco? In addition, its main economic activity is growing Andean cereals; more specifically: wheat.

Arrival at Abra La Raya
The PeruRail Titicaca train would be arriving at Abra La Raya, its first stop, after having ascended to 4,319 meters above sea level. This is a cold and remote place where the snow-capped peaks are often covered in fog or drizzle and, for a few moments, the silence at this altitude gives you a little chilling sensation that you won’t experience anywhere else in the world.

Passengers will have about 10 minutes to rest, take photos of the landscape, and relax a little in the small handicrafts market that is located here where you can also buy clothes made by the local communities. In addition, this place has a chapel whose construction dates from the twentieth century and in it we can find an image of the Lord of the Cane.

The story behind the image is worth mentioning because its expression reflects the suffering and sadness of Jesus after he was flogged. This image describes Jesus Christ tied up in front, holding a reed like a scepter and crowned with thorns covered with a mantle.

Every year on May 3rd the Feast of the Lord of the Cane is celebrated, where it is tradition to tie flowers to the image, decorate the altar with paper figures and light beautifully decorated candles. Then fireworks are lit making it a very festive atmosphere. There are people dancing and drinking chicha de jora until the next day, really quite a spectacle.

In addition, the imposing snow-capped Chimboya is located on the left side in the direction of the train, so it would be a good idea to take the opportunity to view it. Something to keep in mind is that the snow-capped mountains of the area have an invaluable spiritual value for the Andean people, since they are the origin of two important rivers: the Vilcanota towards Cusco and the Ramis towards Arequipa.

Ayaviri
When we arrive to the province of Melgar, we will cross its capital: the town of Ayaviri. It is located at an altitude of 3,925 meters above sea level and 96 km from the city of Juliaca. Ayaviri is known for its quality livestock production: llamas, vicuñas, cattle, and sheep. Such is its fame that it has earned the title of the cattle capital of Peru. Followed by the good views, the train journey continues with the exclusive services on board.

Bar class, music, dances, and happy hour
We take this opportunity to mention the short class that is given on board the train. The head of service on board has everything ready to teach the preparation of pisco sour, Peru’s flagship drink.

At a given point during the trip you can enjoy the fun and colorful Happy Hour on board the train to Puno. The dancers will amaze you with their exotic morenadas, diabladas and other typical dances of the region. Do you also want to join them? Of course you can! That’s precisely what this happy hour is about. Don’t worry, they will show you how to dance from the start and it will only take ten seconds before you catch this folkloric rhythm.

Arrival at Puno station
Finally, the last stop of the trip will be Puno station. After this incredible tour, the crew aboard the PeruRail Titicaca train says goodbye to their passengers and wishes them an unforgettable stay in the highland city of Puno.

As we mentioned at the beginning, the route is as important as the destination. And, after living all this experience, you will feel even more motivated than you already were to explore the wonderful City of the Sacred Lake of Puno.

A journey that you will never forget and that you will not want to end. Delicious food, super comfortable seating, onboard staff always at your disposal, amazing scenery, traditional live partying and much more. The PeruRail Titicaca train thus guarantees your luxury service. Ready to get on board? Get your train tickets by visiting our website.

Be part of the festival
The joyful celebrations take place between July 24 and 31 in the districts of Lampa, Pomata, Jaillihuaya, Huancané and Taquile Island. These are differentiated by the festivities offered to San Santiago: Masses, processions, textile fairs, dances, music and even bullfights.

Lampa, a traditional celebration
The Patronal Feast of San Santiago in Lampa, district of Puno, begins on July 24, where the devotees dress the image of the saint, which has a real human size. On the central day, July 25, the devotees participate in the mass in the Santiago Apostle Temple. Then, the procession of the image begins and is accompanied by other 40 temple saints.

When finalizing, the contest of compound melodies begins.These songs were specially made for this festival with traditional instruments such as quenas, zampoñas and leather drums. At the same time, community participants demonstrate their skills and dexterity in the handling of horses, being qualified for it and for their original clothing. The competition takes place on the main entrance of the Lampa temple.

Moreover, during the 29th, 30th and 31st of July, the bullfighting evenings are held in the “Plaza de Toros Arenas” of the Lampa river. These are accompanied by bands of various celebrations.

Taquile Island, a festivity full of folklore
Dressed in brightly colored costumes, the Taquile people perform various local dances, such as the Sicuris, the Candelaria, the Cinta K’ana and the Taquile Carnival, with the accompaniment of zampoñas (Andean flute), traditional pinquillo flutes and many drums. The festivities are finally finished with an offering to Mother Earth “La Pachamama”, a revealing detail that shows how the islanders have mixed the Christian and Andean beliefs, creating their own unique culture.

The celebration is accompanied by a craft fair in which they exhibit ceramics and alpaca looms made by the community. Also, the residents of Taquile show the elaboration process of their beautiful garments, do not miss this captivating experience!

Enjoy the month of July and let yourself be amazed by the wonderful culture of Puno. It’s a magical experience!

The legend tells that Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo used the local consumables that nature kindly offered them, such as quinoa, tubers, chuño (freeze-dried potatoes), herbs and grains. Traditions were maintained and are the pillar for the Puno gastronomy that we know today. Although it has been influenced and refined with various techniques, it still maintains that culinary art typical of the highlands.

Quinoa Pesque (Quinoa and Cheese Porridge)
Pesque is a Puno dish whose main ingredient is quinoa, as its name says. In the villages of the Puno region, this porridge is prepared for breakfast and served with fresh milk and cheese. It is very delicate, easy to digest and comforting for those who consume it constantly. According to the housewives, to prepare it you need ingredients such as quinoa, cheese, water, salt, butter, and fresh milk.

El Chairo
This Puno soup is quite rich and loaded with nutrients and is one of the most requested by the locals after each work day due to its high nutrient content. This broth has lamb, chalona (dried lamb meat), black chuño, potatoes, carrot, celery, lima beans, garlic, onion, salt, and oregano.

Quinoa Chupe
This is a very nutritious dish and, as the name implies, it is prepared with quinoa. The meat is cooked together with quinoa in a pot with water and salt. Vegetables are added as it is cooked.

The seasoning consists of onion, butter and garlic and it can be prepared while the rest is being cooked. Finally, parsley is added to each dish.

Fried trout
This fish is obtained from Lake Titicaca and contains proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It has a very similar to salmon, which causes confusion and tourists often choose to call this fish Peruvian salmon.

Trout is a very nutritious food since it contains potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and iron. It is fried and served with boiled potatoes, corn and chuño or served with French fries and rice, and often accompanied by a Creole salad as is customary in Peruvian dishes.

Deep fried alpaca
Alpaca meat is considered one of the most nutritious foods in Peru, containing 22% protein, 56 mg cholesterol and 3% fat per 100 grams of meat.

Its preparation consists of cooking the meat until all the water is consumed, then it is fried with the same fat that remains. It is served with chuño, potatoes and toasted corn.

Puno Sancochado
This stew typical of Puno, also known as Sajjta, is a dish made with hen or chicken, potatoes, carrot, onion, and peas, all mixed with yellow panca hot pepper along with cheese, peanuts and huacatay cookies. An ideal meal to recover energy.

Cancacho
Cancacho is a delicious dish made from lamb. A day before roasting, this meat should be macerated with vinegar, lemon, chili, garlic, and cumin (perhaps more ingredients, but it varies by region). Its ideal side dish is baked potatoes, white chuño, cheese and chili.

Huarjata
Huarjata is the name given to the famous head broth, which can be pork or lamb head, cut into small pieces for better cooking. The piece of meat is usually served separately from the broth, in the style of the Lima sancochado or stew. A serving of rice is also highly recommended.

Queso Cauche
Queso cauche is a typical dish of Puno, but it may not be as well-known as the rest. However, we mention that it is prepared based on cheese, onion, yellow potato, oil, beans, peppers and huacatay.

Its preparation begins by heating oil in a pan, then sauté the onions, add the chili, grated cheese, beans and potatoes, and simmer for a few minutes to give the cheese the consistency that characterizes this recipe.

Pachamanca or Huatía
Pachamanca, also known as Huatía, is one of Peru’s best-known dishes. It is especially prepared during the time of potato harvest in the mountains, which is seasonal and usually from May to August. Usually, pachamancas are prepared outdoors and usually during family outings.

It is prepared in a clay oven by first digging a hole on the ground and then laying stones heated to high temperature with a wood fire. Then you add potato, ollucos, corn, yucca, oca, and if you like, cheese or fish wrapped in thick paper.

Finally, the oven is buried to cook the food.

We have presented 10 typical dishes of Puno, but there are many more and you must have a chance to discover them. Do you want to visit the city? Then there is no better way to get there than on a train that has all the possible amenities, find your tickets for the PeruRail Titicaca by clicking this link.

These stories have different tweaks depending on who tells them, since there will always be something that is added or omitted in order to catch the listener’s attention and keep him/her excited. 

Next, we will talk about the 4 most popular legends of Puno.

The Legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo

This tale by the famous Peruvian Inca writer Garcilaso de la Vega was published in Lisbon in 1609.

This story narrates the origin of the Incas and tells how the sun decided to create two creatures with human characteristics. Both emerged from the foams of Lake Titicaca and would be in charge of civilizing the inhabitants of the area, in addition to teaching them about the Sun god.

The sun gave them a golden scepter, which would indicate the place to settle. This is where they would form a kingdom. However, to fulfill their mission, they had to separate. Manco Capac to the north and Mama Ocllo to the south. 

After their long journey, in which they summoned and subdued the people in their path, their scepter sank into the Huanacauri hill; here they would establish their kingdom.

In fact, this legend is something you might also hear in Cusco. If you like, you can check out our article on Cusco legends to learn more about this and other stories.

The legend of the origin of Lake Titicaca

It is a legend of which the author is unknown and speaks of a flourishing  population that disappeared after an outsider, who carried a large earthenware jar on her back, left it in the house where she was given shelter. However, she was never given anything to eat or a decent place to sleep.

Faced with exhaustion, she decided to continue on her way, but asked them to keep the jar until her return. She warned the members of the place not to remove the lid from the jar.

As the days went by, the curiosity of the inhabitants became very strong due to the warning which was dismissed by the people; the jar was uncovered, and water gushed out and flooded the town until it was completely submerged. From the jar also sprouted all the flora and fauna that exists in the lake to this day. 

Those living in the surrounding area claim to see the reflections coming out from the bottom of the lake at night. 

This is quite intriguing, right? If this caught your attention, then you can’t pass up the opportunity to see the lake in person. Buy your tickets to travel on PeruRail Titicaca train today.

The legend of Q’ota Anchacho, the demon of the Lake

The story, told by Jorge Noe Soto Ruelas, is also about Lake Titicaca. It is said that from the depths of the lake emerged a gigantic demon, bringing misfortunes and devouring everything that stood in its way. The locals feared him and fled in horror.

To mitigate their anger, the people built totems, performed rituals and sacrifices. Then they realized the benefits of the large clouds that formed in the wake of their anger, which provided irrigation for the vicinity. 

The legend of the three lazy youths

Narrated by Miriam Dianet Quilca Condori, the story is about an elderly woman who lived with her three sons. The old woman was the one who worked the land, and she and her children ate the produce.

The old woman, already tired of working, when food became scarce and the time of planting was near, sent her children to do the work. She prepared food for them every day so they would go to work.

However, when it was time to harvest, her sons would go out to steal the best local crops and take them to the old woman who still had no idea about what was happening.

One day, the old woman went to the field from which she believed the potatoes had been brought by her sons, but she was intercepted by the real owner of the field. The man told her what her lazy young sons were really doing.

The mother immediately complained to her sons, and they ran out of the house, turning one into hail, another into wind and the older into frost. As a result of this story, these three natural phenomena are called as the three lazy or the three lazy youths.

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Undoubtedly, Puno has myths and beliefs that cover everything that its inhabitants consider very important. There are still many stories to hear in this magical city, do you dare to visit it? Don’t miss the exciting experience of doing it on a luxury train such as the PeruRail Titicaca. Find your tickets here!

In this city, Lake Titicaca is the perfect place to enjoy the majesty and crystal-clear water of the lake. This place, that captivates the whole world, is the highest navigable lake in the world.

Lake Titicaca has islands that keep alive pre-Columbian traditions. There are three important islands that are frequently asked about by travelers who are not afraid of heights.

These three islands in Lake Titicaca are as follows:

The floating islands of Uros

This island is located at 3800 m.a.s.l. approximately, and it is constructed from totora, a plant that grows under the cold water. In the floating islands of Uros, there are houses, schools and churches build also with totora plant. 

The Aymara people, who are considered as one of the most ancient Andean civilizations in Peru and who rose up long before the Incas, are the citizens in these almost 40 Islands.

Their economy is based on fishing, sale of handicrafts, and barter. It takes about 30 minutes from the shores of Lake Titicaca to get to the Uros floating islands.

Taquile Island

Travelers get to this place by boat from the Island of Uros in approximately 3 hours. Taquile Island has a 567-step stairs that you must go up if you want to visit the upper part of the town and watch a magical landscape. 

There is no lodging in Taquile Island; instead, there is community-based or experienced-based tourism, which means that tourists should stay in the houses of locals and learn from them what they need to do to eat and survive. 

Barter is still carried out in this place inhabited by Quechua speakers. However, their main means of income are agriculture, handicrafts, and textile work, which is worldwide-recognized.

Amantaní Island

It is a place full of vegetation and beautiful fields; Amantaní Island hosts trees and flowers such as gum trees and Qantuta flowers. It is also known as the “Love Island” because of the romanticism evoked by its captivating landscapes, it is the largest island in Lake Titicaca.

Like Taquile Island, there is no lodging in this island, so you may stay in the houses of locals, which allows you to get to know better these ancestral communities that preserve the traditions of their ancestors. 

The journey by boat from the floating islands of Uros to Amantaní Island takes about three hours.

What to do in Lake Titicaca?

In Lake Titicaca you can practice sports like diving, sailing and paddling. Another activity to carry out is kayaking, departing from Esteves Island to floating island of Uros. Trekking and cycling are also fun activities you will enjoy on the shores of this impressive lake.

Start your journey aboard our PeruRail Titicaca train and enjoy the amazing landscapes and impressive islands in Lake Titicaca! Buy your train tickets now!

In the South of Peru, specifically in Pucará-Puno, we can find a character full of mysticism and clay-based art: the Torito de Pucará. This peculiar character, full of colors and Andean details, is the most representative ceramic of the Pucará culture, which has transcended times, staying alive in the Peruvian culture.

Couple of Toritos de Pucará on a roof of Andean house

The history of these colorful ceramics dates back to the arrival of the Spanish to America, when the bulls began to be part of the traditional festivals of the area. In these festivities, these animals were decorated with many colors, then it was placed spicy powder on their nose, which caused them irritation and made them go crazy; For this reason they are represented by artisans with their tongue out.

Today, it is common to find this craft in some houses in Peru, either as an ornament in some part of the house or on the roof of it. Many people have it because of its bright colors and others because of the deep ancestral meaning it holds in each of its lines and shapes.

Details and colors full of meaning

This peculiar bull has a large number of details, which carry many meanings. For example, the hole at the height of the sacrum represents fertilization; and the handle represents the union of men and women in marriage. The characteristic eyes of this bull, also have a meaning: the alert act of the human being in front of the world that surrounds him and the self-observation.

Likewise, the characteristic traces of this ceramic also have a meaning; for example, the ornaments made with brush have spiral forms as a special feature, which represent the spiral of life, a belief that is based on what everything that one gives, returns.

Within all the meanings that the Torito has, there is one that holds special importance, and that is the Andean duality. By placing two bulls together, the fusion of positive and negative energies is represented, in order to reach equilibrium and a common goal. For this reason, it is normal to find these pairs on the roofs of houses, as a symbol of protection and happiness for families.

Torito de Pucará, representative ceramic of Puno

Now that you know the story behind these representative toritos, do not miss the opportunity to have one in your home and keep a bit of the Andean culture in it. Puno and its ceramics are waiting for you!

Peruvian gastronomy delights anyone who tastes it. For this reason, there is no one able to resist the taste of the famous “ceviche” or savoring every bite of a juicy “lomo saltado”. El Chairo, on the other hand, is not far behind, this delicious soup from the Peruvian highlands has astonished more than one palate with a perfect blend of Andean ingredients.

Variety of potatoes in Cusco

This strong soup is traditional from the Andean region and has been part of the Peruvian history. Over the years, it has been the perfect companion of peasants, who worked hard until very late away from their homes. The Chairo provided them the necessary food to cope with the hard work and the certainty that their food would remain in good conditions until the end of their day, since the ingredients were kept in perfect condition for many hours.

The best soup, the Chairo

The delicious taste of this Andean soup can be found in different regions of Peru, mainly in Arequipa, Cusco and Puno, where we can taste different variants of this dish. These versions keep the original essence of the Chairo, but certain ingredients can change according to the place where it is prepared.

Here is the technique to prepare one of the recipes and enjoy this delicious soup at home. The following ingredients are needed:

• ½ kg of meat
• 100 gr. of cecina
• 1 dried tongue of lamb
• 1 piece of pumpkin (large)
• 10 chuños (soaked)
• 6 potatoes
• 1 carrot
• 1 onion
• 1 piece of cabbage
• 2 green choclos
• 1 handful of beans
• 3 tbsp. ground yellow pepper
• 1 yellow pepper (toasted)
• 1 branch of amaranth
• Oil and salt to taste

Now, with everything in the kitchen, the magical preparation of this recipe begins. The first step will be to place in a pot the cecina, the meat and the tongue of lamb, add a lot of water to prepare a broth with these ingredients.

Ingredients from Cusco used for typical dishes

Put the ground yellow pepper and half of the onion cut into squares in a different pot, pour a little water and let it cook; when it’s ready, add a trickle of oil until they turn golden brown. Then, strain the broth and add it to the pot containing the aforementioned preparation.

Get ready, it’s time to take out the knives and chop the missing ingredients. Cut into medium pieces the meats with which you prepared the broth and in small pieces the chuño, the pumpkin and the carrot. Chop the cabbage and cook the corn. Potatoes, yellow pepper, amaranth and beans must be finely filleted.

Finally place all the ingredients in the pot with the stock, the yellow pepper and the onion, until everything is well cooked. When finishing this exquisite preparation, serve a very good portion and enjoy this wonderful Andean dish.

In Puno, from January 24 to February 11, the biggest festivity of Peru is celebrated in homage to the patron saint of this highland city. All the rituals celebrated in honor of the “Virgen de la Candelaria” are the result of the syncretism of two cultures and religions: the Catholic, and the pre-Hispanic. Due to this, during the celebration the Catholic traditions contain symbolic elements of the Andean cosmovision, since for this the Virgin of Candelaria is strongly associated with the pachamama or “mother earth”. It should be noted that this festival was declared as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, in 2014, by UNESCO.

The central day of the festival is February 2; however, since previous weeks, different activities are carried out around the celebration. Day after day during the first two weeks of February, more than 40,000 dancers and 9,000 musicians from all over the department brighten and decorate the streets of Puno.

The Main Square and Cathedral of Puno

The celebration

Join us and discover the most important dates of this annual folkloric event:

• February 2: The Central Day of the celebration in honor of the Mamacha Candelaria. A mass is celebrated and a emotional Procession of the Blessed Virgin of Candelaria.

The Virgin of Candelaria in procession

• February 3: The Presentation of Native Dances with native costumes is carried out. It is one of the main events in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria, after that, the Regional Dance Contest with Typical and Native Costumes is held. The picturesque dances go through the main streets of the city center. The image of the “Mamita Candelaria”, as it is known, is accompanied by the faithful and folkloric groups that participated in the contest, accompanied with bands and parades.
• February 8: On this day the bands arrive for the dance competition with apotheosis receptions in squares and neighborhoods. From 6 in the afternoon, you can enjoy their melodies and lovely dances.

Dancer honoring the “Virgen de la Candelaria”

• February 9: You can attend the Masses of Albas from 5 in the morning at the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Candelaria. Dancers, bands and the general public attend this event. From 3 o’clock in the afternoon, all sets of dancers with beautiful costumes enter the center of the city, accompanied by their bands of musicians. At night, starting at 7 o’clock, the eve of the eighth celebration begin, where all the sets with elegant costumes go out in the streets to pay homage to the Virgin. At the end of the night you can enjoy a fireworks show.
• February 10: Do not miss the chance to enjoy the Great Contest of Costumes of Lights at the Torres Belón Stadium in Puno. It takes place from 7 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. At the same time, in the afternoon and evening, some groups dance through the center of the city.
• February 11: The day begins early, venerating the “Virgen de la Candelaria” through the streets of Puno with the accompaniment of the groups of Mestizo Dances, who pay homage in this multitudinous procession dancing for a journey of more than 4 kilometers.

The festival is not over yet, the next three days you can enjoy various zonal parades through the north and south of the city. Days later, the Closing Ceremony and awards ceremony of the Regional Competition is held.

Essentials to bring

If you would like to be part of this festivity, we recommend you take the following items to enjoy the most:

• Sunblock
• Lipstick
• Sunglasses
• Warm clothing

Get your bags ready, within a few days the celebration begins! Do not miss the opportunity to be part of one of the most important folkloric events in Peru, in the highland city of Puno in honor of the “Virgen de la Candelaria”.

Cancacho is a traditional dish from the town of Ayaviri, the livestock capital of Puno. The name of this dish is translated to “roasted lamb”, as it is cooked in a wood-fired brick oven. Its main ingredients are male lamb meat, native potatoes, chili, and malt beer.

The history and origin of the Puno’s typical dish Cancacho

Cancacho’s main ingredient is lamb, but not just any lamb. The secret to this dish is that the lamb must be raised in a specific environment– the environment of Ayaviri. Ayaviri lambs are born and raised at 13,000 feet above sea level and are fed only ichu (Peruvian feather grass). These combined attributes give the Cancacho lambs a particularly unique and delicious taste.

Luckily for Peruvians and travelers alike, Puno is not the only place where you can try this dish. You can also taste Cancacho at the picanterías de Doña Julia (a chain of restaurants specializing in spicy food) all across Cusco and Arequipa, using the original recipe which includes lamb directly from the town of Ayaviri. Preparation of this delicacy is passed on from generation to generation and Ms. Julia Luna (Doña Julia) is well aware of it, keeping the preparation of this native dish alive.

Have you somehow got your hands on Ayaviri lamb and want to try out the Peruvian dish for yourself? See below for ingredients and instructions!

Ingredients

• Male lamb from Ayaviri
• Malt beer
• Lemons
• Dried red chili
• Oregano
• Salt, cumin and pepper to taste

Preparation

Marinate the lamb the night before, soaking the meat in a bowl filled with a marinade of dried red chili, malt beer, cumin, and garlic; and leave to stand until all the seasoning mixes up with the meat. The next day, after having let the meat stand, oregano is added and the Cancacho is put into the oven. The lamb meat is cooked for approximately two hours to brown it out. Add boiled native potatoes and ají (chili sauce) to complete the mouthwatering Peruvian meal.

Buen Provecho!