The city Puno is located at the banks of the Lake Titicaca at 3,870 meters above sea level. Every year in February, Puno transforms into the folkloric capital of America, when the Candelaria Festival takes place. More than 200 music groups and dancers participate in the festival and fill the streets in colourful parades.
On the main day of the festival, the statue of the holy virgin is carried towards the city in a colourful procession with joyful music, traditional dances and impressive costumes. The festival is linked to the pre-Hispanic agricultural cycles of sowing and harvesting, as well as mining activities in the region. It is the result of a blend of respectful Aymara gaiety and ancestral Quechua traditions.
It is said that the main dance of the festival, the dance of the demons, or "Diablada", was dreamed up by a group of miners trapped down a mine who, in their desperation, resigned their souls to the Virgen de la Candelaria. The dancers, blowing zampoña pan-pipes and clads in spectacular costumes and outlandish masks, make their offerings to the earth goddess Pachamama. The most impressive masks, due to their terrifying look, are those with long twisted horns similar to the Devil, as well as Jacancho, the god of minerals.
Pick - up in the morning from your hotel or the bust station in Puno. Visit of the Uros Floating Islands in Lake Titicaca. Your guide will explain the unique construction techniques of the famous islands and give you an insight to the special traditions and customs of the communities living on the islands. We will then take off to the Island of Taquile where we will have a traditional lunch in the island's restaurant after a tour over the island with the guide. In the afternoon, we will return to Puno. This evening there will be a special parade - "the parade of the costumes of light" - with traditional dresses and dances in the "Enrrique Torres Belon" stadium. After the show, you can make your way back to the hotel.
Pick - up from your hotel in the morning and transfer to the viewing place in the city centre to observe the veneration and great parade in Honor to the Virgin of the Candelaria.
Alternative option: Pick up in the morning from your hotel and visit of the Tombs of Sillustani. The tour ends around noon. Free time to enjoy the festival and parades in the afternoon.
Pick - up from the bus station or hotel in the morning and transfer to the docks to visit the famous floating Islands of Uros as well as Amantani Island - one of the most beautiful islands in the region. The inhabitants of this island produce wonderful garments from local natural materials such as hats, ponchos and blouses. You will stay overnight on Amantani with a local family in their traditional house in your own private room. Your evening meal will be delicious typical Peruvian food.
Visit of Taquile Island by boat. This beautiful island offers impressive views and amazing crafts of the Puno region. Lunch will be at the local restaurant prepared with all locally grown and traditional ingredients. In the afternoon, we will return to Puno. This evening there will be a special parade - "the parade of the costumes of light" - with traditional dresses and dances in the "Enrrique Torres Belon" stadium. After the show, you can make your way back to the hotel.
Pick - up from your hotel in the morning and transfer to the viewing place in the city centre to observe the veneration and great parade in Honor to the Virgin of the Candelaria.
Alternative option: Pick up in the morning from your hotel and visit of the Tombs of Sillustani. The tour ends around noon. Free time to enjoy the festival and parades in the afternoon.