The city of Puno sits high on the Andean plateau on the shores of Lake Titicaca. A jumble of modern and colonial architecture, it is full of charm with a population of cheerful locals who take great pride in their indigenous Quechua and Aymara ancestry. Peru’s ‘capital folklorica’, and considered a cradle of pre-Colombian civilisations, there are monthly celebrations of traditional music and dancing whilst many residents still wear colourful, traditional dress on a daily basis. It’s also the place to explore Peru’s art and culture more deeply. Puno is the gateway to exploring the waters, islands and communities of Lake Titicaca.