We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Cathy, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Cathy lives in Hawaii, and submitted the following report about the Festival of Candelaria in Puno, Peru. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 2 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Spanish
Colorful costumes, beautiful women!
Reasons to Visit Puno for the Festival of Candelaria
The Fiesta de la Candelaria is a festival in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of the city of Puno, Peru, held in the first fortnight of February each year.
In Puno, the celebration goes on for two weeks with dancing and music every day that can last late into the night. You will see the the most colorfully costumed dancers and exuberant musicians you have ever experienced. I could not stop grinning: each new group of performers (roughly 40,000 dancers and 5,000 musicians participate) had something new to show off.
If you plan to attend, get your inn reservations early because the town fills up fast. When in Puno, I enjoyed staying at the El Manzano Hostel, which has comfortable private and dorm rooms and is very affordable. However, I will say that it is in the heart of Puno and during the nights of Candelaria, you won’t get a lot of sleep unless you have earplugs.
These Andean pan pipes were as tall as their musicians!
One of the dancers encouraged me to model her shawl before they danced.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 2 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 3 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 2 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
