Why Visit the Pink City of the Andes?

Lampa sits at nearly 3,900 meters above sea level. It feels like a living museum of the colonial era. The town is famous for its unique architecture and religious treasures. Most visitors come here because it is less crowded than other cities in Peru. You can walk the streets and feel like you have traveled back in time.

The town’s history is tied to leather and wool trade. Wealthy families once built grand mansions here. Today, those pink walls still stand. Exploring Lampa is easy and rewarding. It is one of the most underrated stops near Lake Titicaca. You can easily combine this with a Lampa pink city day trip from Puno.

9 Top Things to See in Lampa Pink City

Here are the best attractions to include in your itinerary. Use this list to plan your route around the historic center and the surrounding nature.

• Quick picks:
  - Best overall: Santiago Apóstol Church
  - Best for families: Oronccota Canyon
  - Best rainy-day: Oscar Frisancho Pineda Library
  - Best free: Plaza de Armas

1. Name: Santiago Apóstol Church
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is the most iconic building in town. It features a stunning dome covered in colorful glazed tiles.
   Best for: Architecture lovers.
   Where: Main Plaza.
   Time: 45 minutes.
   Cost: Small entry fee.
   Getting there: Walking from any part of the town center.
   Tip: Look for the massive stone walls reinforced with metal.
2. Name: The Catacombs
   Type: experience
   Why go: Located beneath the church, these marble tunnels hold skulls and bones arranged in patterns.
   Best for: History buffs and macabre interests.
   Where: Santiago Apóstol Church interior.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Included in church fee.
   Getting there: Access is through the main church hall.
   Tip: The atmosphere is very chilly, even on warm days.
3. Name: Michelangelo’s Pieta Replicas
   Type: museum
   Why go: Lampa houses two exact replicas of the Pieta. One is made of aluminum and the other of plaster.
   Best for: Art enthusiasts.
   Where: Church of Santiago Apóstol.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Included in church fee.
   Getting there: Walk inside the side chapel.
   Tip: These are considered some of the best replicas in the world.
4. Name: Puente Colonial (Colonial Bridge)
   Type: viewpoint
   Why go: This beautiful stone bridge crosses the Lampa River and offers great views of the pink skyline.
   Best for: Photographers.
   Where: Edge of town.
   Time: 15 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: A 10-minute walk from the main plaza.
   Tip: Visit at sunset for the best lighting on the pink clay.
5. Name: Oscar Frisancho Pineda Library
   Type: indoor
   Why go: It is housed in a grand colonial mansion with a typical pink facade and carved stone doors.
   Best for: Quiet exploration.
   Where: Near the Plaza de Armas.
   Time: 30 minutes.
   Cost: Usually free.
   Getting there: Walking distance from the church.
   Tip: Check the interior courtyard for classic colonial arches.
6. Name: Plaza de Armas
   Type: experience
   Why go: The heart of the town where you can see the local life and the consistent pink architecture.
   Best for: People watching.
   Where: Central Lampa.
   Time: 20 minutes.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Central hub for all transport.
   Tip: Sit on a bench to enjoy the mountain air.
7. Name: Oronccota Canyon
   Type: nature
   Why go: A deep canyon with impressive rock formations and pre-Inca ruins nearby.
   Best for: Hikers.
   Where: About 30-40 minutes outside town.
   Time: 2-3 hours.
   Cost: Free to explore.
   Getting there: Private taxi or guided tour.
   Tip: Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
8. Name: Tintiri Chapel Ruins
   Type: day trip
   Why go: These are the atmospheric ruins of a massive chapel built on a lonely hill.
   Best for: Adventure seekers.
   Where: 10km outside Lampa.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Taxi from Lampa.
   Tip: The site is often quiet, making it very peaceful.
9. Name: Pucará Village
   Type: day trip
   Why go: Famous for the "Toritos de Pucará" (little bulls) seen on Peruvian rooftops.
   Best for: Souvenir shopping.
   Where: Between Lampa and Juliaca.
   Time: 1-2 hours.
   Cost: Small fee for museum.
   Getting there: Collectivo or private car.
   Tip: Buy a small ceramic bull for good luck in your home.

Planning Your Lampa Pink City Day Trip

Getting to Lampa is straightforward from the city of Puno. You can take a bus to Juliaca first and then a local van to Lampa. The total travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours. Many travelers prefer a full day tour to Lampa from Puno to save time. These tours usually include a guide who explains the history of the catacombs and the Pieta.

Remember that Lampa is at high altitude. Move slowly to avoid sickness. Drinking coca tea is a local remedy that helps many visitors. Most sights are within walking distance of each other in the town center. For natural sites like the canyon, you will need a car. For more ideas on the region, check out our guide on top attractions near Puno.