Puno, Peru: travel guide
The folkloric capital of Peru on the shore of Lake Titicaca at 3,800 m — launch point for the Uros floating reed islands and Taquile and Amantaní islands.
- Country
- Peru
- Currency
- PEN
- Time zone
- America/Lima
- Nearest airport
- JUL
Top places to visit in Puno
Lake Titicaca
Nature · 4.7 rating · about 4 h
The highest navigable lake in the world at 3812 m, shared by Peru and Bolivia, and the centrepiece of all Puno excursions to the Uros, Taquile and Amantani islands.
Uros Floating Islands
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · entry PEN 15
Man-made islands woven from totora reeds on Lake Titicaca, home to the Uros people for centuries. Reached in about 30 minutes by boat from Puno port; visitors learn how the reed islands are built and maintained.
Taquile Island
Heritage · 4.6 rating · about 5 h · entry PEN 10
Quechua-speaking island famed for its UNESCO-recognised textile art, terraced hillsides and sweeping lake views. Around 2.5-3 hours by boat from Puno; men knit the famous chullo hats and women weave.
Amantani Island
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 6 h · entry PEN 10
The largest island on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, best known for overnight homestays with local families and the twin peaks of Pachatata and Pachamama with their pre-Inca temples.
Sillustani Chullpas
Heritage · 4.5 rating · about 2.5 h · entry PEN 15
Pre-Inca funerary towers (chullpas) up to 12 m tall built by the Colla and later Inca cultures, set on a peninsula above Lake Umayo about 34 km from Puno.
Puno Cathedral
Church · 4.3 rating · about 0.7 h
Baroque cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, completed in 1757, with an ornate carved stone facade blending Spanish and Andean motifs.
Plaza de Armas Puno
Heritage · 4.2 rating · about 0.5 h
The main square and social heart of Puno, framed by the cathedral and colonial-era buildings, a hub for festivals and folklore events.
Yavari Steamship
Museum · 4.5 rating · about 1 h
The oldest single-propeller iron ship on Lake Titicaca, built in England in 1862, shipped in pieces and reassembled here. Now a floating museum moored near the GHL hotel.
Mirador Kuntur Wasi
Viewpoint · 4.4 rating · about 1 h
Hilltop viewpoint crowned by an 11-metre metal condor sculpture, reached by a long staircase 2 km from the Plaza de Armas, offering panoramic views over Puno and the bay of Lake Titicaca.
Mirador Huajsapata
Viewpoint · 4.0 rating · about 0.8 h
Hill park topped with a statue of Manco Capac, the legendary first Inca, offering close-up views over the rooftops of Puno and the lake.
Casa del Corregidor
Heritage · 4.2 rating · about 0.7 h
One of the oldest colonial houses in Puno (17th century), now a cultural centre and cafe with courtyard, exhibitions and fair-trade crafts.
Coca Museum and Customs
Museum · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · entry PEN 10
Small museum on the history and cultural role of the coca leaf and a colourful display of traditional Puno festival costumes.
Things to do
- Uros and Taquile Full-Day Boat Tour Boat · 8 h · from PEN 90 per person
- Uros Half-Day Boat Tour Boat · 3.5 h · from PEN 45 per person
- Uros, Amantani and Taquile Overnight Homestay Cultural · 29 h · from PEN 260 per person
- Sillustani Chullpas Afternoon Tour Cultural · 3.5 h · from PEN 55 per person
- Puno City and Mirador Walking Tour Sightseeing · 3 h · from PEN 40 per person
- Lake Titicaca Kayaking on the Uros Adventure · 5 h · from PEN 150 per person
- Puno Folklore Dinner Show Cultural · 2.5 h · from PEN 90 per person
Day trips and tours
- Uros and Taquile Islands Full Day 9 h · from PEN 90
- Sillustani Funerary Towers Half Day 3.5 h · from PEN 55
- Amantani Homestay 2-Day Overnight 30 h · from PEN 260
Where to stay in Puno
- Centro / Malecón about PEN 45 per night
Puno's central grid near Jirón Lima pedestrian street and the lake port for Uros/Taquile boats.
Hotels
- GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca 4-star · PEN 420 to PEN 720 per night
- Casa Andina Premium Puno 4-star · PEN 450 to PEN 780 per night
- Tierra Viva Puno Plaza 3-star · PEN 280 to PEN 420 per night
- Intiqa Hotel 3-star · PEN 200 to PEN 320 per night
- Hotel Hacienda Puno 3-star · PEN 230 to PEN 360 per night
- Conde de Lemos Inn 3-star · PEN 150 to PEN 250 per night
Where to eat
- Mojsa Restaurant Peruvian, Andean, International · about PEN 55 per person
- La Table del Inca French, Peruvian, Fusion · about PEN 95 per person
- Balcones de Puno Peruvian, Andean · about PEN 70 per person
- Colors Restaurant Lounge International, Peruvian, Cafe · about PEN 50 per person
- Mboje Restaurante Peruvian, Andean, Contemporary · about PEN 60 per person
- La Casona Restaurant Peruvian, Andean · about PEN 55 per person
- IncaBar Peruvian, International, Cafe · about PEN 50 per person
- Tulipans Peruvian, International, Cafe · about PEN 35 per person
Getting around
- Boat main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Taxi main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
Safety and scams to avoid
Island tour overpricing
Puno port and street agencies
Touts and unlicensed agencies sell Uros/Taquile boat tours at inflated prices, sometimes with crowded boats and rushed island stops that give little money back to local communities.
How to avoid it: Book with a reputable agency, compare a couple of quotes and confirm exactly what is included before paying.
Fake homestay agencies
Around the port and Plaza de Armas
Some operators advertise authentic Amantani homestays but pocket most of the fee, leaving host families underpaid and the experience disappointing.
How to avoid it: Use community-based or well-reviewed operators and ask how much of the fee goes directly to the host family.
Taxi overcharging
Juliaca airport and Puno streets
Drivers quote tourists several times the normal fare, especially on the 45-minute run from Juliaca airport, or claim there is no change.
How to avoid it: Agree the fare in advance, carry small notes and ask your hotel what a fair price should be.
Altitude pressure sales
Bus terminal and hotels
Newly arrived travellers feeling the 3812 m altitude are pushed into buying overpriced same-day tours or remedies while disoriented.
How to avoid it: Rest and acclimatise for a few hours before committing; nothing needs to be booked the moment you arrive.
Bracelet and photo charges
Plaza de Armas and on the islands
Vendors or costumed locals place a bracelet on you or pose for a photo, then demand payment; on islands children may ask for money after photos.
How to avoid it: Politely decline if you do not want to pay, and always ask permission and agree any tip before photographing people.