Puno Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and explore in Puno, Peru with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Puno

Located in the Altiplano region of Peru, Puno is a vibrant city surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Lake Titicaca. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and outdoor adventures. With its colorful festivals and friendly locals, Puno offers a unique travel experience that should not be missed.

List of Places to Visit in Puno

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Cathedral of Puno: This stunning cathedral stands tall in the heart of the city and houses several beautiful paintings and sculptures.

  • Museo Carlos Dreyer: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region, including exhibits on traditional costumes, music, and agriculture.

  • Chucuito Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient ruins of Chucuito, including the Temple of Fertility, which is believed to have been a site of worship for Incan fertility goddesses.

Natural Attractions of Puno: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Titicaca: Take a boat tour to explore the world’s highest navigable lake and visit the Uros floating islands, where the indigenous Uros people still live today.

  • Sillustani: This ancient burial ground features stone towers that are over 12 meters tall and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Puno La Raya Pass: Drive through the stunning Peruvian Andes and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and traditional villages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Puno

  • Inca Trails: Explore the ancient Inca trails that once connected the Inca Empire by hiking or biking.

  • Ausangate Mountain: Hike through the stunning landscapes of the Andes, including glacier-fed lakes, snow-capped peaks, and traditional Quechua villages.

Best Things to Do in Puno: Activities and Tours

  • Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria: Held every February, this vibrant festival features music, dance, and colorful costumes.

  • Kayaking on Lake Titicaca: Take a kayak tour of Lake Titicaca and visit secluded bays and beaches.

  • Puno City Tour: Explore the city’s vibrant markets, museums, and colonial architecture with a guided tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Puno

Day Activities
1 Explore the city of Puno, including the Cathedral of Puno and the Museo Carlos Dreyer.
2 Take a boat tour of Lake Titicaca and visit the Uros floating islands.
3 Explore the ruins of Chucuito and learn about Incan culture.
4 Drive through the stunning Peruvian Andes and enjoy views of the countryside.
5 Hike or bike along the ancient Inca trails.
6 Visit Sillustani, an ancient burial ground with stunning views.
7 Experience the Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria (if visiting in February).

Food and Drink Scene of Puno

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pachamanca: A traditional dish cooked in a clay oven with marinated meat, potatoes, and Andean herbs.

  • Chairo: A hearty soup made with beef, lamb, potatoes, and corn.

  • Queso Humacha: A creamy dish made with cheese, potatoes, and herbs.

Local Beverages

  • Chicha: A fermented corn drink that is often served at festivals and special events.

  • Mate de Coca: A tea made from the leaves of the coca plant, which is believed to help alleviate altitude sickness.

  • Pisco Sour: A popular cocktail made with Pisco (a Peruvian brandy), lime juice, sugar, and egg whites.

Where to Stay in Puno: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Libertador Lake Titicaca: A luxury hotel located on a private island on Lake Titicaca that offers stunning views of the lake.

  • Hotel Hacienda Plaza de Armas: A colonial-style hotel located in the heart of the city that offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine.

  • Homey Hostel Puno: A budget-friendly hostel located close to the city center that offers clean rooms and a shared kitchen.

What to Buy in Puno: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Alpaca wool products: Look for soft and warm alpaca wool scarves, hats, and gloves.

  • Ceramics: Puno is known for its decorative ceramics, which are often inspired by traditional Incan designs.

  • Silver jewelry: Look for locally made silver jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Local Culture and Customs of Puno

  • The local language in Puno is Spanish, but many people also speak Quechua.

  • The Aymara and Quechua cultures are very important in Puno, and traditional dress and customs are still prevalent in the region.

  • The Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria is the most important festival in Puno and is celebrated every February with colorful dances, music, and costumes.

Best Time to Visit Puno

The best time to visit Puno is during the dry season, from May to October. During this time, temperatures are mild, and rainfall is minimal. Keep in mind that temperatures can drop significantly at night.

Do’s and Don’ts of Puno

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

  • Try the local cuisine, including Pachamanca and Chicha.

  • Dress in layers to accommodate the changing temperatures.

Don’t:

  • Touch or disturb any ancient ruins or archaeological sites.

  • Drink tap water without boiling or purifying it first.

  • Wear revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Puno

Puno is generally safe for tourists, but like any other city, it is important to be cautious, especially at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with you.

Health in Puno

Altitude sickness is a common problem for visitors to Puno due to the city’s high elevation. Be sure to take it easy for the first few days and stay hydrated. It is also important to avoid drinking tap water without boiling or purifying it first.

Getting to Puno: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Puno

The nearest airport to Puno is Inca Manco Capac International Airport, located in Juliaca, about 45 minutes from Puno. Flights are available from Lima and other Peruvian cities.

Bus Stations Near Puno

Puno is well-connected by bus to other destinations in Peru, including Cusco, Arequipa, and Lima. Bus companies such as Cruz del Sur, Peru Hop, and Oltursa offer comfortable and reliable service.

Other Options

It is also possible to reach Puno by train, with service available from Cusco. Trains are operated by PeruRail and offer comfortable seats and stunning views of the Peruvian landscape.

How to Get Around in Puno

The best way to get around Puno is on foot, as many of the city’s attractions are located close to each other. Taxis are also available and are a convenient option for longer journeys.

Where to Go Next from Puno: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Cusco: Explore the ancient Incan capital and gateway to Machu Picchu.

  • Arequipa: Discover this beautiful colonial city and its stunning architecture.

  • Colca Canyon: Take a tour of the world’s deepest canyon and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes.

Conclusion

Puno is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its natural beauty, vibrant festivals, and friendly locals, Puno is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Peru. Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Chucuito, hiking along the Inca trails, or simply enjoying the local cuisine, Puno has something for everyone.

A train on its way from Puno to Cusco A train on its way from Puno to Cusco Dawn over Lake Titicaca at Puno Dawn over Lake Titicaca at Puno