Guide to the Town of Puno

On the shores of Lake Titicaca, you will find the high Andean town of Puno. The Puno region is filled with history and fascinating highlights to see and discover. Spend a day or 2 seeing the floating Islands of the Uros people. Travel further out on the lake to Taquille Island, where the people live a wonderfully simple life. Take a tour to the ancient Sillustani Cemetery. Here we take you through what there is to see and do in Peru.

How to Get to Puno

The first thing to think about is how to get to Puno located in Southern Peru. There are three ways to get to the lakeside city of Puno: Air, Train, or Bus.

• 1. Air: Although you can’t fly directly to Puno, you can fly to the nearest town of Juliaca and take a one-hour bus, taxi, or private transport to Puno, ask our travel advisors for details. If you decide to fly, you can fly from Lima to Juliaca in one hour and 40 minutes

• 2. Train: Taking the train between Cusco and Puno is a must for the train enthusiasts. Take the Belmond Titicaca Train across the Altiplano, passing high Andean towns.  The train perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the scenery while you travel.

• 3. Bus: Most people will take a seven-hour bus from Cusco to Puno. It’s better to pay a little extra and get a safer and more reliable ride. The double-decker buses are quite comfortable and many offer phone chargers so you can charge while you travel. From the white city of Arequipa, you can take a 6-hour bus ride to Puno.

If you want to avoid the hassle of figuring these things out, you can speak with a Wayna Trekkers travel advisor to help you plan everything in a fully customized itinerary.

What to Do in Puno

Uros Floating Islands

When visiting Puno you can’t miss the incredible Uros Floating Islands. A short boat ride from the dock in Puno you can step onto one of the 40 or so islands made by the Uros people. On a guided tour, hear the stories of how the islands were made and still maintained with Totora, a type of reed native to the lake.

The people have lived here for hundreds of years, even predating the Incas. See how they make their boats and houses out of the same reeds. Daily activities for the Uros people include fishing, taking care of chickens, and maintaining the island. In recent years, the locals have added some new traditions to their ancient ways, making homemade souvenirs for those who come to visit their islands. This has provided some income for the people, making life a little more convenient.

Cathedral of Puno

In the center of the city, the main square features a unique piece of history, a baroque colonial cathedral. Designed by Simón de Astro, the beautiful structure was completed in 1757. It features two impressive bell towers, a carved exterior, and two large green doors. The interior suffered damage from a fire in the 1930 and some of the invaluable carvings were lost. Today, it has an altar made of marble and an image of Jesus.

Festival of the Virgin of La Candelaria

In February there is a remarkable festival in Puno called the Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria. Between the 2nd and the 12th, this two-week holiday is full of folk dancing, drinking, and colorful costumes on parade.

Jirón de Lima Street and Parque Pino

If you are looking for a walk head over to Jirón de Lima Street where you will find markets, cafes, bars, and travel information. To get there, walk north from the Plaza de Armas, or main square of Puno. This street is perfect for an afternoon stroll and connects the Plaza de Armas with Parque Pino, where you will find benches to relax.

Taquile Island

In addition to the Uros Islands, you can also visit the island of Taquile. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a 2.5-hour ride from the port of Puno. Taquile offers some of the most stunning views of Lake Titicaca. Walk stone paths and look down the slopes to the stunning blue water of Lake Titicaca.  The island is famous for the intricate colorful fabrics made by the locals. If you have the time, this will be a highlight of your trip to Peru.

Sillustani Cemetery

About 20 miles from Puno is the ancient cemetery of Sillustani, here see the Chullpas, or ancient funerary towers. These were built by the Qolla people, who were conquered by the Incas in the middle of the 15th century. The Qollas wrapped the deceased nobles in a fetal position and bury them in these towers with food and personal belongings to help with their journey into the afterlife. Some of the towers are 40 feet tall and are located on a hill which offers impressive views of the lake.

Where to Stay

Here we have selected a few hotels for different budgets, please ask your travel advisor about hotel when booking Puno as part of your Peruvian adventure.

• GHL Lake Titicaca: The GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca is the most luxurious hotel in Puno. The food is some of the best in Puno and people love that you can get breakfast to-go if you have an early excursion. Some of the rooms have stunning views of the lake. Don’t forget to try the hot tub, great for a relaxing soak after a day of adventure.
• Casa Andina Premium Puno: The Casa Andina Premium is a four-star hotel with amenities that include oxygen in reception, free luggage storage, buffet breakfast, restaurant/bar, and terrace. The rooms are spacious, and this hotel is always highly rated by travelers.

• Casa Andina Standard Puno: Casa Andina also offers a three-star option in Puno. If you want comfort and style in a convenient location, then this is the place for you. Located just 7 minutes from the Plaza de Armas. The hotel offers WIFI and free breakfast as well as comfortable rooms and luxurious shared spaces.

• Uros Titicaca Lodge: For those who want an immersive experience, the Uros Lodge is what you should consider. Here you will spend the night on a floating island. You won’t go without your modern luxuries as the lodge features WIFI, free breakfast, a restaurant, solarium, a fireplace, private balcony, and of course incredible views.

• Sol Plaza Puno: A top-rated three-star hotel with a modern style, located a few steps from the main square. They also offer Allergy-free rooms and blackout curtains for those who don’t want to be disturbed.

Where to Eat?

As with the rest of Peru, you can get some great food in Puno. When it comes time to eat, make sure to keep an eye out for these places.

• Los Uros Restaurant: Located on the Isla Esteves is the scenic Los Uros Restaurant. The food is delicious, and the view of the lake is incredible. They offer Peruvian and International cuisine and have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Go before sunset so you can watch the sun go down over the lake.

• La Casa del Corregidor: A great place for a break, this little café and bar has bright colors and a fun atmosphere. The café features contemporary Peruvian cuisine. Sit down and grab a cup of coffee and enjoy free WIFI. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options for those with dietary restrictions.

• Sushi Ten Bento: For those who love Nikkei, one of the top-rated restaurants in Puno is actually Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. You will find many Asian influences in Peru, and Puno is no exception. At Ten Bento, you will find exceptional sushi. The maki rolls are particularly good and the ramen is sure to warm your soul.

• Alma Bar Restaurante: Without a doubt, the Alma Bar has some of the best food in Puno, serving both Peruvian and international cuisine. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Experience the flavors of Peru without having to compromise your diet. Inside enjoy the view it is breathtaking!

• Tulipan’s Restaurant & Pizzeria: For something more chill, Tulipan’s is a Peruvian bar and Pizza joint serving contemporary food in a relaxed setting. They cook the pizza in a stone oven, so it has an authentic smoky flavor with a crispy crust. There are many pizza toppings so there is something for every taste and plenty of meat options.

We hope you enjoyed Wayna Trekkers guide to Puno, if you have any further questions contact our Travel Advisors for more information.