Puno Peru: Our 2022 detailed guide from how to get there, where to stay, how to book a tour to the highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca and more!

Puno, Peru Brief Summary:

  • Puno is a small city located on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake situated at about 3,830m above sea level, in south-eastern Peru.
  • Situated close to the Peruvian border with Bolivia.
  • Puno has been named the ‘Capital folklórica del Perú’ (folkloric capital of Peru) from the wealth of its artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance.

Puno Guide Contents:

  1. How to get to Puno – Compare transportation options.
  2. Must do in Puno – A list of the most popular activities for travellers.
  3. Must see in Puno – The sights you cannot miss.
  4. Puno safety tips – Safety issues to be aware of.
  5. Where to stay in Puno – The best hotel/hostel options.
  6. Photo Gallery – A few of the best photos of Puno.

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How to get to Puno

  • Flight to Inca Manco Capac Internacional Airport
  • Public bus
  • Peru Hop bus

Located in Juliaca, the airport receives flights from Lima, Arequipa and Cusco, and is the fastest way to get to Puno. On arrival, take a taxi to the city which takes around 30 minutes.

On public bus from Lima it takes roughly 18 hours to reach Puno with no stops.

Peru Hop offers bus passes to Puno from Cusco, Lima, Arequipa or Bolivia. These bus passes are hop on hop off and include stops along the way.

Must do in Puno

Traditional reed boats on lake Titicaca in Peru

  • Take a boat trip through the highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca.
  • Visit the Sillustani burial site
  • Stay overnight on Amantani Island.
  • Kayak on the highest navigable lake in the world.
  • Shop at the weekend market in Puno.

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world at over 3,830 meters above sea level! The lake connects Peru and Bolivia and the views here are spectacular. The city of Puno is the gateway to launch a visit out to the famous Floating Reed Islands of the Uros people. These are incredibly interesting manmade islands in the middle of the lake made entirely of Totora reed, on which the Uros people have managed to forge a subsistent lifestyle for centuries. With a full day tour or 2-day tour, you can sail further ahead to visit the remote islands of Taquile and Amantani. These islands were until recently closed to visitors. They retain many of the ancestral traditions and cultures and are renowned for their exquisite woven fabrics.

Must see in Puno

  • Witness a folk festival.
  • Go and see the Sillustani burial towers.

Don’t miss out on seeing a folk festival during your stay in Puno. Named the folkloric capital of Peru, Puno’s festivals will make you want to be a part of the artists and dancers.

Puno safety tips

  • Bring sunblock and a hat, but also bring thermals and warm clothes as temperatures can be freezing.
  • Never carry your passport/credit card unless 100% necessary.
  • Avoid using ATM machines at night.

Where To Stay

LUCKY YOUR HOUSE - PUNO

Description: Affordable option in the central city zone.

Facilities: Private rooms, breakfast included.

Excellent for: Those looking for basic accommodation

Peru Hop Deal: Up to 30% OFF for Peru Hop passengers

ROOM TYPENORMAL PRICEPERU HOP PRICE
8 BED DORM36 SOLES PP25 SOLES PP
SINGLE P/B80 SOLES PR60 SOLES PR
DOUBLE/TWIN P/B100 SOLES PR80 SOLES PR
TRIPLE P/B132 SOLES PR115 SOLES PR
QUADRUPLE155 SOLES PR130 SOLES PR
PP: per person | PR: per room | P/B: private bathroom

How to Book: Email reservaslucky@gmail.com and say you are a Peru Hop passenger.

Conditions: Must book directly with the hostel and show your Peru Hop wristband upon arrival.

SUITE INDEPENDENCIA - Puno

Description: Comfortable rooms, social living room area, great view of the Lake from the top rooms.

Facilities: TV room, good Wi-Fi, TV Cable, hot water, buffet breakfast included.

Excellent for: Backpackers looking for a nice comfortable place to relax.

Issues: Limited availability.

Peru Hop Deal: Up to 52% OFF for Peru Hop passengers

Room TypeNormal PricePeru Hop Price
4 Bed DormN/A 30 Soles PP
Single P/B 105 Soles PR60 Soles PR
Double or Twin P/B 125 Soles PR70 Soles PR
Triple P/B 160 Soles PR 100 Soles PR
Quadruple P/B 190 Soles PR 130 Soles PR
PP: per person | PR: per room PB: private bathroom

How to Book: Email reservas@suiteindependenciapuno.com and say you are a Peru Hop passenger.

Conditions: Must book directly with the hostel and show Peru Hop wristband upon arrival.

Website: www.suiteindependenciapuno.com

CONDE DE LEMOS - Puno

Description: Good, mid-range option located in central Plaza de Armas

Facilities: Private rooms, buffet breakfast included.

Excellent for: Those looking for comfortable rooms.

Peru Hop Deal: Up to 50% OFF for Peru Hop passengers

ROOM TYPENORMAL PRICEPERU HOP PRICE
SINGLE P/B83 USD PR42 USD PR
DOUBLE P/B106 USD PR58 USD PR
TRIPLE P/B118 USD PR72 USD PR
SUITE130 USD PR75 USD PR
PR: per room P/B: private bathroom

How to Book: Email reservas@condelemosinn.com and say you are a Peru Hop passenger.

Conditions: Must book directly with the hostel and show Peru Hop wristband upon arrival.

Photo Gallery