Puno Travel Guide

2023 Update

puno 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 at 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.
  • You can visit Puno with one of the many Peru Hop hop-on, hop-off passes starting in Lima and Cusco

How to get to puno

Flight to Inca Manco Capac Internacional Airport

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.

Public bus

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

Peru Hop bus

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.

Find The Perfect Pass To Get To puno

Must do 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.

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 in puno

Excellent for:

  • Backpackers
  • Solo travelers
  • Couples
ROOM TYPENORMAL PRICEPERU HOP PRICE
8 BED DORM36 SOLES PP30 SOLES PP
SINGLE P/B90 SOLES PR70 SOLES PR
DOUBLE/TWIN P/B120 SOLES PR90 SOLES PR
TRIPLE P/B160 SOLES PR130 SOLES PR
QUADRUPLE185 SOLES PR160 SOLES PR
PP: per person | PR: per room | P/B: private bathroom

Description: Affordable option in the central city zone.

Facilities: Private rooms, breakfast included.

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

Excellent for:

  • Older travelers
  • Families
  • Couples

Why guests love it:

  • Great value
  • Buffet breakfast
ROOM TYPENORMAL PRICEPERU HOP PRICE
SINGLE P/B70 USD PR49 USD PR
DOUBLE P/B90 USD PR59 USD PR
TRIPLE P/B100 USD PR79 USD PR
SUITE100 USD PR79 USD PR
PR: per room P/B: private bathroom

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

Facilities: Private rooms, buffet breakfast included.

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

Most popular trips including puno

Lima to The Lake

Full South To Lima