Puno is located in southern Peru, at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It is the starting point for visiting the floating islands of the Uros , the islands of Taquile and Amantaní , and the funerary towers of Sillustani . To find out what to do in Puno, Peru , the basics include combining a boat trip on the lake with a stroll through the city center and an archaeological visit.
Most travelers wonder how many days to spend in Puno . Two days is enough to see the main sights; with three, you can spend the night on Amantaní Island ; and with four, you can leisurely explore Sillustani. To get to Puno, Peru , the most common way is to fly to Juliaca, which is 45 km away, or travel by bus from Cusco or Arequipa.
In this guide, you'll find information on how to get there, what to see and visit, excursions with their itineraries, how many days you'll need, and five hotels for your stay. If you prefer to book your trip with transfers and a guide included, check out the excursions and packages in Puno before continuing.
How to get to Puno, Peru
Puno does not have its own airport. You can reach it by air to Juliaca and by land from Cusco, Arequipa, Lima, or La Paz. The fastest way is to fly and then continue by car or minibus . The cheapest option is the bus.
The following times are approximate and depend on traffic and road conditions. It is advisable to confirm them with the company before purchasing your ticket.
Airport near Puno, Peru: Juliaca
The airport near Puno, Peru is Inca Manco Cápac Airport, located in the city of Juliaca. It is about 45 km north of Puno , and the drive takes about an hour . There are flights from Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa.
From the airport, you can take a private taxi, minibus, or shared taxi . If you book a package, the transfer from Juliaca Airport to your hotel is usually included , as in the two packages described below in this guide.
How to get to Puno by bus and train
It's about 390 km from Cusco . The bus takes between 6 and 8 hours. Tourist services that stop at archaeological sites add a couple of hours more. The Andean Explorer train covers the same route in about 10 hours.
From Arequipa, it's about 290 to 300 km , and the bus takes between 5 and 7 hours. From Lima, the bus takes between 22 and 24 hours, so it's best to fly to Juliaca or Cusco. From La Paz or Copacabana (Bolivia), the trip takes about 4 hours, including the stop at the border. If you're crossing from Bolivia, check the entry requirements beforehand, depending on your nationality.
Altitude in Puno: how to acclimatize
Puno is 3,827 meters above sea level , higher than Cusco. Some people experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath during the first few days. This is known as altitude sickness .
To avoid altitude sickness: rest on the first day , drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and don't drink alcohol. If possible, arrive from a mid-altitude location, such as Cusco or Arequipa. Tangol excursions recommend acclimatizing before activities.
What to see in Puno, Peru: the city and its viewpoints
The center of Puno is small and easily explored on foot. The Plaza de Armas is the starting point: from there, pedestrian streets branch off, and you'll find the cathedral, museums, and access to viewpoints. Half a day is enough to see the main sights.
The terrain is steep, and at this altitude, the hills are tiring. Therefore, it's best to take a taxi or make stops to reach the viewpoints. Keep an eye on your belongings in the city center, as you would in any tourist town.
Plaza de Armas and Cathedral of Puno
The Puno Cathedral is located in the Plaza de Armas. It was built in 1757 in the Andean Baroque style, with a stone facade carved by Simón de Asto. The interior is simple. It was declared a Historical Landmark in 1972.
From the plaza begins Jirón Lima , a pedestrian street about 300 meters long that leads to Parque Pino. It's a great place to eat, have coffee, and buy handicrafts. Along Jirón Deustua are the Balcón del Conde de Lemos , dating from 1668, and the Arco Deustua , dedicated to those who died in the War of Independence.
Carlos Dreyer Museum, Corregidor's House and Yavarí Ship
The Carlos Dreyer Museum (Conde de Lemos 289) houses approximately 1,800 artifacts in eight rooms , spanning the pre-Inca, Inca, colonial, and republican periods. Among the exhibits are mummies and a replica of the Chullpa del Lagarto (Lizard Chullpa) from Sillustani. It's a worthwhile visit before an archaeological excursion.
The 17th-century Casa del Corregidor is located next to the Plaza de Armas. It houses exhibits, a shop, and a café-restaurant in its courtyard. The Yavarí Museum Ship , built in England in 1862, was the first iron-hulled vessel to sail on Lake Titicaca. It is moored in front of the Sonesta Posadas del Inca hotel.
Huajsapata and Kuntur Wasi viewpoints
The Huajsapata viewpoint is four blocks from the Plaza de Armas . It overlooks the lake and features a statue of Manco Cápac, the legendary founder of the Inca Empire. You can walk up, although at this altitude it's best to take a taxi.
The Kuntur Wasi viewpoint (Condor's House) offers the most comprehensive view of the city and the lake, with a condor sculpture at the top. It's a great spot for sunset. There's a third viewpoint, Puma Uta , with a puma statue.
Puno and Lake Titicaca: floating islands and water excursions
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and the main reason to travel to Puno. Almost all excursions depart from the port of Puno and combine three destinations : the floating islands of the Uros, Taquile, and Amantaní.
Half-day excursions visit only the Uros Islands. Full-day excursions also include Taquile Island. Two-day excursions include an overnight stay on Amantaní Island. Kayaking and cycling options are also available for those who prefer to explore independently.
The floating islands of Puno, Peru: the Uros
The floating islands of the Uros are artificial islands made from totora reeds , a plant native to Lake Titicaca. They are located about 7 km northwest of the city of Puno . More than 200 families live there, speaking Aymara and Spanish, and their livelihoods depend on fishing, handicrafts, and tourism. The tour includes walking on the totora reeds and learning how the islands are constructed.
If you're wondering what to see in Puno, Peru , when you're short on time, the Uros and Taquile floating islands tour is the most comprehensive option. The full-day tour departs at 7:00 or 7:30 from centrally located hotels. It includes boat transportation, entrance fees to the islands, a guide, and lunch on Taquile, returning between 3:30 and 5:00 PM. The Uros-only option lasts 4 hours and departs at 9:00 AM.
Taquile Island: textiles and lake views
Taquile is about 5.5 km long and its highest point reaches 4,050 meters . It is a 1 hour and 30 minute boat ride from the Uros Islands. Its textile art is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage .
The communal lunch usually consists of quinoa soup and fried trout with rice, potatoes, and salad. Reaching the village involves climbing stairs: according to one source, there are approximately 540 steps from one of the ports, so comfortable shoes and a slow pace are recommended.
Amantaní Island: overnight stay in a family home
Amantaní is the largest island on the Peruvian side. It offers experiential tourism : you stay in a family home, have dinner with the community, and climb to the Pachatata ceremonial center (4,100 meters) to watch the sunset. There is no electricity on the island , so bring your phone and fully charged batteries from Puno.
The Titicaca Islands tour – Uros, Amantaní, and Taquile – lasts 2 days and 1 night . The first day includes a visit to the Uros Islands, lunch on Amantaní, and a hike to Pachatata. The second day includes an Andean breakfast, a visit to Taquile with lunch, and the return to Puno. Basic rural accommodation, meals, and entrance fees are included.
Those who wish to paddle can choose the kayak tour of the Uros Islands with an overnight stay on Amantaní Island . The first day involves an 80-minute paddle across Puno Bay to the islands, followed by a boat trip to Amantaní. The second day includes a visit to Taquile Island, lunch, and the return to Puno. This tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old.
Kayaking on Lake Titicaca
If you want to see the islands from the water, kayaking on Lake Titicaca comes in two options. The half-day tour lasts about 4 hours, departs at 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM, and goes to the Uros Islands. The full-day tour lasts about 10 hours and includes a boat trip to Taquile Island.
You paddle wearing a life jacket and with a support boat, passing close to the rocky Devil's Island. Along the way, you'll see birds such as ducks, herons, and flamingos. No prior experience is necessary , but good physical condition is recommended.
Mountain biking around Lake Titicaca
The mountain biking tour around Lake Titicaca lasts between 4 and 6 hours and departs at 8:00 or 13:45. The route goes north of the city, close to the shore, and passes through a valley of fields and the bay of Puno , with a view of the Uros islands.
The tour ends at the Viscachuni viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the city and the lake, and returns along the bay to the port. It includes a bicycle with front suspension, helmet, gloves, a guide, and a snack. No prior experience is necessary.
What to visit in Puno, Peru: archaeological sites and nearby towns
Outside the city, there are two very popular day trips: the Sillustani tombs and the village of Chucuito . Both can be done in half a day or a full day, and can be visited by car or bicycle.
There are more sites for those who have time: Cutimbo , 20 km southwest of Puno, is a pre-Hispanic cemetery with cave paintings, and the festival of the Virgin of Candelaria brings together thousands of dancers every February.
Sillustani Tombs: chullpas next to the Umayo lagoon
Sillustani is 33 or 34 km from Puno , about a 40 or 45 minute drive. It is a pre-Incan cemetery of the Kolla culture, located on the shores of Lake Umayo, with funerary towers called chullpas that reach up to 12 meters in height. Mummies in fetal positions were found inside. The most famous is the Chullpa of the Lizard .
The visit to the Sillustani tombs lasts about 3 hours. It includes transportation from your hotel, a guide, and entrance fees, and also includes a stop in nearby communities to see their textiles. There is an option that includes a transfer to Juliaca Airport, which is 38 km from Sillustani.
To reach the Sillustani tombs by bike, the mountain bike tour departs at 8:00 AM and lasts 3 to 4 hours. It includes about 2 hours of cycling through Andean landscapes to the chullpas (funerary towers), a tour of the complex, and a visit to local families. The level of difficulty is moderate.
Chucuito and Inca Uyo, the Temple of Fertility
Chucuito is 18 km from Puno , on a peninsula in the lake. There you'll find the Temple of Fertility, or Inca Uyo , a site with phallic-shaped stone sculptures, possibly from the Inca period. Chucuito also offers views of Taquile and Amantaní islands.
The bike tour to Chucuito lasts approximately 8 hours in total , with 4 hours of cycling . It departs at 7:30 am and returns around 3:30 pm. The tour includes transportation, bicycle rental, an Andean lunch at a local family's home, views of the lake, and a visit to the temple. It is a moderately challenging tour.
Day trips in Puno, Peru: how to choose according to your time
Excursions in Puno, Peru can be booked individually or as part of a package. Packages are a good option if you arrive in Juliaca by plane, as they include airport transfers, hotel accommodations, and the main attractions.
Separate excursions offer more flexibility if you already have a hotel booked. In both cases, confirm your pickup : some rates and schedules change depending on whether you're staying in a centrally located hotel or one on the lakefront.
Puno Classic Package: 3 days and 2 nights
The Puno Classic package begins at 7:00 AM at Juliaca Airport. The first day is for arrival and rest at a centrally located hotel. The second day includes a shared tour of the Uros and Taquile Islands, with a lunch of quinoa soup and trout on the island. The third day features a private tour of Sillustani and concludes with a transfer back to the airport.
It includes accommodation with breakfast, transfers, guides, and entrance fees. It's the best option for those who want to see the essentials in a short amount of time.
Puno Experience Package: 4 days and 3 nights
The Puno Experience package lasts 4 days and 3 nights . Day 1 is arrival, acclimatization, and a welcome dinner with a traditional dance show. Day 2 includes a visit to the Uros Islands and Amantaní Island, with an overnight stay in a local family's home. Day 3 is a trip to Taquile Island and back to Puno. Day 4 includes a visit to the Sillustani chullpas (pre-Incan burial towers) before returning to the airport.
It includes two nights in a 3-star hotel in the city center and one night on Amantaní with full board. A minimum of two people is required. It's the best option for those who want to experience life with the lake's communities.
Comparison of excursions and packages
Proposal | Duration | Departure Time | For Whom | Uros and Taquile | 7 to 10 hours | 7:00 or 7:30 | Those who have only one day | Uros, Amantaní and Taquile Tour | 2 days | 7:30 to 8:00 | Those who want to sleep on the island | Kayak on Lake Titicaca | 4 to 10 hours | 7:00 or 9:00 | Those looking for activity | Sillustani | 3 hours | 14:00 | Those who want history | Sillustani by bike | 3 to 4 hours | 8:00 | Those looking for adventure | Chucuito by bike | 8 hours | 7:30 | Those who have a free day
How many days to go to Puno
Two days is the minimum to see the islands and the city. Three days allow you to stay overnight on Amantani or add Sillustani without feeling rushed. Four days give you time to acclimatize and for an active excursion.
Keep in mind that it's best to take it easy on the first day due to the altitude. The following itineraries build upon that rest and combine visits according to the available time.
Puno in 2 days
On day 1, you can take a full-day excursion to the Uros and Taquile islands. Dedicate day 2 to the city: the cathedral, Jirón Lima, the Carlos Dreyer Museum, and a viewpoint at sunset. If you arrive by bus, allow an extra night to acclimatize.
Another option is the 2-day island tour, with an overnight stay in Amantaní, and the following morning dedicated to the return trip. With this option, the city is reserved for the end of the journey.
Puno in 3 days
Day 1 is for arrival and rest in the city. Day 2 is for the Uros Islands and Taquile Island. Day 3 is for Sillustani, either in the mid-afternoon or for a bike excursion. This way you cover the most important sights without getting too tired.
If you prefer to sleep on an island, choose the 2-day tour to Amantaní and add a third day for Sillustani or the center.
Puno in 4 days or more
With four days you can do the complete program: acclimatization, a two-day tour of the islands including Amantaní and Sillustani, and a city tour. If you have a free day, a bike ride around Chucuito adds a different experience.
With more time, two-day tours to the Colca Canyon depart from Puno, with an overnight stay in Chivay and a final stop in Arequipa. This is useful if you're continuing your journey south through Peru.
Accommodation in Puno, Peru
Hotels in Puno are concentrated in two areas. One is the city center , near the Plaza de Armas and Jirón Lima, ideal for getting around on foot. The other is the lakeside area , with water views and a quieter atmosphere, but several kilometers from the center, so taxis are necessary.
At Tangol, you can see the complete selection of hotels in Puno , with 49 accommodations. These five hotels cover different budgets and locations. Rates and availability are listed on each property's page.
If you book an excursion, check the pickup : some Tangol fares, such as those for Sillustani and the Titicaca islands, have different prices and schedules for downtown hotels and lakeside hotels.
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca Puno: 5 stars on Esteves Island
The GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca is a 5-star hotel on Esteves Island , on the shores of the lake and about 5 minutes from the city . It is 45 minutes from Juliaca Airport. It has 123 rooms with lake views, air conditioning, heating, a minibar, and a safe.
Its amenities include a restaurant, bar, spa, gym, room service, and free Wi-Fi , with a 24-hour reception. It has a private beach and a pier from which boats depart for the Uros Islands and other destinations. Pets are welcome, and the hotel is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno: 4 stars facing the lake
The Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno is a 4-star hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca, 45 minutes from Juliaca Airport . The rooms feature panoramic lake views , a flat-screen TV, a desk, heating, a minibar, and a safe.
Breakfast is included . There is a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a bar, a souvenir shop, and a private dock for boat trips to the Uros Islands. The Yavarí Museum Ship is anchored in front of the hotel, so you can visit it on foot.
Casa Andina Premium Puno: spa and lake view
The Casa Andina Premium Puno is a 4-star hotel located on the lakefront at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters. Its rooms feature a TV, minibar, safe, and private bathroom, with free Wi-Fi. Many offer panoramic views of Lake Titicaca.
It features a spa with massages and treatments, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a bar, and a terrace. Breakfast includes seasonal fruit, cereals, hams, cheeses, and an egg station. Check-in is at 12:00 PM and check-out is at 10:00 AM. Pets are welcome.
Puno Terra: 3 stars near the historic center
The 3-star Hotel Puno Terra is located near the historic center and a train station, with public transport nearby. It offers rooms for couples and families, with Wi-Fi, TV, a safe, and individually controlled heating.
It offers a Peruvian restaurant, continental breakfast, room service, and a 24-hour reception . It also provides tourist information and airport transfers , which is helpful if you arrive in Juliaca.
Hotel Sillustani Inn: 3 stars, 300 meters from the Plaza de Armas
The Sillustani Inn Hotel is located in the city center at Jirón Tarapacá 305 , about 300 meters from the Plaza de Armas , near Jirón Lima. It is a 3-star hotel with standard and superior rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, a safe, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi.
The buffet breakfast is included . It features a restaurant serving Peruvian and international cuisine, a bar, a terrace with panoramic views, parking, and a 24-hour reception. The hotel's tour desk organizes excursions to the Uros Islands and Sillustani. There is no elevator.
When to go to Puno and what to bring
The best time to travel to Puno is during the dry season, from May to October . The skies are clearer and there is little rain, which is ideal for boating and enjoying the views of the lake.
The climate at high altitudes is cold year-round. The following information will help you choose your dates and pack your suitcase.
Best time to travel to Puno
Between May and October, temperatures range from 15 to 20 °C during the day and can drop to 0 °C at night . From November to April is the rainy season, with more overcast skies.
In February, the Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria is celebrated, with the main day on February 2nd and about two weeks of dances and musical performances. If you're traveling during those dates, book your hotel well in advance.
What to pack in Puno
Pack layers of clothing , a windbreaker, a wool hat and gloves, a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. Also bring a reusable water bottle and cash in soles , as there are few ATMs and banking services on the islands.
When sleeping on Amantaní, pack a flashlight and fully charged batteries for your phone, as there is no electricity. If you have any concerns about the altitude, consult your doctor beforehand.
Frequently asked questions about Puno, Peru
These answers summarize the information in the guide for those organizing the trip. Schedules and fares vary by season.
Always confirm the current information on each excursion's information sheet before booking.
What to do in Puno, Peru?
The essentials include visiting the floating islands of Uros , Taquile, and Amantaní, exploring the chullpas of Sillustani , and strolling through the town center and its viewpoints. Kayaking and cycling are available.
How many days to go to Puno?
Two days are enough for the islands and the city. Three days allow you to add Sillustani or spend the night on Amantani. With four days, the trip is more comfortable and gives you time to acclimatize.
Which is the closest airport to Puno?
The Inca Manco Cápac airport is in Juliaca. It is about 45 km from Puno and the transfer by land takes about 1 hour.
How to get to Puno from Cusco?
It's about 390 km . By bus it takes between 6 and 8 hours, and by the Andean Explorer train, about 10 hours. You can also fly from Cusco to Juliaca.
How much does a trip to the floating islands cost?
The price depends on the type of service (shared or private) and the duration. Check the current rate on the tour's information page.
What are the floating islands of the Uros?
These are artificial islands made of totora reeds , a plant from Lake Titicaca, about 7 km from Puno. A community that speaks Aymara and Spanish lives there.