Puno Travel Guide

South Andean zone, plateau, 3,827 meters above sea level (12,555 ft)
Population: 120,229
Founded November 1668 by the Viceroy Pedro Antonio Fernández de Castro

Puno is the Peruvian gateway to the islands of Lake Titicaca. Sunscreen is a definite recommendation for this elevated city, sitting at a bit more than 12,500ft above sea level. Incredible landscapes, rolling hills and the calm water of Lake Titicaca which reflect a clear blue sky draw every visitor in from the first moment of arrival. Legend has it that the birth of the Incan Empire started here as the first two children of the sun, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo arose from the waters to become the first pair in the Incan Dynasty.

Among the closest islands to the shores of Puno are Uros, Amantani and Taquile. Prolific along the shores of Lake Titicaca are the totora reeds, which not only provide the base from which the famous floating islands of Uros are created, but also provide a source of nutrition for the inhabitants as well. Just a few hours by boat to Amantani and Taquile and you will find yourself in another world; one of little to no electricity, no cars, beautiful landscapes and some of the most beautiful tapestries that are made here, known throughout Peru for their quality and detail.

Considered the 'Folklore Capital of Peru,' Puno prides itself on its wealth of cultural riches: from handicrafts to celebrations and all that go along with it, including over 300 types of folkloric dance. Puno also has a rich literary tradition with several famous authors and poets hailing from the region. Fortunately for tourists, Puno is a warm and welcoming city that enjoys sharing its traditions with open arms and a smile.

Cradled amid the shores of Lake Titicaca on one side, and the crawling hills on the other, Puno has very little flat land and this is evident as the city continues to grow up the surrounding hills. Bordered on the east by Bolivia and lined by the Carabaya Cordillera to the north and the Maritime or Volcanic Cordillera to the south, the area has a unique geography.

Lake Titicaca, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, stretches across more than 3,100 sq mi and two countries. Throughout the lake there are more than thirty islands – both man-made and natural.

CLIMATE

Puno shares the characteristic of the Andean/Amazonian two main seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season occurs during the summer months of November through March, with the dry season passing during the winter months of April through October. Temperatures range from 59º F/15º C to 71º F/22º C in summer to around 41º F/5º C to 60º F/16º C in winter. The thermal effect of the lake provides a slightly warmer climate for Puno than other cities in the region.

As in Cusco, the winter months are graced with blue skies and crisper temperature while the summer months see the rain. However, this is another area best to dress in layers as the evenings here are decidedly colder than the day, so be sure to have warm clothing on hand. Along with the beautiful, shining sun and high altitude, sunburn is quite common, so be sure to have plenty of sunscreen on hand as well.

Inca Manco Capac International Airport
The closest airport to Puno is located in the city of Juliaca, roughly thirty minutes away. Both LAN and Star Peru service the Juliaca airport from Lima, Cusco and Arequipa. Flights from Lima are approximately 2.5 hours and flights from Cusco or Arequipa take roughly an hour.

BUS

It is most common for travelers to arrive in Puno by tourist bus. From Colca Canyon, 4M offers service from Chivay, lasting about six hours and stopping along the way at Lagunillas to view the wildlife as well as in Patapampas for a light lunch. From Cuzco the tourist bus will stop to visit the church in Andahuaylillas; the Inca Temple Raqchi; the highest pass on the route, La Raya; and the Pre-Inca ruins of Pukara. This trip is highly scenic and takes about 9 hours including the various stops and a buffet lunch in Sicuani. Another very attractive, if more costly, option is the tourist train, Andean Explorer, which runs three times a week from Cusco. For more details ask one of our expert travel advisors.

GETTING AROUND THE CITY

The most convenient way to get around the city is on foot, as the center is small and all points of interest are within easy walking distance from each other. Should the altitude make walking a bit taxing, a taxi can easily be taken. Rarely should you pay any more than 3-4 soles ($1-1.50) for a taxi anywhere around town. Always be sure to settle on the price before entering the taxi as they do not run with meters. Tipping a taxi driver is not necessary.

City of Puno
Puno offers a mixture of architecture both old and new and near the Plaza de Armas are two buildings worthy of a visit. The main Cathedral, built in 1757 boasts a baroque style façade and the simple interior is accentuated by a magnificent altar carved from marble and plated in silver and is surrounded by beautiful, elaborate murals. Next to the Cathedral is the Balcony of the Count of Lernos, founded on a once illustrious house where Peru's Viceroy Don Pedro Antonio Fernandez de Castro - the Count – purportedly stayed, today it serves as the housing for the National Culture Institute of the Department of Puno and attached art gallery.

Museo Carlos Dreyer
Calle Jr. Conde de Lemos 289
Named for the generous benefactor that bequeathed his collection for the museum, one can find Nazca, Tiahuanaco, Paracas, Chimú and Inca artifacts along with colonial art. Carlos Dreyer, an artist from Germany, came to the area and being overwhelmed by the beauty of the surroundings and people, he spent thirty years of his life in the region, producing a prolific amount of work characterized by delicate colors and strong indigenous influence. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 3:30pm. Admission is around S/3.50 ($1.25).

Mirador Kuntur Wasi and Huajsapata Park
To the southwest of the main square, there are two look-out points atop a steep hill providing an outstanding view of the lake and its surroundings. At the top you will find a gleaming white statue of Manco Cápac, the legendary first Inca and founder of the empire. Down below, Jr. (Pasaje) Lima is a pedestrian-only mall, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, that runs from the Plaza de Armas to Parque Pino, an attractive square populated by relaxing locals.

Floating Islands of the Uros
A popular tourist stop, the Aymaras built their houses on artificial islands, all made from the vast supply of totora reeds. The islands move with the winds and the locals even push islands together for festivals and occasionally to play a game of football.

Amantani and Taquile Islands
These islands offer an opportunity to experience life in the past, sharing the life with the natives and beautiful landscapes. Visitors are offered the opportunity to enjoy a homestay on either of the islands and have the opportunity to share their ways of life and see how their splendid textiles are deftly created. Conscious of the value of true cultural immersion and what it means to travelers, a number of communities in Puno have opened more rural and experienced based tourism, both on the islands and on land. Recommended program 2 days /1 night.

Yavari Project
This steamship was build in the United Kingdom in 1861, then was discharged in packing cases and pieces to the port of Arica, where incredibly it was hauled by mules over the Andes to Puno. Now registered as a museum, it is berthed in Puno Bay, outside the Sonesta Posada Hotel del Inca Puno.

Virgin of Candelaria Feast
The Feast in honor of Virgin of Candelaria, patron of the city of Puno, is made in the first fortnight of February each year. It represents the largest and most important musical and dancing cultural event in Peru. And is one of the three most significant in South America along with Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and the Carnaval de Oruro, in the amount of symbols and artistic and cultural manifestations of the cultures themselves and the volume of people directly and indirectly involved in its realization.

The main city market can be found two blocks down from Parque Pino, on Arbulu Street, and is a sprawling collection of people, goods and local food. This bustling market is worth a stop to peruse the variety of products available, such as fine Alpaca products at an affordable price and souvenir reed boats representative of the islands of Uros. Also, as Puno is the birth place of the cultivated potato, one can marvel at the immense selection of potatoes available at this market, from the hard, freeze-dried papa seca, to purple potatoes and yellow-orange speckled olluco tubers.

Titilaka Hotel 5 Star

Indulge and immerse in the splendor and spirit of the lake at Titilaka in a secluded private peninsula. Surrounded by stunning scenery and astounding Andean geography, Titilaka Hotel's contemporary design integrates with the natural environment, paying homage to the ancient Titicaca, origin of the great Inca culture. Eighteen fully serviced lake-view suites feature heated floors and spa bathrooms, with large oversized tubs, massage showers, plus an array of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Here you will find a haven for re-energizing after a day of excursion by boat, mountain bike, hiking or car.








Casa Andina Private Collection Suasi Island 5 Star

A solar-powered eco-lodge on the remote and uniquely beautiful Isla Suasi, the only private island on the massive Lake Titicaca, features panoramic lake views from every room. Surrounded by terraced gardens and designed with native materials (stone, adobe and thatched roofs) to blend into the island, the lodge is committed to being green. Suasi is a magical and mystical place to disconnect from the world. Spot rare vicuñas, hike to the Itapilluni Hill to contemplate colorful high-altitude sunsets, paddle a canoe around the island, go on quiet nature walks, or visit the earthy spa for massages and steam saunas with eucalyptus leaves. With 24 well-appointed appealingly rustic rooms and the Andean Cottage (a spectacular two-bedroom lakefront suite), a candlelit gourmet restaurant, bar and game room, the lodge is the perfect place to relax after a day of doing plenty or doing nothing at all.








Royal Inn Hotel 4 Star

The Royal Inn Hotel opened its facilities in Puno city, to satisfy clients with their comfortable, modern and luxurious facilities. Dedicated to offering great customer service and a great environment to relax, the Royal Inn Hotel is ideal for the tourist and the business executives because of its central location, infrastructure and service quality.








Casa Andina Classic Puno Plaza 3 Star

Small, intimate and ideally located in the heart of Puno, the hotel is located less than 1 block from the Plaza de Armas and the pedestrian-only boulevard that is loaded with the city's bars and restaurants. This hotel is situated just minutes from the piers of Lake Titicaca and features a cozy breakfast room, where lunch & dinner are also available by request and an elevator, which is highly prized by guests not yet acclimated to Puno's challenging altitude.








Casa Andina Classic Puno Tikarani 3 Star

A medium-sized, easygoing hotel with several relaxing public areas, it includes a fireplace lounge and courtyard. Close to Puno's restaurant and bar scene along the pedistrian-only Lima Boulevard, just a 5-minute walk but far enough removed to make sure visitors get a good night's sleep. This hotel is spacious with large bedrooms.








Casona Plaza Hotel 3 Star

The convenient installations, strategic location and quality of personalized attention offered at the Casona Plaza Hotel will guarantee comfort and tranquility. This property is located in the city centre at only a few minutes walk from Plaza de Armas. The hotel boasts 21 bedrooms that are well decorated and equipped with modern amenities. A modern and well-decorated restaurant serves local and international dishes. In addition, a cafeteria and a cocktail bar are also available onsite for your pleasure.








Mosoq Inn 3 Star

The Mosoq Inn combines a comfortable and family atmosphere located strategically in the center of the city. This hotel possess comfortable rooms, full service, clean bathrooms and hot water 24 hours a day. This cozy place is ideal for rest and relaxation.

Las Dunas Resort

In this area and at this resort, the sun always shines providing a setting and a special atmosphere for everything you are about to experience. Las Dunas offers you the opportunity of being very active and restful at the same time, being able to enjoy the contact with nature while you stimulate your taste buds. An unforgettable experience in the desert, sun and oasis awaits you.








Villa Jazmin

A beautifully located eco-hotel in Ica, surrounded by sand dunes and consequently the hotel offers marvelous views. Villa Jazmin offers 20 rooms, each of them with a very ample bathroom and the perfect place to rest a little while enjoying the sun before moving on to Arequipa or Lima. Equally it is the ideal point from which to set out on a visit of the Nazca lines, the Ballestas Islands, the Paracas Reserve or for a visit of one of the many Peruvian vineyards.

Cantayo Spa & Resort 4*

The Hotel Cantayo Spa & Resort is located about three kilometers from the city of Nazca. This resort is an oasis of peace where there is no traffic noise and no contaminated air. In the twelve hectares of the hotel garden, there are more than seven hundred fruit trees from thirty different families, which neither any trees nor plants were treated with any preservatives or chemical fertilizers. Many natural products cultivated are used for the preparation of dishes offered in the restaurant.








Majoro Hotel

The hotel Majoro is located in the city of Nazca on Km.452 of the South Pan-American Highway to an hour of the bay of Hills. This charming hotel is surrounded by 30 hectares of nature in which you can appreciate the wonders inherited from the Nazca culture, its nature and all the mystery that surrounds it. With its comfortable rooms, pool, bar restaurant, tennis court, your stay here is sure to be a memorable one.








Casa Andina Classic Hotel 3*

The largest and most ideally located hotel with the most services & expert-led activities in Nazca. An airy 3-story, coastal-style hotel that is modern with a welcoming rustic touch. The long open-air central patio is lined with balconies, tall palm trees and leafy green plants, lending the hotel a tropical feel. The restaurant of the hotel overlooks the swimming pool, flower-filled patio, and bar.








Oro Viejo B&B

Oro Viejo is located in a tranquil and central zone with a pleasant atmosphere. It has 27 excellent and comfortable rooms all with ventilation, cable TV, hot water 24 hours a day, telephone and private bath. Its location in a tranquil setting near the center of town gives travelers easy access to the central plaza and other areas of interest, such as the principal restaurants, souvenir shops, and cultural centers of our town.

• Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria: February. One of the most important religious celebrations in Peru including feasts, dances, contests and colorful processions.
• Alacitas y las Cruces Festival: May. Each of the main streets features a miniature handicrafts market focusing on ítems one might desire to have in real life.
• Founding Anniversary of Puno City: November. The anniversary is characterized by civic manifestations and school dance exhibitions throughout the city's streets. November 5th represents the creation of the Inca Empire

Drinking only bottled water is a good idea. There are two types of water you can buy: sin gas meaning un-carbonated, "normal" water, and con gas which is carbonated. Make sure to eat in good restaurants and buy fruits from quality supermarkets. If you buy fruit from a street market, take extra care to wash it very thoroughly before eating it. Important note: Peruvian tap water is not potable. It is fine to use for teeth-brushing and cooking (provided it is boiled) but should not be ingested directly from the tap.

Many travelers are affected by the high altitude in the city. It is best to avoid caffeine, smoking, or alcohol as this will amplify the effect of dehydration that altitude often induces – be sure to drink lots of water as well. Munching on coca leaves or drinking coca tea is a good remedy for soroche (Altitude sickness). Medication is also available from all good pharmacies.

While petty theft is the most common offense committed against tourist, a healthy dose of common sense does everyone good. As in any big city, while out and about do not flaunt expensive belongings such as cameras, portable media players (ipods) or cellular phones. A few simple precautions can make life a lot easier. A sensible practice is to only carry with you what you will be likely to spend during the day, and keep the rest of your valuables, including documents, back at the hotel in your room safe. If you wish you carry your credit card be sure to leave another one in the safe, just in case.