Are you searching for the top attractions and things to do in Puno, Peru? Visit the floating islands at lake Titicaca, explore the esoteric Amaru Mullu, stay with a local family and more!
In this Puno travel guide, I’ll guide you through some of the top activities and places to stay in Puno.
Planning your trip to Puno?
Check out some of the best tours and lodging options in Puno. Make sure to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on anything!
Top experiences and tours in Puno:
1. Uros: the floating islands tour
2. Homestay in Amantani island and tour
3. Taquile island visit
4. Mysterious gateway of Amaru Muru with a shaman
5. Explore the ancient tombs of Sillustani
6. The Route of the Sun: full-day tour from Cusco to Puno
Best Hotels in Puno:
1. Titicaca Jalwati Lodge (at the floating islands!)
2. Luz del Titicaca (at the floating islands!)
3. GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (high-end hotel in the city)
4. Sol Plaza Hotel (in the city, great mid-range option)
What to do in Puno, Peru?
Puno is one of the top 3 destinations that travelers go to when they visit Peru (after Lima and Cusco). The Inca sites near the city and the islands at lake Titicaca are unique and make a visit to Puno totally worth it. If you manage to book your trip for February, even better! You will experience the unique La Candelaria Festival.
I do have to say that in my opinion the city of Puno lacks some charm. But like I said, the attractions are not in the city but around it, and on the islands at lake Titicaca. In that sense, the city of Puno is a great base to explore the surrounding areas.
Take a look at the best the top places to visit and the best things to do in Puno and lake Titicaca.
1. Visit the Uros Floating Islands
One of the most popular things to do in Puno is a visit to the floating islands of Uros.
The Uros people, who have lived on the lake for centuries, build these islands themselves. They make them out of totora reeds, a type of plant that grows abundantly in the shallow waters of Lake Titicaca.
Each island has an anchoring system made with sticks that reach the bottom of the lake. This keeps the islands from moving due to the action of the wind or the movement of the water itself.
Every ten years, despite maintenance, they have to begin the construction of a new island and abandon the old one.
The Uros people use same reeds to craft their homes, boats, and handicrafts.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the Uros people’s way of life, which is centered around fishing and handicraft-making. You’ll also have the chance to participate in these traditional activities yourself, and maybe even take a ride in a traditional reed boat.
Keep in mind that while you will be witnessing a centuries old tradition of island-building, Los Uros has become a very touristic place as well.
You can book your tour to the floating Uros islands here.
2. Experience the Authentic Culture of Amantani Island
A trip to the quiet Amantani island, at the heart of lake Titicaca, is one of the best things to do in Puno. There, you will be ble to immerse yourself in the tranquil and rural way of life of the locals in one of the less touristic islands of the lake.
You can either explore the island on their own, or take an overnight tour which includes an unforgettable homestay with a local family.
During the homestay experience, you’ll have the opportunity to dine with a family and share in their daily life. Sometimes they will even lend you their traditional clothing for a night of dance at the communal center. The warm and welcoming families will make you feel right at home, and the authentic meals they prepare will give you a true taste of local culture.
However, it’s important to note that there are no showers available at the homestays. Families wash themselves with buckets, so you’ll need to do the same! While this may be different from what you’re used to, it’s a unique opportunity to experience daily life on the island and connect with its people.
One of the most popular activities on the island is to hike to its highest peaks. There, you can visit the ancient Inca temples of Pachamama and Pachatata (Mother Earth and Father Earth). You will also be rewarded with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Watching the sunset from this vantage point is an experience not to be missed.
You can book your overnight tour to Amantani island here, which also includes a visit to Uros island on the first day and lunch at Taquile island on the second day.
3. Experience the Culture and Textile Traditions of Taquile Island
Taquile Island is a small island on Lake Titicaca, known for its unique textile traditions. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the island’s picturesque terraced farms and experience the culture of the local people.
One of the highlights of visiting Taquile Island is the opportunity to see the intricate weaving techniques used to create the island’s famous textiles. You can also learn about their meanings. For example, an interesting fact is that the little tail of the chullo (knitted wool caps that men wear) can indicate whether the wearer is looking for a partner.
To get to the town from the boat, you will need to take it easy as it’s a steep walk up, and the altitude is 4,000 meters (~13000 feet) above sea level. Despite the steep climb, the great views of the lake and friendly locals make the journey well worth it.
If you want to visit Taquile, you can explore the island on your own or take a tour.
Tours generally includes a visit to the floating islands of Los Uros as well. On Taquile Island, you will have lunch at the backyard of a local family, which is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the unique customs and traditions of the island.
You can book your tour to Taquile here, which includes a visit to Uros floating islands and lunch in Taquile.
4. Explore the Mysterious Gateway of Amaru Muru with an Andean Shaman
If you are interested in the mystical traditions of the Andean people, you have to visit Amaru Muru. Located just a few hours from Puno, this site is a must-visit destination linked to ancient legends and one of the most interesting things to do in Puno.
The site is known for its intriguing stone gate, which has long been considered a powerful energetic portal by local people. According to legends, the gate was created by the Inca people as a gateway to other dimension. There have been many stories of people disappearing after passing through the gate (supposedly even recent stories).
One of the best ways to experience this unique site is by taking a tour.
I recommend to take this private tour in which an Andean shaman accompanies you to the site. The shaman can provide a deeper understanding of the site’s significance and help you connect with the energy of the area.
During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to make a ceremony with the shaman for a traditional “payment to Mother Earth” at Amaru Muru. Payment to the Earth are ancient rituals that are still practiced not just in Puno but in many regions of Peru. They are a sign of respect and gratefulness to nature which consist of making offerings as a way of compensating the Pachamama for what she gives us. This consists in offering items like rose petals, chicha, wine, and coca leaves.
The tour also includes a visit to the nearby Temple of Inca Uyo, a fascinating Inca ruin site that is believed to have been used for fertility rites. You will see there more than 20 penises carved in stone, simbolizing fertility.
5. Explore the Inca ruins of Sillustani
Located just a short drive from the city, the ruins of Sillustani are one of the top attractions of Puno. The site is home to towering stone towers or “chullpas” that served as burial tombs for Colla and Inca nobles.
The chullpas at Sillustani are impressive. Some of them tower as high as 40 feet (12 meters), with intricate carvings and designs adorning their exteriors. These towers were constructed by the Colla people, a pre-Inca civilization that inhabited the area around Lake Titicaca. The Incas also used them.
One a noble would die, they would momify them and bury them in the chullpas, along with some personal objects, gold and silver.
In addition to the chullpas, Sillustani is also home to a small museum. The museum features a collection of artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry, as well as detailed explanations of the burial practices of the Colla and Inca peoples.
One of the best things about a visit to Sillustani is the unique natural setting in which it’s located. The ruins are situated on a hill overlooking the beautiful Umayo Lagoon.
You can book a tour to the Sillustani chullpas here.
6. Take in the panoramic view from Cerro Huajsapata
For a panoramic view of Puno and Lake Titicaca, head up to Cerro Huajsapata, a 10-minute walk from the main square.
The climb up Cerro Huajsapata can be a bit steep, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort. You’ll be able to see the vibrant city of Puno as well as the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca stretching out as far as the eye can see. At the top, you will also see the statue of Manco Capac (the founder of the Incan empire) pointing out to the lake.
Something very interesting about this hill is that it is said that it has underground caverns that connect it with the Korikancha temple in Cusco. Who knows! Actually, according to the legend, Manca Capac emerged from lake Titicaca with the mission of founding Cusco.
While the area around Cerro Huajsapata can sometimes be littered and unkempt, it’s still worth the visit for the views. It’s important to take appropriate precautions and be mindful of your belongings, as bag snatches have been reported in the past, especially after sunset.
“Only happens in Peru” anecdote: In February 2023, at one one the Puno viewpoints (not exactly in this one, but in a nearby one), three men were found drinking at sunset by the police, who were on a routine check. Drinking in the street is not allowed in Peru.
One of the men was a delivery guy, so the police asked him to open his delivery box. You cannot imagine what they found… A pre Incan mummy. Yes, like, what?! Apparently he kept his mummy at home and had taken it out to show it to his friends.
7. The Route of the Sun: from Cusco to Puno
If you are going to travel from Cusco to Puno, the best way can be to hop in a comfortable bus and takeThe “Route of the Sun”. This is a stretch of road that connects both cities, with interesting stops along the way.
Starting from Cusco, the bus will first pass through the town of Andahuaylillas. Andahuaylillas is famous for its 17th-century church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes” due to its beautiful frescoes and artwork.
The next stop is Raqchi, where you can see the ruins of an Inca temple dedicated to the god Wiracocha (the Sun god).
The journey continues to the town of La Raya, which sits at an altitude of over 4200 meters (~14,000 feet) and is the highest point on the route. Here, you can take in stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Finally, before arriving to Puno, you will visit the town of Pucara. If you have been traveling around Peru, you might have noticed that some roofs of Andean houses have a couple of ceramic bulls on them. These are called the Pucara bulls, because they originated in this town. Locals put them on their roofs because they believe they protect the house.
Pucara also has a museum of intricate sculptures and pottery.
If you are going to travel from Cusco to Puno I highly recommend you to take a tour doing the Route of the Sun. It can be a great way of breaking up the long bus journey!
8. Virgen de La Candelaria Festival
If you happen to be in Puno during the first two weeks of February, then you’re in for a treat – it’s time for the Fiesta de la Candelaria!
Attending this festival is one of the best things to do in Puno and would be the highlight of your time in Peru. It’s truly unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the rich and vibrant culture of the Peruvian highlands.
This festival is one of the biggest and most important cultural celebrations in Peru. Over 100,000 dancers and around 10.000 musicians participate, coming from different regions of Puno and other parts of the Andes.
I have been to La Candelaria and even though I’ve been traveling for many years around Peru, this has been by far the most lively festivity I have witnessed. The streets of Puno are filled with colorful parades, music, and dance performances, many wearing special costumes and masks.
The highlight of the festival is the competition between the different dance groups, as they vie for the title of the best in the region.
Where to Stay in Puno, Peru
If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, there are some options for staying overnight at the Uros floating islands! You will find a few spectacular family-run lodges which will probably be your most memorable stay in Peru.
If you want to stay at one of the lodges at Los Uros make sure to book a room as soon as possible. There aren’t that many accommodation options and they just have one or two rooms.
I also recommend you here some highly-rated hotels in Puno city.
1. Titikaka Jawalti Lodge (at Los Uros floating islands)
Small lodge with a rating very close to 10 on Booking. Super spascious room right next to and overlooking the lake, terraces to watch the sunset, great food. Run by a very welcoming family.
2. Luz del Titicaca Lodge (at Los Uros floating islands)
Luz del Titicaca is an equally great option for staying at the floating islands. Great decoration, comfortable, cozy and amazing hospitality. A review mentions that they made her great vegetarian food on request.
3. GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (in Puno city)
The GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca is a high-end (yet affortable) hotel located on the shore of Lake Titicaca. The rooms have views of the lake and is just a short drive from the center of Puno. The hotel features a restaurant, bar, gym, and spa.
4. Sol Plaza Hotel (in Puno city)
A popular mid-range accommodation option in Puno, located in the city center and just a short walk from the main square. The rooms are comfortable and spacious rooms, and have a TV and a safe. Very good breakfast.
Where to Eat in Puno, Peru
Puno offers a variety of options for food, including traditional Peruvian dishes and international cuisine. Here are some recommendations:
1. Mojsa Restaurant
Mojsa Restaurant is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. They offer traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist, as well as vegetarian options, like quinua salad and caneloni.
2. La Casona Restaurant
La Casona is a great choice for those looking for traditional Peruvian cuisine. They offer dishes such as lomo saltado and ají de gallina, as well as vegetarian options like vegetarian tacos and mango cebiche.
3. Giorgio’s Pizza
For those in the mood for pizza, Giorgio’s Pizza is a good option. They offer a variety of toppings, including vegetarian options like mushroom and eggplant.
How to get to Puno
How to get to Puno from Cusco
There are several ways to get from Cusco to Puno:
- The most popular way is to take the Route of the Sun tour.
- Another popular way is to fly to Juliaca airport (read below to see how to get from Juliaca airport to Puno).
- You can also take regular bus, which takes 7 hours. You can book a bus here.
- PeruRail has a luxury train running between both cities. The cost is around USD 500.
How to get to Puno from Lima
- The best way to get to Puno from Lima is to fly to Juliaca airport. Juliaca airport is 1 hour away from Puno.
- You could also take a bus, but it takes 21 hours and you would likely get altitude sickness along the way.
How to get to Juliaca airport to Puno
From the airport, you you have three options to get to Puno.
- The first option is to hire a private transfer to Puno.
- You can also can walk outside of the airport and take a shared colectivo (van). This option is cheaper (around USD$ 6), but you will also need for the van to get full of passengers, and that could take long.
- The third option is to get to the Juliaca bus terminal and from there take a bus to Puno. This option is also time consuming, since the departure times of the buses aren’t necessarily related to the time of arrival of the flights.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore ancient ruins, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery, Puno is a destination in Peru that won’t disappoint. I hope that you found this travel guide of the best things to do in Puno helpful!
