How To Visit Puno Peru: Essential Tips and Must-Do Activities

Experience a different side of Peru by spending a day in the charming town of Puno. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca this off-the-beaten-path town offers unique activities to explore.

In the far south of Peru, high on the Andes Mountains, you can find a charming town called Puno.

The Andes Mountains encircle the town, creating a natural fortress, while the vastness of Lake Titicaca provides a sense of open air and space.

If you’re a geography buff you can’t miss the opportunity to visit the largest freshwater lake in South America.

If you like to visit unique towns then these islands made out of reed are for you.

A visit to Puno has something interesting for everyone.

In this post, we share must-do activities when visiting Puno and essential tips to enjoy your trip in this area.

Getting to Puno, Peru

If you’re staying in Lima and want to reach Puno the best way to get there is to fly and then take a bus:

• Direct flight from Lima to Juliaca (JUL); 1 hour 35 minutes.
• Bus from Juliaca to Puno (transfer from airport to bus station required); 1 hour ten minutes, twice daily.

We took a bus to Puno after visiting the city of Arequipa.

Several bus operators serve this route. Most have twice daily service, and Turismo Universal has a three times/day service.

Our bus arrived in Puno in the late afternoon. The journey takes about 5.5 to 6 hours.

Must-Do Activities:

Lake Titicaca

At 12,607 ft (3,812m) Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world.

It is so expansive that it shares borders with Peru on one side and Bolivia on another.

Lake Titicaca is the main attraction in Puno, so the best activities are related to the lake.

One of the favorite activities in Lake Titicaca is a visit with the Uru people.

The Uru people live on islands made of Totora reed on the lake.

Their whole lives revolve around the reeds; from their homes to their balsas (reed boats).

There are several islands on the lake, the best way to visit them is on a day tour.

The residents will share how they work with the reeds, some facts about living on the islands, and even take you on a ride on one of the larger balsas.

This is such a unique opportunity and one well worth the time and money.

Another advantage of taking a day tour is they offer the opportunity to have lunch at a restaurant near the lake or one of the islands on the lake.

The restaurant we visited had an open-air terrace with a stunning view of Lake Titicaca. The food was very fresh and included a variety of local dishes.

Another alternative is to visit Amantani Island, also known as the Island of Love. This is not a reed island but an island with beautiful trees and bushes.

You can even plan a homestay in Amantani or Taquile Islands for a very unique experience of sleeping surrounded by Lake Titicaca.

If you’re limited in time and can only do one thing, at least take a boat ride on the lake. Various outfitters leave from Puerto Muelle Puno.

If you prefer not to venture too far from shore, rent a pedal boat and enjoy some time on the water.

Ruins of Sillustani

Peru is rich in archaeological sites, and just outside Puno, there is a unique one worth exploring.

Sillustani is a pre-Inca cemetery on the shores of Lake Umayo.

These ruins belong to the Qulla people, who the Inca Empire conquered in the 15th century.

In this cemetery, the tombs were built above ground in tower-like structures called chullpas.

It is believed that these structures housed the remains of complete family groups.

Many of the structures are being rebuilt from the rocks found at the site since they were destroyed by grave robbers or left unfinished.

From this vantage point the views of Lake Umayo, a smaller lake than Titicaca, are beautiful.

Getting to the Sullistani ruins (not the town) is a 41-minute drive by car or taxi for $8-10 USD.

A bus option is available through Tour Rutas del Sur but their service is limited to twice daily. The cost is approximately $4 USD.

Other Cool Things in Puno

Lake Titicaca may be the star of Puno. But there are other cool things to do in Puno.

You can experience some of the traditions at the local market.

Or explore archeological artifacts and a centuries-old church.

• The stalls at Puerto Muelle – Right on the pier you can do some souvenir shopping at the many stalls lining the avenue.
• Museo Carlos Dreyer – a collection of Puno archeological artifacts and art.
• Catedral San Carlos Borromeo – near Plaza Mayor de Puno, the carvings on the exterior stone wall are impressive.
• Balcones de Puno – a local restaurant and show. Even if you don’t love the touristy shows this was fun and the Peruvian music was some of the best we’ve heard.
• Mercado Central de Puno – if you want to see the local market, with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local butcher shops, this can be a fun visit.

Essential Tips to Stay Healthy

The most important thing to remember when visiting Puno and Lake Titicaca is to prepare for the high elevation.

At over 12,000 feet, height sickness is a common problem.

• Walk and move slowly – the thin air at this elevation makes simple movement challenging, so take it easy.
• Drink lots of water – aim for at least 4 liters/day.
• Drink Coca Tea – you will find this available in most hotel lobbies. If you take medications ask your doctor before leaving if there would be any contraindications with your medication.
• Eat smaller portions of high-energy foods – many people find that making their portions smaller helps with digestion. But make sure you eat plenty of high-energy foods as you tend to burn more calories at these heights.
• Comfortable Non-Slip Shoes – you’re in the Andes Mountains and on a Lake, you will be walking on uneven terrain or into boats. Be safe and wear non-slip comfortable shoes.
• Warm clothes – because of the altitude and being by the lake the winds can be high and the temperatures drop dramatically. Make sure you bring warm clothes including socks and a hat.

Puno A Unique Experience in Peru

Many people come to Peru for the gourmet food in Lima or to visit Macchu Pichu. Both of those activities are amazing.

But if you want to extend your visit and have a unique experience consider Puno.

Where you can visit the Totora reed islands on the highest navigable lake in the world and stroll a pre-Inca cemetery to complete your Peru trip.