Puno – City Guide
Quick answer: This Puno city guide covers getting there by air (via Juliaca) or by bus from Cusco, Arequipa and Copacabana, getting around cheaply, the top sights from Plaza de Armas to Kuntur Wasi, budget places to eat and hostels from around USD 6 a night.
Puno in southern Peru is the gateway to the highest navigable lake in the world, “Lake Titicaca“. The city sits on the shores of the lake, surrounded by mountains.
A regional trading hub, Puno is also known as the “folkloric capital” of Peru, thanks to its traditional festivals full of vibrant music and dancing.
Getting to Puno
By Air
Puno is served by Inca Manco Capac International Airport, located 50 km away in Juliaca.
By Road
Puno has daily bus services to and from Cusco, Arequipa and Copacabana in Bolivia.
From Cusco: The cheapest options are from Cusco. As of October 2016, Libertad offered tickets for the 7-hour journey for S/.20 (USD 6), bookable only at the counter in the bus station. Tourist bus companies like Turismo Mer have tickets from S/.65 (USD 20) for a comfortable ride on 160-degree reclining seats.
From Arequipa: Frequent buses serve this route. The 10-hour ride is operated by Cruz Del Sur, Civa and Transzela and costs S/.30 (USD 10).
From Copacabana (Bolivia): The journey usually takes 3½ to 4 hours and costs S/.15 (USD 4.5). Morning buses leave at 7:30 AM (4 buses depart then), and Titicaca runs an afternoon service at 2:00 pm costing S/.20 (USD 6).
Getting Around Puno
You can enjoy the sights on foot, but taxis and motor-rickshaws are everywhere and are not pricey.
- Taxi: no more than S/.4 within the city
- Moto-rickshaw: S/.3 within the city
- Urban colectivo: the cheapest option at S/.0.80
What to See in Puno
Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral
Plaza de Armas, Puno’s main square, is the best place to start your visit. The Cathedral of Puno, built in 1757, stands right opposite. Its interior is more spartan than you would expect from the well-sculpted facade.
Carlos Dreyer Museum
The museum displays the artwork of German painter Carlos Dreyer Sphor, whose art was strongly influenced by the indigenous current. Entrance fee: S/.10.
Huajsapata Hill
A small hill four blocks from Plaza de Armas, topped by a statue of Manco Cápac, founder of the Inca Empire. Legend has it that caverns in the hill hide an underground tunnel linking Puno with the Qorikancha temple in Cusco.
Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Candelaria
The sanctuary hosts the “Candelaria”, one of the biggest Catholic feasts in Peru. From the 2nd to the 18th of February, Catholic devotion and carnival spirit mix in the streets, with thousands of musicians and dancers moving around Puno in an endless parade.
Deustua Arch
Seven blocks from Plaza de Armas, this monumental arch was built in 1847 by the people of Puno as a tribute to those who fought in the battles of Junín and Ayacucho.
Handicraft Market
Nine blocks from Plaza de Armas towards Lake Titicaca, this open-air market has stalls selling typical tourist goods and local handicrafts such as alpaca sweaters, rugs and chess sets.
Kuntur Wasi Viewpoint (Condor Hill)
A fitting spot for the monument to the Condor (Vultur gryphus), with a 36 ft metal wingspan perched over the city. A hike of 690 steps takes you to the top, with a commanding view over Puno and out to Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca
One of South America’s largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water at 3,812 metres, Lake Titicaca is Puno’s star attraction. It is said to be the birthplace of the Incas and is home to numerous ruins.
Plenty of tour companies offer half-day, full-day and two-day tours. It’s recommended to book a tour with Find Local Trips.
Where to Eat in Puno
- Mercado Central: one block from Pino Park (Sanctuary of the Virgen de la Candelaria), with food stalls on the second level where a full set menu costs S/.5.
- Restaurant Govinda (vegetarian): on Calle Deustua, a block from Plaza de Armas (towards Lake Titicaca). Open only for lunch, serving vegetarian food for S/.8.
Where to Stay in Puno
| Hostel | Room | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Real House Puno | Bed in 8-bed dorm | USD 7.00 |
| Hostel Aymarak | Bed in 10-bed dorm | USD 6.00 |
| Hostal Duque Inn | Private room with panoramic city view | USD 6.00 |
| Cozy Hostel: | Bed in 8-bed dorm | USD 7.80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the bus from Cusco to Puno?
About 7 hours, with fares from S/.20 on Libertad (as of October 2016) or from S/.65 on tourist buses like Turismo Mer.
Where is the nearest airport to Puno?
Inca Manco Capac International Airport in Juliaca, 50 km away.
When is the Candelaria festival in Puno?
From the 2nd to the 18th of February.
How many steps are there to Kuntur Wasi?
690 steps lead up to the Condor monument.
Conclusion
Puno is far more than a stopover for Lake Titicaca. Use this Puno city guide to enjoy its festivals, viewpoints, markets and cheap hostels before heading out onto the lake.
That’s incredible that you can get a private room with a view for only $6.00! We are VERY close to getting our Peru tour organized and I’ll keep this in mind for when we go.
Peru has been one of the in-expensive countries I have been to so far. Puno specially is one of the cheapest towns in the country.
I was particularly fascinated by Lake Titicaca, reading that it is the world’s highest navigable water body. I checked it out and found that it is at a height of 3,812 meters. Amazing. And what lovely water and the sun ‘s reflection on it looks absolutely ethereal.
It indeed is ethereal. Imagine seeing it in real. Was absolutely a lifetime experience.
Even though I am from a neighboring country I have never visited Peru – shame on me! But it is absolutely on my bucket list- especially Lake Titicaca, so I will most definitely keep all this information in mind when I do 🙂
Lol Alessandra, Peru is indeed an amazing place and has loads of places yet to be uncovered. Lake Titicaca certainly is not as flooded with tourists as Machu Picchu is. I am sure you would have a great time on your visit.
Seems like quite an interesting place. Huajsapata Hill is quite intriguing. Would love to see those caverns for myself. Well written tips about the place too. Cheers
Thank you Ami, glad you liked it. Huajsapata Hill is one of the prominent attractions in the city.
Thanks for this detailed info on Puno. Very nice pics too.
Thank you Vanessa. Hope you enjoyed reading it.
Nice guide! All the practicalities covered and landmarks so I won’t miss any. Would be great to get more info and pictures on those places though! But then again I could just go and see it myself 😉
Thanks Mar, its good to have a little suspense too 😉
We stayed in Hostel Aymarak (they were even able to arrange for us a trip on Titicaca at 6am for the same day, however it was difficult for us to find (they’re address is not correct when using Google maps) 😉
Made for a fun wander in the dark!
Lol Chris, I am sure that would have been a “real” experience 😉
I love Peru, and have seen a good part of it. But I have not yet been to Puna or Lake Titicaca. It looks very inviting.
Lake Titicaca and its gateway on the Peruvian side Puno are not much visited. Though Puno is good to be visited for day, Lake Titicaca is a highly rewarding experience.
Such a lovely post!
LOVE IT you have nice blog!
Thank you Aliyan, Glad you LOVE it 😉
Quite a full packed list. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Heather, Nice to hear that.