Puno

Understand

Its full name is San Carlos de Puno, and it was founded on November 4, 1668. Puno is also the name of the region.

Puno, over the years, has grown from a village to a city. Today, it is a dynamic center for administrative activities. In the not so distant past, its remoteness meant that it was a destination for punishment transfers for those in the military and government (i.e if you screwed up, you would get transferred to Puno).

The oldest urban center in the area, called Pucará, was established in the Puno region, boasting monumental architecture, sculpture, and valuable pottery. It was there that the domestication of high Andean plants and animals happened, and what would become the Tiahuanaco civilization was forged.

The city of Puno is a melting pot of the Aymara and Quechua cultures. Most of its inhabitants are of Andean origin and it has a unique mixture of modernity and Andean traditions. Women in traditional clothing live and work next to their modern versions.

Puno is not exactly the jewel of Peru, but it has its charms. The central square is reasonably pleasant. Calle Lima is a pedestrian walking street with most of the restaurants, bars and clubs. The main reason to visit Puno is to get out onto Lake Titicaca. Almost every hotel will offer some kind of packaged boating deal for the lake, and most of them are good. There is a lot of competition (and good business deals) between the hotels and the tour boats, so most of the prices stay fairly even. If you feel y…

Get around

Many of the hostels are set on a hill above the Plaza del Armas which feels even steeper because of the altitude. Taxis or motor-rickshaws will not charge you more than S/3 (taxi) or S/2 (moto) for a ride within the city. Urban colectivos charge S/0.50.

See

thumb|Dawn over Lake Titicaca at Puno Most Puno sights are outside of the city. Check the “Go next”-section below.

The Islands of Taquile and Amantani where you can sleep over with a local family. The peninsulas of Chucuito and Capachica that form the right and left arm of the Puno Bay. In Chucuito you can stay in Luquina Chico or Karina, in Capachica the community of Llachón is becoming famous, but you can also stay on the other side of the peninsula in Ccotos or the small island of Tikonata.

In Puno you can visit the panoramic viewpoints of the Puma and the Condor statues, but especially the last one has had security issues the last few years. Visit in group or accompanied by locals. Especially the Condor has a great view on the bay. Take a taxi (S/8) to the top and go down the more than hundred stairs, in 10 min you are on the main square.

Also worth visiting: the Dreyer Museum (S/15) close to the main square, and the Yavari boat museum. S/7 by taxi (Hotel Posada del Inca).

In the last few years a few smaller museums have opened, like the Galindo Gallery with paintings in the Cusco School style, the Paleontological Museum, the Totora Museum, and the Museo de la Coca y Costumbres/Coca and Costumes Museum, devoted to the coca leaf.

Do

Kayaking with Augusto. Augusto is really into kayaking and an experienced guide. He cares very much for the well-being of the participants and does everything to make everyone feel safe and comfortable. He offers a tour to the Reserva Titicaca Lake (3 hours/US$35 per person) and to the floating islands Uros (5 hours). He was born in Peru and lived many years in the United States, so he speaks Spanish and English very well. There are several llama farms in Puno available for tourists to go to. You can learn about the history and agricultural llama use. Fun Fun!, check all the places in Inca lake

Buy

thumb|Vendor selling potatoes in Puno market You can buy souvenirs here for less than in Cusco or Lima. There is a fairly large market down by the water.

Drink

Fruit juices at one of the many juguerias on the second floor of the market. Many gringo spots at or near the pedestrian mall.

Stay safe

The area is secure but it is advisable to hire the transfer from Juliaca to Puno through a tour operator of reputation.

Walking up in the hills gives nice views over the city and the lakes, but it is dangerous! Tourists are often the victims of armed robberies in the hills.

Go next

There are loads of agencies offering trips from here, and most hotels and inns will be more than happy to reserve for you. Note that the latter often charge an extra S/5 for this service.

Uros Islands, the famous floating reed islands. Take an easy day tour or book one of the many accommodations on the islands. Isla Taquile, famed for its traditional Titicacan way of living, can be done either as a daytrip, or staying a night or two. The closest place to get a look at the main expanse of Lake Titicaca, which isn't visible from Puno town or the floating islands. Isla Amantaní, another island on the main expanse of the lake with daily boats arriving from Puno. Chucuito (19 km, S/1 by colectivo) can be done as a daytrip from Puno, or en route to Bolivia. Sillustani has the best examples of pre-Inca tombs in the area, and also has some nice lakeside views. Cuzco - if you can afford it and are a railway lover, the train to Cuzco is unforgettable. You won't find any locals on this train, but you'll find luxury and beautiful scenery. Bookings on Peru rail.