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Puno is a pretty tourist city on the shores of Lake Titicaca on the Altiplano of Peru. The city's biggest attraction is its proximity to Lake Titicaca.

[edit] Understand

Puno is also the name of the region.

If mailing a Machu Picchu postcard (or any mail) from Puno, it's best to wait until you return to a major city, such as Lima, to mail it/them. Mail collection and Serpost service in Puno is spotty at best.

[edit] Climate

Puno's elevation is about 3,822m (12,565 feet), which means it is fairly cold, especially at night. If you arrive from a lower elevation, you might want to spend a day or two taking it easy in order to acclimatize.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By train

Trains to and from Cuzco travel only 3 times per week. Other trains travel down to Arequipa. The rail trip from Puno to Cuzco, which is run jointly by Peru Rail and Orient Express is spectacular, one of the world's great train journeys. It is not cheap - about US$220 one way.

The trip takes in Andean mountains and valleys of the Huatanay River, before reaching the Andean Plains, La Raya (the highest point of the route) and finally Cuzco.The train stops at La Raya for about 10 mins to allow passengers to get off. There are stalls selling local handicrafts e.g. alpaca sweaters, rugs, chess sets. Ensure that you bargain hard. Without a doubt, the best way of travelling to Cuzco and Macchu Picchu.

[edit] By bus

• Daily buses depart to and from Cuzco and Arequipa. The ride form Puno to Cuzco takes around 8 hours. There's a night bus leaving Puno at 19h30 and arriving in Cusco at 4h30AM.

• Daily buses depart to and from La Paz, Bolivia on two slightly different routes.

1. Direct route, faster.
2. Via ferry boat across Lake Titicaca and Copacabana.

You should change some money at the border in order to be able to pay the ferry in Bolivianos. Be prepared to change buses in Copacabana. This will mean you will lose your good seats.

When the overnight bus to Cusco stops at the state line for the police to inspect cargo underneath the bus, get out and watch your luggage to avoid theft.

[edit] Get around

• Taxis or motor-rickshaws will not charge you more than 2 S/. for a ride within the city.
• Urban colectivos charge 0,50 S/.

[edit][add listing] See

Most Puno sights are actually not in the city itself. Check the "Get out"-section below.

• Visit the Church of San Pedro.
• The Sistine Chapel of the Americas.
• Raqchi.
• La Raya Ranch.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit][add listing] Buy

You can buy souvenirs here for less than in Cuzco or Lima. There is a fairly large market down by the water.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

• In and around the mercado central are several budget places to lunch for less then 3 Soles.
• Down Jr Tacna from the mercado many restaurants have dinner menus for 3 Soles or so.

[edit] Mid-range

Most touristspots are in and around Calle Lima, with main courses around 20 Soles. A little bit of bargaining will get you a discount, but don't push it too far if you want your food prepared without any bodily fluids.

• Cafe restaurant Monterrey, Pasaje Grau 158, has reasonably cheap and good breakfasts.
• Restaurant pizzeria Ollantay, Pasaje Grau 160, has pizzas, trout and alpaca. Ask for el menú.
• Restaurant Colors, Calle Lima, has creative nouveau andean and international dishes and free wifi.
• Cafe restaurant Sal y Azucar, Pasaje Grau, relatively cheap but delicious desserts and some savory meals.

[edit] Vegetarian

• Restaurant Vida Natural, Jr. Lambayeque 141. Perfect if you like natural, fresh and tasty vegetarian food. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cheap complete menus. Custom dishes on request. Friendly owners. (Closed on Saturdays)

[edit][add listing] Drink

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

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Hostal Los Uros, Theodóro Valcárcel N8 135, 051-352141. Clean and decent hotel close to the center. Popular with foreigners. A single with shared bathroom cost 20 soles. Ask for a discount in low-season.

• Sleeping at one of the Uros Islands A new option available is hospedaje made of reed located on the Uro Islands The prices are well worth the atmosphere and getting away from most of the tourists on the daytrips (about 15 soles a night, 30 including dinner and breakfast).

[edit] Mid Range

• Hostal Los Pinos Inn Tarapacá 182, hostalpinos@hotmail.com. Helpful staff, breakfast, private bathrooms, affordable.

[edit] High End

• Titilaka A modern luxury refuge located on the shores of the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, featuring 18 lake-view Suites and providing guests with a richly authentic experience in the region. Phone: +51 1 7005100

[edit] Get out

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 5 S/. for this service.

• 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.

• Chucuito (19km, 1 Sol by colectivo) can be done as a daytrip from Puno, -or en route to Bolivia.
• Cutimbo is a nice daytrip, -for pre-Inca ruins and views.
• Sillustani has the best examples of pre-Inca tombs in the area, -and also has some nice lakeside views.
• Isla Taquile, famed for its traditional Titicacan way of living, can be done either as a daytrip, or staying a night or two.
• Uro Islands, the floating reed islands, are mostly visited on daytrips. Recently has been opened a hospedaje on one of the islands.