Top Things to Do in Puno, Peru: Culture, History, and Island Adventures

Welcome, traveler! As your virtual guide, allow me to take you through the wonders of Puno, a fascinating highland city in southeastern Peru. Nestled along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, Puno is not just a stopover — it’s a cultural experience rich in folklore, ancient heritage, and breathtaking Andean landscapes.
 

Whether you’re drawn by history, intrigued by indigenous traditions, or eager to visit the famous floating islands of the Uros people, Puno offers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes.

Where Is Puno?

Puno sits at an altitude of 3,827 meters (12,555 feet) above sea level in the Altiplano (high plains) region of Peru, near the border with Bolivia. It’s about 7–8 hours by bus or train from Cusco and is often included in South American itineraries for its connection to Lake Titicaca and Bolivia’s Copacabana.

Why Visit Puno?

🎭 Experience Peru’s most colorful festivals, especially the Fiesta de la Candelaria.

🚤 Visit the Uros Floating Islands made of totora reeds.

🏞️ Explore remote islands like Taquile and Amantaní, where local life is beautifully preserved.

🧵 Discover traditional textiles and crafts made by Quechua and Aymara communities.

🛶 Cruise Lake Titicaca, a sacred body of water in Incan mythology.

Top Things to Do in Puno

1. Visit the Uros Floating Islands

Perhaps the most iconic attraction in Puno, the Uros Islands are an extraordinary example of human adaptation and creativity. These floating islands are made entirely of totora reeds, which grow abundantly in Lake Titicaca.

The Uros people have lived here for centuries, building and maintaining these islands by hand. Today, visitors can tour the islands, ride on traditional reed boats, and even stay overnight in reed lodges.

📝 Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness daily life at its most authentic.

2. Explore Taquile Island

About 2 hours by boat from Puno, Taquile Island offers a unique glimpse into a community that still practices communal living and traditional textile weaving, recognized by UNESCO.

No cars, no electricity in homes

Men knit while women spin wool

You can stay with local families in simple guesthouses

Hiking across the island provides stunning panoramic views of the lake and a peaceful escape from modern life.

3. Experience Amantaní Island

Even more remote than Taquile, Amantaní Island is known for its spiritual energy and two sacred mountain peaks: Pachatata (Father Earth) and Pachamama (Mother Earth). Hike to the top at sunset for unforgettable views.

Most visitors stay overnight with local families. Expect basic accommodations, warm hospitality, and the chance to participate in traditional dance ceremonies.

4. Discover the City of Puno

Puno is more than just a gateway to Lake Titicaca—it’s a vibrant city with its own charm.

Key Sites:

Plaza de Armas – The central square, great for people-watching.

Puno Cathedral – A baroque masterpiece built in the 18th century.

Coca Museum – Learn about the cultural and medicinal use of coca.

Yavari Steamship – A British-built iron ship from 1862, now a museum and lodge on the lake.

5. Attend the Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria

Held every February, the Fiesta de la Candelaria is one of the largest and most spectacular folk festivals in South America. Over 40,000 dancers and 9,000 musicians parade through the streets in dazzling traditional costumes.

It’s a powerful mix of Catholic devotion and Andean rituals, and being in Puno during this festival is an experience you’ll never forget.

6. Visit Sillustani Burial Towers

Just 40 minutes from Puno lies Sillustani, a pre-Incan archaeological site famous for its chullpas—ancient funerary towers used by the Colla people.

Set on a hill beside the serene Lake Umayo, this site is lesser known but equally compelling. The surrounding scenery is incredibly photogenic, especially at sunset.

7. Take a Boat Tour of Lake Titicaca

No trip to Puno is complete without exploring Lake Titicaca itself. Boat tours range from half-day trips to full-day or overnight excursions, typically including:

Uros Islands

Taquile or Amantaní

Optional kayak trips or cultural workshops

🎟️ Tip: Choose a responsible tour operator that supports local communities and minimizes environmental impact.

Best Time to Visit Puno

✅ Dry Season (May – October)

Clear skies, chilly nights

Ideal for hiking and photography

Peak tourist season in July and August

❌ Rainy Season (November – April)

Lush landscapes, but potential for muddy roads

The Festival of Candelaria (early February) is a highlight despite the rain

Getting to Puno

From Cusco:

🚌 Bus: 7–9 hours, with scenic stops available on tourist buses like Inka Express or Cruz del Sur

🚂 Andean Explorer Train: A luxurious and scenic journey through the Andes (10+ hours)

✈️ Flight: To Juliaca Airport (1 hour from Puno)

From Arequipa or Bolivia:

Buses run regularly from Arequipa and La Paz, Bolivia.

Where to Stay in Puno

🏨 Hotels:

Tierra Viva Puno Plaza – Modern, central, reliable

Hotel Conde de Lemos – Near the cathedral with great views

Libertador Lago Titicaca – Upscale lakeside resort on a private island

🛏️ Homestays:

Recommended on Taquile or Amantaní Islands

Simple rooms, shared bathrooms

Meals included with families

Food to Try in Puno

Trucha (trout) – Fresh from Lake Titicaca

Quinua soup – Nutritious and warming

Kankacho – Baked lamb with Peruvian spices

Chicha de jora – Fermented corn drink

🌿 Many restaurants also offer vegetarian options made with local produce.

Travel Tips for Puno

🌬️ Acclimatize first – Altitude sickness is common; spend time in Cusco or Arequipa beforehand.

🔋 Bring extra power banks – Some islands have limited electricity.

🌞 Use sun protection – High elevation = strong UV rays.

💧 Drink bottled or purified water only.

Responsible Travel in Puno

✅ Respect local customs and dress modestly in villages.

✅ Buy handmade souvenirs directly from artisans.

✅ Choose eco-certified or community-run tours.

✅ Avoid giving sweets or money to children—support education-focused charities instead.

Final Thoughts: Is Puno Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Puno is more than a lakeside town—it’s a cultural tapestry woven with tradition, history, and human resilience. Whether you’re cruising across mythical Lake Titicaca, dancing in vibrant Andean festivals, or sharing stories with locals on remote islands, Puno promises experiences that linger in your heart long after you leave.

📌 Quick Facts at a Glance

Elevation: 3,827 m (12,555 ft)

Population: ~140,000

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Main Attractions: Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands, Taquile, Sillustani

Nearby Airport: Juliaca (1 hour away)