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City in south-eastern Peru
Photo: Mx._Granger, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Puno is a port city at an altitude of over 3,800 meters, on the shores of Lake Titicaca on the Altiplano of Peru - though because it's located within an enclosed bay, you won't see the full scale of the lake here unless visiting the outlying islands of Taquile and Amantaní.
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A tiny settlement some 30 km from Puno, in the Peruvian Altiplano, mostly visited on a short daytrip. Although the ruins at Sillustani are greater in most aspects, they also get loads of visitors. You can walk up the hill (about 30 minutes) for the ruins and amazing views of the surroundings and stop by the rather modest cave paintings on your way up.
Tour boats leave every 40 min from the dock (S/5 by taxi). These cost S/10 for the return boat trip plus a S/10 entry fee to the islands. The last boat leaves around 16:30. The boat takes you to a couple of different islands (there are more than 50) where the island’s “president” explains how the islands are built. Everything is made of reeds, including the islands themselves, and some of the houses and boats. Notoriously commercialized (including hidden fees), but also a genuine wonder, and you can sidestep some of the schlock by independently booking overnight lodging in the islands.
Bar on main street offers average coffee and cocktails. Any food ordered is brought in from outside, so best not to eat there. Staff have a game to see how much they can short-change gringos. Free Wi-Fi.
Downtown Puno. Rooms with ample space and private bathroom cost S/60 for a double/twin with hot water 24/7. Breakfasts cost S/8 for a buffet. The hotel can also connect you with tours.
Services: Free continental breakfast, free pick up, free internet access, 24 hours reception, in house bar and more.
Backpackers' hostel with fast Wi-Fi, kitchen access, and free breakfast. Calm but friendly atmosphere.
Helpful staff, breakfast, private bathrooms, affordable.
View of Lake Titicaca in an eco-friendly atmosphere.
Free Wi-Fi, hot water, 4 blocks from Plaza de Armas, breakfast, no kitchen.
A modern luxury refuge located on the shores of the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca, providing a travelers a rich authentic experience and a variety of excursions to choose from. The lodge has two types of Suites; dawn & dusk, all with lake-views spa bathrooms, heated floors, in house amenities, including meals and excursions. Staff of the hotel will pick you up from Juliaca Airport or Puno train station and transfer you to the Lake port, from where you will depart to the hotel.
By bus
The Terminal Terrestre is about a 20-minute walk (or a much faster taxi ride) from the Plaza de Armas. Daily buses depart to and from Cusco, Arequipa, Copacabana, Lima, and La Paz.
By car
From Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco or Bolivia.
By plane
From Juliaca Airport (JUL), 45 min north of Puno by road
Many of the hostels are set on a hill above the Plaza del Armas which feels even steeper because of the altitude.
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Juliaca · International · JUL
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