Lake Titicaca: the worlds highest navigable lake
Said to be the birth place of the Incas’s, Lake Titicaca sits 3,100m high with Peru on it’s west and Bolivia on it’s East. Puno, the main base for people visiting from Peru gets mixed reviews, with many saying to skip it all together. However, I am here to tell you why it may be worth the stop after all.
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The Best Way to Experience the Uros Islands
Typically people arrive in Puno and take an tour around the islands, stopping off to get photos of the island before feeling pressured to buy a variety of home made souvenirs. If this sounds just like a tourist trap you’d probably be right.
Personally, I feel the best way to experience the Uros Islands is to spend a night in one of the Uros Lodges hosted by a local family. Sleeping on a floating reed island in the middle of the lake is a unique thing to do that not many can say they have experienced. While the lodges are basic, I found it really peaceful sitting outside the lodge watching all the boats go by. After a busy jam packed week in Cuzco this was the perfect place to slow down and recharge. Our island even had a its own “restaurant” rage which served fish freshly caught from the lake! This stop alone made my visit to Puno worth it.
Things to do in Puno’s city centre
I was really disappointed with Puno, being such a touristy place I expected more from this city. If I was to go back I would have spent minimal time in the city, spending more time on the islands. Just using Puno as a place to get transport to my next destination. However, you may have a few hours to kill before heading onto your next stop so here are my recommendations:
Coca and Costume Museum
This is an interesting museum that goes through the historical and modern day uses of coca leaves, including the misuse of it’s processed products.
There is also a exhibit full of costumes used in Puno’s Candelaria Festival. Including a section where you can try costumes on and take photos with them.
Puno Cathedral
This majestic cathedral is one of the nicest building in Puno. It is free to enter and looks even more spectacular when lit up at night.
Where to eat in Puno
- Mojsa: a nice restaurant with a lovely view of the Cathedral, highly recommend their cheesecake!
- Casa del Corregidor: a lovely cafe with a pretty courtyard.
Where to stay
- On the Uros Islands: Quecha Lodge
- In Puno: Hotel Hacienda
How to get to Puno
From Lima
With daily departures, flying is the easiest and quickest way to get from Lima to Puno.
For my guide to Lima, click here.
From Arequipa
The bus from Arequipa to Puno takes about 5 hours.
For my guide to Arequipa, click here.
From Cusco
For the budget conscious traveler, the best way to get to Cusco is via the bus. The bus takes about 8 hours to get there.
For those after a unique experience I highly recommend taking the train, a scenic 10 hour journey through the Andes Mountains, with PeruRail Titicaca.
Check out my Cusco guides.
