Major city · Peru
PunoSan Carlos de Puno
Give Puno 2 nights: one full day for the Uros and Taquile boats, one for Sillustani or Chucuito. Skip it if you have under 10 days in Peru.
Puno sits at about 3,822 m on Lake Titicaca and is a boat town, not a city to wander. Almost everything worth doing is on the water or outside town. It is also the usual crossing point to Bolivia, which is why most travellers pass through rather than stay long.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PEN
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry, clear, cold nights)
- avoid Jan–Mar (rain), late Jun–Aug nights below freezing
- Airport
- JUL
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Peru ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Peru's migration authority (Migraciones) or a Peruvian consulate; keep the entry record you receive, as hotels may ask for it.
- Peru ↗Machu Picchu entry is by timed ticket for a named circuit, with daily caps; in high season tickets sell out weeks or months ahead. Buy tickets only from the official Ministry of Culture seller or a licensed agency.
- Peru ↗The classic Inca Trail needs a permit booked through a licensed operator, often months ahead; the trail closes every February for maintenance.
- Peru ↗Altitude sickness is common above 2,500 m: ascend gradually, rest on day one, and ask a doctor before travel if you have heart or lung conditions.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Puno105 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Puno, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Peruvian sol (PEN, S/).Peru-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar, Entel and Bitel sell prepaid SIMs; register with your passport at official shops.Peru-wide
- Tap waterNot safe from the tap; bottled or filtered.Peru-wide
- TippingRestaurants: About 10% if service is not included.Peru-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Peru-wide
- SafetyPuno is generally safe by day, but the hills above the centre see armed robberies of tourists — go in a group or with locals…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPaper in the bin; carry tissue and coins for public toilets.Peru-wide
- Emergency numbers105 police · 116 fire · 106 ambulance (samu) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; strikes can shut roads and shops.Peru-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportJUL Juliaca (Inca Manco Cápac) (About 45 min north of Puno by road; most arrivals take a taxi or a hotel transfer.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable; taxis and motor-rickshaws cost a few soles for any trip inside the city, and colectivos less.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Sit-down mealMain course on Calle LimaS/ 20–35
- Street or quick mealSet lunch (menú del día) away from Calle LimaS/ 8–15
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi inside the cityMotor-rickshaw cheaper; agree the price first.S/ 3–8
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekS/ 25–50
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Dreyer, Yavari)checkS/ 7–15
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personPEN 25
- Mid-range bedDouble room, private bathroom, a night, per roomPEN 150
- High-end bedDouble room, private bathroom, a night, per roomPEN 320
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PEN 90 · Mid PEN 180 · High PEN 350
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- JUL Juliaca (Inca Manco Cápac) (About 45 min north of Puno by road; most arrivals take a taxi or a hotel transfer.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Feb
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jun
Care*
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jul
Care
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Aug
Care
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: May, Sep. Mixed: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Jan–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Sep (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)), coolest Jun (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Jun (2). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Puno: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
18 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
15 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
7 rd
May
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
3 rd
Jun
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
2 rd
Jul
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
2 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
3 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
5 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
8 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable; taxis and motor-rickshaws cost a few soles for any trip inside the city, and colectivos less. Boats to the islands leave from the muelle (dock), a short taxi ride from the Plaza. For Juliaca airport and Bolivia, use a bus or a pre-booked transfer.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Uros floating islands
goDoor to door: 3–4 h
Boat from the Puno muelle, about 30 min each way
Return boat plus island entry are charged separately; the last boats back leave mid-afternoon.
Taquile and Amantaní
overnightDoor to door: Full day
Full-day or overnight boat from the Puno muelle
The open lake is only visible from these islands, not from Puno town. Staying with a family is the usual way.
Sillustani
goDoor to door: 3–4 h
Colectivo or taxi, about 35 km (22 mi)Colectivo or taxi, about 22 mi (35 km)
Pre-Inca burial towers on a lakeside hill; go early, the site is exposed.
Chucuito
goDoor to door: Half day
Colectivo from Puno, about 19 km (12 mi)Colectivo from Puno, about 12 mi (19 km)
Small town with colonial churches; easy to combine with the road to Bolivia.
Juliaca
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Bus or taxi, about 45 min
Mostly an airport and market town; go for a flight, not for sightseeing.
Desaguadero (Bolivia border)
goDoor to door: About 5 h to La Paz
Bus toward La Paz, then shared taxis across the bridge
Fastest route to Bolivia; get stamped on both sides before continuing.
La Rinconada
skipDoor to door: Most of a day
Long road journey via Juliaca and Putina
A high-altitude mining town with no tourist infrastructure and serious altitude risk.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Plaza de Armas and Calle Lima
Pedestrian street with most restaurants and bars; walk to the boat dock in about 10 min.
Hill above the Plaza
Cheaper hostels with lake views, but the climb feels steep at 3,800 m. Do not walk the upper hills alone after dark.
Lake shore east of the centre
Quieter hotels with water views; you will need taxis for meals and the dock.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- S/ 90–150 excl. bed
- Mid
- S/ 150–280 excl. bed
- High
- S/ 280+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, private bathroom1 × 2 nights × PEN 150 | PEN 300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × PEN 180 | PEN 720 |
| Uros boat plus island entry2 × PEN 20 · check | PEN 40 |
| Sillustani colectivo and entry2 × PEN 20 · check | PEN 40 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × PEN 30 · check | PEN 60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PEN 116 |
| Trip total≈ PEN 319 per person per day, bed included | PEN 1,276 |
2026 estimate in soles; long-distance buses and flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Set lunch (menú del día) away from Calle Lima | S/ 8–15 |
| Main course on Calle Lima | S/ 20–35 |
| Half a pollo a la brasa | S/ 20–30 |
| Taxi inside the cityMotor-rickshaw cheaper; agree the price first. | S/ 3–8 |
| Colectivo ride in town | S/ 0.50–1 |
| Museum entry (Dreyer, Yavari)check | S/ 7–15 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | S/ 25–50 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude: 3,822 m. Coming straight from sea level, altitude sickness is likely — sleep low first (Sacred Valley, then Cusco) or take it very easy for a day.
- The hills above town have a record of armed robberies against tourists. Go with others or with locals, and not at dusk.
- Sun is severe at this altitude: hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, especially on slow boats where people fall asleep and burn.
- Uros day tours are heavily commercialised and add fees on the islands; agree what is included before you board.
- Overnight buses to Cusco stop for police cargo checks — get out and watch your bag.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 105
- Fire
- 116
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 106
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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PunoSan Carlos de Puno
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police105
- Fire116
- Ambulance106
Embassy
No embassies in Puno; the US, UK and most others are in Lima. Consular help for the south is usually handled from Lima or Cusco (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Juliaca airport → Puno by taxi: about S/ 80–120, 45 min (check)
- Puno → Copacabana bus: about S/ 15–20, morning and afternoon departures (check)
- Taxi to the boat dock: S/ 5–8
Say or show
- Buenos días — Hello (BWEH-nos DEE-as)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- Necesito ayuda — I need help (ne-se-SEE-to a-YU-da)
- ¿Dónde está el muelle? — Where is the boat dock? (DON-de es-TA el MWEH-ye)
Altitude first: if you feel bad, rest and drink water before any boat trip.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Puno. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry, clear, cold nights) · avoid Jan–Mar (rain), late Jun–Aug nights below freezing · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares