Things to see and do in Puno, Peru

Visited October 2025

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Puno, Peru: The Gateway to Lake Titicaca and the Heart of Andean Culture

Set on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, Puno, Peru, is a city rich in culture, color, and history. Known as the Folkloric Capital of Peru, Puno is a place where the traditions of the Andean highlands come alive through music, dance, and centuries-old festivals. It’s a must-visit destination for travelers exploring southern Peru — and the perfect gateway to the mystical islands of Lake Titicaca.

We visited Puno from 10/21 to 10/23/2025. While there, we walked around the city and took a boat tour of Lake Titicaca.

A City of Living Traditions

Founded in 1668, Puno blends Spanish colonial influence with deep-rooted Quechua and Aymara traditions. Its narrow streets, vibrant markets, and lively plazas reveal a way of life that remains closely tied to the rhythms of the lake and the land.

The city’s most famous celebration, the Fiesta de la Candelaria, held every February, is one of the largest festivals in South America. For two weeks, thousands of dancers and musicians fill the streets in a dazzling display of colorful costumes and folkloric performances — a true explosion of Peruvian culture recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Things to Do in Puno, Peru

1. Explore Lake Titicaca

No trip to Puno is complete without visiting Lake Titicaca, shared between Peru and Bolivia. This vast, high-altitude lake (3,812 meters / 12,507 feet above sea level) is dotted with islands that preserve ancient traditions.

Take a boat tour to the Uros Floating Islands, where locals live on islands made entirely of totora reeds. Continue on to Taquile Island, known for its beautiful weaving culture and panoramic lake views. Both experiences offer authentic insights into traditional Andean life.

2. Visit the Puno Cathedral and Main Plaza

The Puno Cathedral, located in the Plaza de Armas, is an architectural gem dating back to the 18th century. Its intricate Baroque façade and serene interior reflect the city’s colonial past. The surrounding plaza is a great spot to relax and people-watch.

3. Explore Local Culture and Crafts

Stroll through the Puno Market, where you can buy handmade textiles, alpaca clothing, and souvenirs from local artisans. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional dishes like trucha (trout) freshly caught from Lake Titicaca or chuño, a freeze-dried potato unique to the Andes.

4. Archaeological Sites Nearby

Just outside Puno lies Sillustani, a pre-Inca burial site known for its massive chullpas — stone funerary towers built by the Colla people. The site overlooks Lake Umayo and offers one of the region’s most scenic and spiritual experiences.

Visiting Puno

Altitude: 3,830 meters (12,556 feet) — take time to acclimate.
Best Time to Visit: May to October (dry season).
Getting There: Puno is accessible by bus from Cusco (7 hours) or by train on the scenic Andean Explorer route.

Discover the Spirit of the Andes

Puno, Peru, is more than just a stop on the way to Lake Titicaca — it’s a cultural crossroads where ancient beliefs, colonial history, and natural beauty intertwine. Whether you’re exploring floating islands, dancing in the Fiesta de la Candelaria, or watching the sun set over the Andes, Puno captures the timeless magic of the Peruvian highlands.

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