Puno Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Puno tours, Peru’s folkloric capital on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake: glide out to the extraordinary Uros floating reed islands, visit the weaving communities of Taquile and stay overnight with families on Amantani, explore the pre-Inca funeral towers of Sillustani, and cross to Bolivia’s sacred Isla del Sol. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect Peru trip.
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Explore Puno by interest
Whatever brings you to Puno — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Uros islands
Floating reed islands.
ExploreTaquile
Weaving island.
ExploreAmantani homestay
Stay with a family.
ExploreSillustani
Pre-Inca tombs.
ExploreIsla del Sol
Sacred Bolivian island.
ExploreAymara Route
Lakeshore towns.
ExploreRoute of the Sun
Scenic Cusco journey.
ExploreLake Titicaca
World’s highest lake.
ExploreTop attractions in Puno
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Uros Islands
Floating reed islands.
Taquile Island
Weaving traditions.
Amantani Island
Family homestays.
Sillustani
Pre-Inca chullpas.
Lake Titicaca
World’s highest lake.
Puno City
Folkloric capital.
Capachica
Lakeside peninsula.
Isla del Sol
Sacred Inca island.
Puno in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Uros & Amantani
- 2Day 2: Taquile & Sillustani
- 3Day 3: Bolivia
- 4Lake, ruins & border
Puno to Cusco scenic route
- 1Lake Titicaca islands
- 2Route of the Sun
- 3Raqchi & Andahuaylillas
- 4Arrive Cusco
30 min awayUros Islands
Floating reed islands.
Full day awayTaquile Island
Weaving traditions.
2 days awayAmantani
Family homestay.
45 min awaySillustani
Pre-Inca tombs.
Day trip awayIsla del Sol
Sacred Bolivian island.
To Cusco awayRoute of the Sun
Scenic Inca journey.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Puno visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
May to September is the dry season — sunny days ideal for the lake, islands and Sillustani.
Dry season (May–Sep)
Cold nights but clear, sunny days make this the peak time for island tours and homestays.
Candelaria festival
In early February, Puno’s spectacular Virgen de la Candelaria festival fills the streets with dance and music — vibrant but busy.
Wet season (Nov–Mar)
Summer rains bring afternoon showers and greener scenery; mornings are often clear.
High and cold
At around 3,800m, Puno is cold year-round, especially at night; bring warm layers in every season.
Altitude matters
Acclimatise before strenuous activity; Puno’s altitude affects everyone, so take the first day slowly.
One day
The Uros and Taquile islands, or Uros and Sillustani.
Two days
Add an Amantani island homestay.
Three days
The sweet spot: islands, ruins and Bolivia.
On to Cusco
Take the scenic Route of the Sun.
Homestay
Stay overnight with a family on Amantani.
Acclimatise
Take it easy on day one at high altitude.
Boat tours
The Uros, Taquile and Amantani islands are reached by tour boats from Puno harbour, the main way to explore the lake.
In town
Puno’s centre, main square and Jirón Lima pedestrian street are walkable, though hilly and high.
Taxis & tricycles
Taxis and bicycle tricycles (triciclos) handle short trips around town; agree the fare first.
Tours & buses
Sillustani, the Aymara Route and the Route of the Sun to Cusco are done by tour or bus.
Getting there
Puno is reached via Juliaca airport (about 1 hour away), by bus from Cusco and Arequipa, or by the scenic Route of the Sun.
Take it slow
The altitude means even short walks can be tiring at first — pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Peruvian sol
Peru uses the sol; carry cash for island tours, crafts and small vendors, as cards are accepted only in some hotels and agencies.
Acclimatise first
Puno is higher than Cusco, so take it easy on arrival, drink water and try coca tea to adjust to the altitude.
Support the communities
On the Uros, Taquile and Amantani, buy crafts directly and tip homestay families to support the islanders.
Dress in layers
Days are sunny but nights are very cold at altitude — bring warm layers, a hat and sun protection.
Pick the right island tour
Choose a full-day Uros-and-Taquile trip or a two-day Amantani homestay depending on your time.
Bring your passport
You’ll need it for the Copacabana and Isla del Sol tour, which crosses into Bolivia.
Island tours
Uros and Taquile boat tours are popular — book ahead.
Amantani homestays
Overnight island homestays are limited — reserve early.
Sillustani tours
Afternoon Sillustani trips fill up — pre-book.
Route of the Sun
The scenic Cusco bus sells out — book ahead.
Bolivia tours
Copacabana and Isla del Sol trips are in demand — reserve early.
Dry-season & festival peak
May–September and Candelaria are busy — plan ahead.
Uros & Taquile
Around €20–45 for a full-day islands boat tour.
Amantani homestay
About €40–80 for a two-day island homestay tour.
Sillustani
Roughly €18–35 for a half-day Sillustani tour.
Bolivia trip
About €35–80 for a Copacabana and Isla del Sol tour.
Route of the Sun
Around €50–80 for the scenic Puno–Cusco bus with stops.
How to save
Join group island tours and travel by the scenic bus.
Puno through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Islands, clear lake.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best; cold nights.
- Best for
- Sunny, value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great shoulder.
- Best for
- Candelaria festival.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Vibrant but busy & wet.
- Best for
- Green, quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Afternoon rain.