Puno Tours
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Nestled on the Collao plateau on the shores of Lake Titicaca – the world’s highest navigable lake – Puno is a city that embodies the rich tapestry of Peruvian culture, history, and natural beauty. Founded in 1668 as a mining enclave, this commercial center combines spectacular scenery with a fascinating mix of indigenous cultures.
Explore Lake Titicaca: the Chulpas of Sillustani, the floating Islands of Uros and Taquile Island and Amantani Island. Book now Puno tours with Fertur!
Click here to customize your Puno tour now!
Contact Fertur to reserve your tailored itinerary and uncover ancient mysteries and living traditions on Lake Titicaca’s enchanted shores.
Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee a great vacation.
Prices starting from $428 per person
Puno Tour Packages
Puno 3 Days 2 Nights
A three-day vacation package covering the highlights of Puno-Lake Titicaca. An afternoon tour of Chulpas of Sillustani, and then wake the next day to an early lake excursion to the floating Islands of Uros and Taquile Island.
Includes:
- Two nights in the hotel of your choice
- Transport from and to airport
- English-speaking guides
- Chulpas of Sillustani
- Uros & Taquile islands excursion
- Entrance fees
Puno Vacation Packages 4 Days 3 Nights
A four-day vacation in Puno-Lake Titicaca, including. Chulpas of Sillustani, the floating Islands of Uros and Taquile Island and dinner and an overnight stay with a local family on Amantani Island.
Includes:
- Two nights in the hotel of your choice
- Dinner and overnight stay with local family on Amantani Island
- Transport from and to airport
- English-speaking guides
- Chulpas of Sillustani
- Uros & Taquile islands excursions
- Entrance fees
Contact Us: Get a quote for Puno tours
To book one of our Puno tours now or consult with us, fill out the “Contact Us” form to the right and a Fertur Peru Travel coordinator will contact you within one working day with detailed information about your fully customizable trip. Fertur Peru Travel’s pledge is to offer you top-quality, individualized attention that starts with the planning of your trip and continues through your journey to guarantee a great vacation.
We invite you to review this 13-day itinerary in Peru, which includes: Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Puno.
Discover the Highlights and Rich Heritage of Puno, Peru
Nestled on the Collao plateau on the shores of Lake Titicaca – the world’s highest navigable lake – Puno is a city that embodies the rich tapestry of Peruvian culture, history, and natural beauty.
Founded in 1668 as a mining enclave, this commercial center combines spectacular scenery with a fascinating mix of indigenous cultures.
According to popular legend, the mythical founders of the Inca Empire, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, emerged from Lake Titicaca’s waters. The region also gave rise to Tiahuanaco, one of the great pre-Incan civilizations whose traditions are preserved to the present by proud Aymara Indians. The inhabitants of this harsh altiplano region, where cold, wind and extreme altitude seem better suited to alpacas and vicuñas than people, resisted Spanish cultural domination more stubbornly than in other areas of Peru.
Essential Information:
- Altitude: 3,830 meters / 12,562 feet above sea level
- Climate: Dry cold with sunny days and cold nights
- Temperature: 40–70°F / 5–21°C approximately
- Rainy Season: December to March
Historical and Cultural Highlights
Cathedral of Puno
The Cathedral of Puno, constructed in the 17th century, is a magnificent example of Spanish Baroque architecture infused with Andean elements. Crafted with carved volcanic stone, it showcases the exceptional skill and imagination of “puneño” masons.
The fusion of architectural styles confers a unique character to this monument, making it a standout in Puno’s colonial landscape.
Nearby, the Municipal Museum houses an extensive collection of priceless pre-Inca pottery, textiles, and artifacts fashioned from gold and silver from the Tiahuanaco culture.
Balcony of the Count of Lemos
Built at the end of the 17th century, this historical mansion allegedly hosted the Viceroy Count of Lemos upon his arrival to quell a rebellion. Today, it serves as a cultural center and art gallery, showcasing regional art and providing a glimpse into Puno’s colonial era.
Museum Ship Yavari
The Yavari, an iron ship built in Great Britain in 1862, was commissioned by the Peruvian government to patrol Lake Titicaca. It took six years to transport its 2,766 pieces from the Pacific coast to the Andean plateau. The museum exhibits the original engine and equipment, and it remains the largest ship of its generation still in operation worldwide.
Natural Wonders and Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca and National Reserve
Lake Titicaca covers 3,424 square miles (8,560 km²) and sits at 12,500 feet above sea level, shared by Peru and Bolivia. The Titicaca National Reserve is split into two sectors: the first encompasses the Bay of Puno, protecting the totora reed clumps that sustain the Uros-Chulluni communities; the second, located in the Huancané area, features less-visited totora marshes. The reserve supports 60 bird species including the Titicaca grebe, 14 native fish species, and 18 types of amphibians, including the giant Titicaca toad.
The Islands of Lake Titicaca
Uros Floating Islands
The Uros floating islands, constructed from totora reeds, are home to Uro-Aymara families who maintain their traditional way of life. These inhabitants descend from one of the oldest known tribes in the Americas and began their floating existence centuries ago to isolate themselves from incursions by the Colla and Inca civilizations. The men are skilled in handling totora reed boats, while the women are expert knitters. The springy reed ground is constantly replenished due to natural decay below the waterline, though totora reed availability has dramatically diminished due to droughts caused by climate change.
Amantaní Island
Amantaní Island is inhabited by nine communities whose primary livelihood is farming Andean produce like potatoes, corn, and oca. The island is renowned for its handicrafts, including beautiful textiles and stone carvings. Visitors can explore two ceremonial centers, Llacastiti and Coanos, which serve as observatories offering panoramic views of the lake. The islanders offer accommodations and the opportunity to share in their daily activities, providing a genuine taste of pre-conquest Andean Peru.
Taquile Island
Located 22 miles (35km) east of Puno, Taquile is the largest lake island at 2.4 square miles (6km²) and features interesting micro climates. The town of Taquile, at 13,000 feet above sea level, contains both Tiahuanaco and Inca ruins. It boasts beautiful scenery highlighted by the intense blue waters of the lake and Bolivia’s snow-capped Cordillera Real Mountains in the distance. The friendly inhabitants have preserved their customs, traditions, and distinctive dress despite contact with the modern world. The islanders are renowned for their exquisite weaving, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Archaeological Sites and Ancient Monuments
Sillustani Archaeological Complex
Located 21 miles (34km) north of Puno, the Sillustani Archaeological Complex is famous for its chullpas – circular stone structures used to bury the dead. These impressive ruins were left by the Collas Aymaras, a pre-Inca culture that buried high priests in round, stone funerary towers. Built more than 500 years ago during the Tiahuanaco civilization, they are set on a small peninsula in Lake Umayo overlooking Titicaca. The tallest chullpa reaches about 43 feet (13m) in height.
Cutimbo Chullpas
One of the most important pre-Hispanic cemeteries in the Altiplano, Cutimbo is associated with the Lupacas and Collas peoples. It features large chullpas, some square-shaped and adorned with carvings of alligators, monkeys, snakes, and cats.
Chucuito
Known as the “city of the royal treasury,” Chucuito served as a tax collection center during the colonial period. It boasts significant architectural examples in the main square and two Renaissance churches: Saint Dominic (the oldest in the Altiplano, dating to 1534) and Our Lady of the Assumption (17th century). The Inca Uyo archaeological site, believed to be an observatory and fertility cult center dedicated to Mother Earth, is also located here.
Peninsula and Coastal Communities
Capachica Peninsula
Virtually surrounded by Lake Titicaca, the Capachica Peninsula features the Allan Pucará natural observatory, offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding towns. The peninsula enjoys a pleasant microclimate due to the lake’s moderating effect on the harsh Altiplano weather.
Llachón
Llachón is a community of about 1,300 inhabitants who have preserved their native cultural customs and expressions. Residents offer comfortable lodging to visitors, who can reach the community by boat from Puno, Taquile, or Amantaní, or by car from Puno and Juliaca.
Cambria and Suasi Island
Cambria is a small lakefront village where visitors can participate in farm work, fishing, and weaving. From here, one can row to Suasi Island, which features an ecological lodge powered entirely by solar energy.
Other Notable Destinations
Juli - "Little Rome of the Americas"
Founded in 1534 by Dominicans and later occupied by Jesuits, Juli became a strategic center for training missionaries heading to Paraguay or Bolivia. Churches like Saint Peter, Saint John Lateran, Holy Cross, and Our Lady of the Assumption house remarkable stone sculptures, wood carvings, paintings, and canvases by renowned Colonial artists.
Pomata - "Altiplano Balcony for Reflection"
Pomata offers stunning landscapes that invite contemplation and meditation. The town is famous for its Church of Saint James the Apostle, which features a facade teeming with indigenous motifs and a wood-carved cupola.
Lampa - "The Pink City"
Known for the pink color of its walls, Lampa boasts a chinchilla farm, the K’ell K’ello queriual tree forest, the Lensora rock paintings, and a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà.
Pucará
Famous for its fine ceramics, especially the Toritos de Pucará (little bulls), Pucará is also home to the Kalasaya archaeological complex, a ceremonial center of the Pucará culture dating to around 200 B.C.
Moho - "Garden of the Altiplano"
Referred to as the “Garden of the Altiplano” due to its warm microclimate and variety of roses, Moho is near the village of Conima, known for its church, Saint Michael the Archangel.
Wiriaymarca Archipelago – Anapia Island
Located on the international border between Peru and Bolivia, the Wiriaymarca Archipelago encircles Lake Wiriaymarca. Visitors can find vicuñas, lodges with views of Lake Titicaca, and the magnificent Real Boliviana Cordillera (Royal Bolivian Mountain Range).
Festivals and Celebrations
Our Lady of Candlemas Festival
Held in the first fortnight of February, this is the most important festival in the department. Celebrated for an entire week, it features traditional dances like the diablada, morenada, llamerada, and hundreds of others. Over 140 dance groups, more than 40,000 dancers, and 12,000 musicians participate in this vibrant event.
Festival of the Alasitas and the Crosses
Celebrated on May 3rd and 4th, this festival features street fairs where inhabitants sell miniature handicrafts, reflecting the region’s rich artisanal traditions.
Anniversary of the Founding of Puno
On November 4th, the city commemorates its founding with performances of the legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, founders of the Incan Empire. The celebration also features expressions of civic pride and exhibitions of native dances.
Your Adventure Awaits
Puno blends historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty. From exploring architectural wonders and ancient ruins to experiencing vibrant festivals and serene natural landscapes, this remarkable destination on the shores of the world’s highest navigable lake promises to captivate and inspire every traveler willing to venture into the heart of Andean Peru.
