Puno travel guide
Puno sits on the shore of Lake Titicaca, at about 3,800 m above sea level, on the altiplano that Peru shares with Bolivia. It is the base for the floating islands of the Uros, the islands of Taquile and Amantaní and the funerary towers of Sillustani, in a setting of strong Quechua and Aymara identity. In a programme it usually closes the southern Andean stretch, between Cusco and Arequipa, and calls for prior acclimatisation.
Season by month
When to travel- High season
- Shoulder season
- Low season
What to do in Puno
- The Uros floating islands approx. 3 h Totora-reed islands a few kilometres from the city; a half day by boat.
- Taquile Island approx. 8 h Its textile art is recognised by UNESCO; the boat trip takes up much of the day.
- A night on Amantaní Lodging in community family homes; an experience for small groups.
- Sillustani at sunset approx. 4 h Chullpas of the Colla culture beside Lake Umayo; the late-afternoon light is the good one.
- The Candelaria festival Every February, UNESCO-recognised; it calls for booking well in advance.
- A private lake cruise approx. 3 h A boat for the group alone, at its own pace; always with warm clothing on board.
- Cusco to Puno across the altiplano By tourist train or by road: a full day between the valley and the lake.
Who to offer it to
When to go
The dry season, May to September, brings sunny days and clear skies, though with very cold nights: between June and August they usually fall below 0 °C. From December to March the rains arrive, with January the wettest month. February brings the Virgen de la Candelaria festival, an intangible heritage of UNESCO, which concentrates demand and calls for early booking.
How many days
Two nights are enough for the lake: one day for the Uros and the islands, another for Sillustani or the transfer towards Cusco or Arequipa. At about 3,800 m it is best to arrive already acclimatised, passing first through Cusco or Arequipa, and to keep a gentle pace. A night on Amantaní adds the experience of staying with a local family.
What not to miss
The floating islands of the Uros, made of totora reed; Taquile, whose textile art is recognised by UNESCO; Amantaní, with accommodation in family homes; the Sillustani chullpas, beside Lake Umayo; and, in February, the Candelaria festival. Lake excursions leave by boat from the city's port.
What to offer and why
Two nights at the lake as a cultural close to the Andean stretch, after Cusco or Arequipa. One day for the Uros and the islands and another for Sillustani complete the programme without rushing, with a night on Amantaní for those who want contact with the communities.
When to book
Always check availability in advance; if the trip coincides with the February Candelaria, as far ahead as possible. Boat trips depend on vessels and morning departures; it is worth fixing the sequence with Cusco or Arequipa from the start of the itinerary.
Practical and operational
At about 3,800 m, altitude sickness is possible even for clients who have already been through Cusco: a gentle pace, hydration and, where possible, a prior stop at lower altitude. Nights are cold all year, and on the lake warm clothing and sun protection are advisable. Juliaca airport is about an hour from the city.
How we arrange it
We coordinate the boat excursions on the lake and the Sillustani visit with local operators. We design the pace around the altitude: prior acclimatisation, moderate days and warm clothing for the cold. We coordinate transfers with local carriers from Juliaca airport, about an hour by road, or overland from Cusco and Arequipa.
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Booking & policies
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When you book, we receive your booking and start working on it: it shows as “In process” and we let you know of every update. Vouchers are sent once payments have been received.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are governed by the conditions stated in each quotation. The standard conditions are: more than 30 days before arrival, the deposit is non-refundable; 30 to 15 days before arrival, 50% of the total price is charged; less than 15 days before arrival or a no-show, 100%. They may vary on peak dates and depend on the policy of each hotel and service. Certain destinations — Patagonia, the Amazon region and high-demand dates in peak season — apply stricter terms, stated in the quotation. Conditions stated in the quotation and accepted by the agency at booking take precedence over the general schedule in Clause 7.1 of the Terms.
Can dates or passenger names be changed after booking?
Amendment requests must reach RUMBO LIBRE at least 72 business hours before the service begins. Changes are managed subject to availability, and any resulting rate difference applies. For private services, a name change may require re-issuing the booking at the current rate.
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