If you’re planning a trip through southern Peru, you’ve probably noticed Puno pop up on nearly every itinerary — usually as the gateway to Lake Titicaca.

If you’re wondering, whether Puno and Lake Titicaca are worth your time or just a logistical stepping stone between Cusco and Arequipa, keep reading to see if it fits your travel style.

Here are all of the top things to do in Puno, Peru.

Things to do in Puno

Puno sits high in the Andes at over 12,500 feet above sea level, and you’ll feel it almost immediately. The air is thinner, the sun is stronger, and even a short walk can leave you catching your breath. Most travelers don’t linger long here, but it’s worth giving the city at least a little attention before heading out onto the lake.

Beyond logistics, Puno gives you a quick introduction to high-altitude Andean culture. Women in traditional skirts and bowler hats walk the streets, markets buzz with local produce, and the lake quietly stretches out beyond the city.

Puno Farmers Market

If you can, time your visit so you can shop the market on a Saturday morning. It was unlike any I’ve ever seen and took up many many city blocks in a seemingly endless display of goods.

You can stand at an intersection and turn in a circle with no end to the market in sight. Perusing the market is our absolute favorite on this list of things to do in Puno.

Plaza de Armas and Puno Cathedral

The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a pleasant place to stretch your legs after a long bus or train ride. The cathedral anchors the square, and you’ll find cafes, small shops, and bakeries nearby if you need a snack or a strong coffee.

Parque Pino

In the historic heart of Puno, Parque Pino is a daily gathering place for locals. Here, residents meet, children play, and vendors often set up stalls selling regional snacks and handicrafts.

Visit to see the striking façade of the San Juan Bautista Church and get an authentic glimpse into everyday Peruvian life.

One of the best things to do in Puno is to observe the community that brings so much character to this city.

Where to Eat and Drink in Puno

For a nice sit down meal, you need to check out La Receta right on the Plaza de Armas. If you’re craving seafood, try Sushi Ten Bento.

For something more casual and ultra affordable, head to Pizzas D’Richety. This was the best pizza we had across Peru and devoured it so fast we ordered another.

If you’re looking for a laid back spot to hang out and have a beer, head to The Secret Beer Bar Pilsencita for an awesome collection of craft brews.

Uros Floating Islands

We departed the docks around 8:30–9:00am. Almost immediately, the experience began to feel festive — a guitarist came on board, performing local songs while weaving between passengers to collect tips. It set a cheerful tone for the morning.

By about 9:25am, we reached the famous Uros Floating Islands. After stepping onto the thick beds of reeds, one of the community leaders gave a presentation explaining how the islands are constructed and maintained. Our guide translated, which helped bring the history to life.

Soon after came what many travelers describe as the inevitable craft presentation. Locals displayed handmade goods and invited us to browse. It definitely leaned touristy, but I’ve learned that approaching these moments with curiosity rather than skepticism makes them more enjoyable.

You’ll also have the option to ride one of their iconic reed boats for about 15 soles per person. Yes, it’s a little theatrical — but it’s also fun, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

We stopped at a small cafe on another island for snacks and drinks before boarding the boat again around 11:00am for the longer journey ahead.

Overnight on Amantaní

The boat ride to Amantaní takes about 2.5 hours, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, pack Dramamine. Conditions can get choppy.

We arrived around 1:30pm, where the local leader assigned each guest to a host family. Our host mom, Roxanna, welcomed us warmly. Her home — like many on the island — was built around a central courtyard, and three generations lived there together. Farmland stretched behind the house, reinforcing how self-sufficient the community is.

Lunch was simple but comforting: quinoa soup, rice, potatoes, fried cheese, beans, mixed vegetables, and tea. Meals are standardized across the island to prevent overwhelming any one family, which I appreciated once I understood the reasoning.

After some downtime, we met in the principal square at 4:00pm to learn about local customs, attire, and rituals. Then came the hike.

The climb to the sacred spot at the top of the island takes about an hour — and it is steep. Combined with the altitude, it’s no joke. Go slow, drink water, and don’t be afraid to stop.

But the sunset? Completely worth the effort.

Back in the village, we grabbed drinks at the small bar around 6:30pm before heading to dinner at 7:15pm. Later that evening, there was an optional fiesta with music and dancing — delightfully awkward and unforgettable in equal measure.

Nighttime on Amantaní gets very cold. During our visit, temperatures dropped to around 35°F. Homes are not heated, so we slept in hats, gloves, and wool socks under several thick blankets Roxanna provided.

Not the classiest tip, but very useful: if you have boys, keep empty Gatorade bottles handy in case someone needs a bathroom in the middle of the night. Walking to an outhouse in freezing temperatures is… character-building.

Breakfast the next morning was thin pancakes with jam, bread, tea, and instant coffee. Boats depart early — ours left around 7:45am.

One sweet memory: while the evenings weren’t as immersive as I had imagined, the younger children in the family came to play games with our boys, and that ended up being a highlight.

Taquile Island

Taquile was perhaps my favorite stop of the entire tour.

Almost immediately, it felt more authentic than some of the other places we visited. In the main square, weaving cooperatives sold handmade textiles — and I didn’t see anything that looked remotely mass-produced.

The island has beautiful traditions tied to clothing. Boys wear hats with white starting at age nine. At eighteen, they add a white belt. Married men wear red hats and carry woven bags filled with coca leaves, which are exchanged as a sign of friendship.

Even more fascinating? On Taquile, men do the weaving.

Some women’s hats incorporate hair from local women and are shaped like the national flower — details that speak to the deep symbolism woven into everyday life here.

It was meaningful, visually stunning, and refreshingly grounded in tradition.

Hidden Costs of a Two Day Lake Titicaca Tour

While the tour price may seem straightforward, small expenses add up quickly.

Expect optional tips for the pickup driver, boat captain, and musician.

Bringing a small gift for your host family is thoughtful — coloring books, crayons, rice, fruit, or vegetables are great options. Avoid sugary items since dental care isn’t readily available.

There are also purchases you may feel inclined toward: crafts on Uros, snacks at the cafe since lunch isn’t until mid-afternoon, knitted hats and socks your host family may offer, and drinks at the island bar. This was where we felt obligated to buy things we didn’t need, just to show appreciation for their hospitality.

More transparent costs typically include the tour itself, a guide tip (around $20 per person per day), your host family tip (plan for about 20–50 soles per person), and the optional tourist reed boat ride for 15 soles.

Packing List for Lake Titicaca Homestay

Leave the majority of your luggage at your accommodation in Puno.

• Water for the first day (more is available for purchase on Amantaní)
• Steeped coffee if you prefer it over instant
• Gatorade bottles
• Small denomination soles coins and bills for tips and shopping
• Brimmed Hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Chapstick with SPF
• Warm clothes to sleep in
• Soft scarf
• Wool socks
• Gift for your host family (avoid sugar)
• Dramamine
• Altitude remedies: patches, medication, coca candy, coca tea
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Toilet paper for boat and house bathrooms
• Ball for kids
• Deck of cards

Is Lake Titicaca Worth Visiting?

Here’s the honest take — because I think this question deserves transparency.

I went in expecting deep immersion: helping in the garden, preparing meals, sitting around the table with the entire family.

The reality was more structured and prescriptive. When the guide hosted group activities, it sometimes felt like we shouldn’t be lingering at the house. Meals were shared primarily with other guests rather than the full family.

That said, there were genuine moments — kids playing together, conversations despite language barriers, watching daily life unfold, and warm, heartfelt goodbyes.

So, is Lake Titicaca worth visiting?

Only if you go with the right expectations.

It’s less about stepping fully into someone else’s life and more about witnessing a community that has preserved traditions despite modernization. The landscapes are striking and the culture is meaningful. My kids talk about this experience when they’re asked about Peru.

However, if your schedule is tight or you struggle at high altitude, this is one stop you could reconsider. The experience requires effort — physically and mentally.

For travelers who value cultural perspective over luxury, and can accept that elements of the experience feel very touristy, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Where to Stay in Puno

One tip I cannot recommend enough: book a hotel in Puno even if you arrive the same morning your excursion begins. Book for the night before but notify the hotel that you actually won’t be using the room until about 5am.

Book a hotel as close to the docks as possible to make your tour morning simple. Make sure they offer free breakfast and luggage storage.

Rooms are surprisingly affordable — typically $25–40 — and having a place to shower, nap for a couple of hours, and eat a proper breakfast before boarding a boat makes a huge difference.

As an added perk, they will store your bulky luggage with you if you’re doing an overnight on Lake Titicaca so you don’t have to lug so much weight with you on the boat.

Here’s what your morning might look like:

• 5am – Arrive by bus from Cusco
• 5:30am – Check into hotel room that you booked for checking in the previous night and crash for another 90 minutes
• 7:00am – Shower, Breakfast, Store Luggage
• 8:00am – Meet at Docs for your tour

Getting to Puno

From Cusco

• Bus: 6–7.5 hours by direct bus OVERNIGHT and costs $20–$50 USD (basic to nicer services). Some people pull off a return overnight bus on the same day as their Lake Titicaca excursion.
• Train (PeruRail / IncaRail): 10 hours of train travel by day doubles as sightseeing, but consumes more of your Peru itinerary. $250 USD+ per person.

If you have a few days in Cusco, check out our favorite attractions and tours, plus our Machu Picchu Packing list.

From Arequipa

• Bus: 6-8 hours by direct bus and costs $20–$50 USD

Don’t miss our guide to the best of Arequipa.

From Lima

• Flight (to Juliaca + transfer) 1 h 45 min flight from Lima to Juliaca, then 1 hr taxi/bus to Puno. Costs vary widely but often $40–$150+ USD one-way depending on airline and season.

Here’s how to spend one day in Lima.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Puno, Peru

When people talk about things to do in Puno, Peru, Lake Titicaca understandably dominates the conversation. Few places in the world offer the chance to sleep on an island packed with fascinating history in the highest navigable lake on Earth.

The resilience of the communities, the symbolism woven into clothing, the collaborative spirit on islands like Amantaní, and quiet sunsets are hard to forget.

Puno may not be Peru’s prettiest city, but it opens the door to one of the country’s most iconic experiences.

And long after you’ve left the lake behind, you’ll still be thinking about it. In my opinion, this is the mark of a place worth visiting.

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