Hailed as the birthplace of Inca civilization, Puno is a traditionally Peruvian city perched on the shores of Lake Titicaca—the world’s highest navigable lake. Folkloric tradition is everywhere in this lakeside city, where crumbling colonial buildings serve as the backdrop to brightly colored costumes and energetic dances dating back to Inca times. Top things to do include exploring the islands of Titicaca—straight from the pages of a fairy tale, the Uros Islands are made entirely from reeds, while the island of Taquile harbors the region’s rich weaving heritage.
Puno’s extreme elevation—it sits at 12,555 feet (3,827 meters) above sea level—means it has a cool, refreshing climate year-round. The warmest time to visit is in November and December, however these more humid months get regular downpours. For clear skies and conditions ideal for hiking around Lake Titicaca, arrive April–October. To see the city at its most celebratory, visit at the start of February for the Festivity of the Virgin of Candelaria, in honor of Puno’s patron saint.
The city of Puno itself is easy to explore on foot, particularly the compact downtown area. There are plenty of taxis at the bus station—into which buses from Lima, Cusco, and La Paz and Sucre in Bolivia arrive—but it’s only a 10-minute walk from downtown. Boats out to Lake Titicaca and the islands of Uros and Taquile depart from dawn until dusk from Puno Harbor.
A short boat ride away on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, you’ll find the magical Sun Island (Isla del Sol). Characterized by the rugged, dramatic landscapes typical of Titicaca, this tiny island features almost 200 pre-Columbian ruins and terrain ranging from sandy beaches to mountain peaks. There are plenty of guesthouses, and it’s worth staying overnight to see the spectacular sunset over the lake.
