Puno is an important port city in Peru with a very special characteristic: it is the gateway to visiting the majestic Lake Titicaca.
In addition to this natural beauty, the city has a variety of tourist attractions. That is why we will mention the best places to visit in Puno so that you are aware of the top sites to explore in this beautiful destination.
What Should You Know About Puno?
In this article, besides telling you what to do in Puno, we will mention some interesting facts about this city.
- Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and borders the shores of the city of Puno.
- This city is one of the highest in Peru, with an altitude ranging between 3,810 and 4,050 meters above sea level, from the lake’s shores to its highest points.
- Officially, its name is San Carlos de Puno, and it has a significant cultural heritage. It is also considered the Folklore Capital of Peru.
- Puno is the Peruvian city closest to Bolivia, as it is located just 140 kilometers from Copacabana.
- The climate here is typical of a highland region. Maximum temperatures usually do not exceed 18°C, while minimum temperatures average -6°C during the coldest months (June and July). Rainfall occurs mostly during January and February.
The 13 Best Places to Visit in Puno
If you are wondering what to see in Puno, besides the already mentioned Lake Titicaca, we must say that the city has other fascinating places to explore that you cannot miss.
Here is a complete guide to everything you can do in Puno to make the most of this charming destination.
1- Plaza de Armas or Plaza Mayor
When thinking about what to visit in Puno, we must definitely mention Plaza de Armas, as it is one of the most important and busiest places in the city.
This colonial-style square was built in 1901 and was established on an ancient ceremonial site called "Supay Kancha", which in Quechua means "Devil's Enclosure" or "Devil's Circle."
The square features a beautiful fountain in the center, which is illuminated at night. Around it, you will find charming buildings, as well as several hotels, restaurants, banks, and the Municipality of Puno.
The charm of the plaza lies in its pleasant gardens and the stunning view of the surrounding hills, which create a picturesque backdrop.
2- Puno Cathedral
Another must-visit place in Puno is Puno Cathedral, located in Plaza de Armas. It was built in 1757 by the master builder Simón de Asto, assisted by miners to complete such an impressive structure.
This beautiful cathedral was declared a National Historical Heritage in 1972.
It is built in Andean Baroque style, and while its interior architecture is somewhat modest, its stone façade is remarkably imposing. Decorative elements such as the sun, pumas, mermaids, and flowers can be seen adorning the exterior.
Inside, visitors can admire excellent paintings from the Cusco School of Art. The altar, covered in silver, displays the Vatican flag in honor of Pope Paul VI, who visited Puno in 1964.
3- Viewpoints:
Among the must-visit places in Puno are its viewpoints. The views from these locations are truly breathtaking. The most important viewpoints worth visiting are the following:
Cerro Huajsapata: This viewpoint offers beautiful panoramic views, and one of its distinguishing features is the monument to the first Inca emperor, the statue of Manco Cápac. To access this important viewpoint, you have the option of walking from Plaza de Armas for approximately 10 minutes or taking a taxi, as the distance is short but uphill.
Kuntur Wasi: Also known as Mirador del Cóndor. Here, you will find a statue of the great Andean condor, a sacred animal in Inca culture. And, of course, you will enjoy incredible views of the city, the lake, and its surroundings.
Puma Uta: The puma, condor, and serpent form the trilogy of sacred animals for the Incas. That is why at this viewpoint, you will see an imposing stone statue representing a watchful puma, the protector of the Andes. Additionally, this is another viewpoint worth visiting, as it offers sensational panoramic views.
4- Lake Titicaca and its Islands:
Continuing with what places to visit in Puno, we must mention one of the most exciting sites to explore: Lake Titicaca.
On this high-altitude lake, in addition to enjoying the beautiful landscape, you can visit the Floating Islands of the Uros, Taquile, and Amantani.
To experience an exciting immersive tourism adventure in these places, Guru Explorers offers the perfect tour.
On the 2-day, 1-night Tour to Uros Island + Taquile + Amantani, you will first visit the Floating Islands of the Uros, which are entirely built with totora reeds, a type of natural aquatic plant. Here, the local inhabitants will show you their way of life and how they construct the islands. These islands form a small community primarily dedicated to fishing.
Next, you will visit Amantani Island, the largest island on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca.
This island is known for its immersive tourism experiences, as during this tour, you will have the opportunity to have lunch and dinner with local families, where you can share experiences with the residents and enjoy typical, delicious regional cuisine. Additionally, in the afternoon, you can take a hike to the top of the island to witness the sunset and admire the stunning views of the hills and landscape.
Another island you will visit during this tour is Taquile Island. This place is known for its traditional textile art, which is of such great importance that UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage site. This island is a fascinating place to explore, full of culture and tradition, and while here, you will also visit its Plaza de Armas.
Exploring the lake, its islands, and its communities is undoubtedly one of the best adventures that Puno has to offer.
5- Casa del Corregidor:
In the Historic Center of Puno, next to Plaza de Armas, we find one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 17th century. This is Casa del Corregidor, another important place to visit in Puno.
In this old colonial mansion, lived the public official responsible for administering justice, regulating taxes, and acting as a defender of the citizens.
Today, this house hosts art exhibitions, a library, a handicraft shop, and in its inner courtyard, a gourmet-style bar and restaurant with charming decor.
This mansion features a highly photogenic facade and colorful architecture with many details to admire.
6- Chullpas de Sillustani:
Sillustani is a pre-Inca archaeological site located 40 minutes from Puno and is considered one of the most enigmatic places in Peru.
This site, located on the shores of Lake Umayo, was once a cemetery and funerary center. Here, you will find the Chullpas, which are cylindrical stone towers approximately 12 meters high, used as tombs.
These pre-Inca funerary structures belonged to the Qolla culture, an Aymara-origin community that inhabited this region between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The Qolla people were warriors who buried their nobles or important figures in these towers, along with offerings and the deceased’s belongings. In some cases, entire families were buried in a single tower.
To explore this fascinating site, Guru Explorers offers the Chullpas de Sillustani Tour, where you will visit these ruins through an engaging guided tour. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take a scenic walk, enjoy the beautiful landscape, and spot local animals such as alpacas, llamas, or guinea pigs. You will also have the chance to visit a handicraft center.
7- Carlos Dreyer Museum:
The Carlos Dreyer Museum houses 1,800 archaeological relics and antiques from the pre-Inca, Inca, colonial, and republican periods. Across its eight exhibition rooms, you will find gold and silver artifacts, ceramics, textiles, and sculptures.
This museum is named after the German collector and artist who once owned the historic mansion where it is now located. In 1980, this building was declared a National Heritage Site.
Carlos Dreyer, the museum’s founder, lived in Puno for nearly 30 years and was a great enthusiast and admirer of Andean cultures.
8- Yavarí Ship:
The Yavarí Ship, built in England in 1862, is another interesting place to visit in Puno. It was the first iron ship to navigate Lake Titicaca.
Today, this historic ship houses a museum, which can be explored through a guided tour. Additionally, for several years now, it has also functioned as a lodging facility with a capacity of up to seven people.
9- Coca Museum:
For hundreds of years, coca has been of great importance to various Andean cultures, as it has been used in ceremonies and has also been widely recognized for its medicinal properties.
If you want to learn everything about this ancient plant, we recommend visiting the Coca Museum.
Additionally, this museum features a very interesting collection of traditional costumes used in the typical dances of the region. The collection includes striking hats, skirts, and colorful masks.
10- Jirón Lima Street:
Jirón Lima Street is the most popular pedestrian street in Puno. It stretches for approximately 300 meters and is a great place for a leisurely walk, as you will find numerous bars, restaurants, and typical souvenir shops.
We can say that this is the ideal place to find a nice spot to sit and enjoy the traditional Puno cuisine.
11- Manuel Pino Park:
Jirón Lima Street will lead you directly to this small and charming park, which we also recommend visiting.
This place is very popular, especially among locals, rather than tourists. It is the perfect spot to observe the daily life of Puno’s residents.
It is a very colorful park, with beautiful gardens. At the center of the park, you can see the monument to Manuel Pino, a local hero who died in 1881 during the War of the Pacific against Chile.
Around the park, you will find some shops, offices, schools, and the San Juan Bautista Church, which you can also visit.
12- Malecón Bahía de los Incas:
Walking along the Malecón Bahía de los Incas is another activity we highly recommend in Puno.
This waterfront promenade is located eight blocks from Plaza de Armas and is the perfect place for a scenic walk along the shores of Lake Titicaca.
This pedestrian walkway, which extends for approximately one kilometer, features a beautiful lighthouse and the Sukankas or Intihuatanas, which, during Inca and pre-Inca times, were used as solar clocks.
13- Fundo Chincheros:
Fundo Chincheros is another beautiful place that we recommend visiting in Puno. Located about 20 minutes from the city center, this is an excellent place to spend time fully immersed in nature.
It is a 19th-century estate that still maintains livestock farming activities and offers accommodation for tourists. This site is filled with animals and wild flora, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
Conclusion
After listing all these must-visit places in Puno, we can conclude that if you are traveling to Peru, this should definitely be on your itinerary. Puno is a city with plenty to explore, and, most importantly, it offers you the privilege of experiencing the majestic Lake Titicaca.
At Guru Explorers, we offer a variety of Puno Tours , ensuring that you don’t miss out on exploring the best tourist attractions in this beautiful destination.