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Puno
City of Puno
City of Puno
Characterized by sprawling, traffic infested streets lined with barking men and women selling their brightly colored crafts, the city of Puno lacks the grace and charm of its vastly more attractive neighbor, Lake Titicaca. Were it not for the dozens of tour agencies lining Puno's dusty streets, the placid shores of this natural gem may be all but swallowed up by the sites and sounds of a bustling city. Indeed, it's slightly ironic that the Quechua named for this hectic city translates to,

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Characterized by sprawling, traffic infested streets lined with barking men and women selling their brightly colored crafts, the city of Puno lacks the grace and charm of its vastly more attractive neighbor, Lake Titicaca. Were it not for the dozens of tour agencies lining Puno's dusty streets, the placid shores of this natural gem may be all but swallowed up by the sites and sounds of a bustling city. Indeed, it's slightly ironic that the Quechua named for this hectic city translates to, "place of rest."
Honking buses and pedestrian packed streets aside, Puno has a number of redeeming qualities, which make it a great place to start any trip to Lake Titicaca and the surrounding area. As the central hub for lake excursions and trips to more attractive destinations, Puno has a number of hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies to accommodate almost any traveler's tastes and needs. A recently built bus station now serves as a connection point for all major bus companies, and is conveniently located within walking distance of the port, from where you can catch a boat to Isla Amantaní and Isla Taquile.
Dominated by the Aymara to the south and Quechua to the north, Puno was shaped by the confluence of two notably different cultural currents. Referred to by some as the folklore capital of the world, Puno boasts some of the most fascinating and vibrant folklore festivals. Three major festivals are unique to the city, and include Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, Puno Week, and Adoración del Sol. Perhaps the most interesting attraction in Puno lies just outside the city limits. The Yavari is one of the world’s great antique ships, and the story of how it came to rest in Puno is almost as interesting as the ship itself.  
Within the city there are a number of interesting attractions, all within walking distance of one another. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, spend the day exploring the city on foot. Gracing the Plaza de Armas is the city's 17th century cathedral, whose elaborately carved façade gives way to a rather spartan interior accented by a brilliant silver-plated altar. Next to the cathedral is another 17th century relic, the Casa del Corregidor. There is an inviting courtyard on the grounds, where javaholics can savor a coffee from one of Puno’s most delightful cafes.
From the Plaza de Armas you can head towards Parque Huajsapata where you’ll find a massive mirador with a huge sculpture of Manco Cápac, the first Inca. Be aware, however, that a number of robbery assaults on single tourists have been reported here. Up the street from the plaza, on the corner of Conde de Lemos and Deustua, is the Balcony of the Conde de Lemos, former residence of Peru's viceroy and the current home of the Cultural Institute of Peru. Across the street you'll find the Museo Dreyer Municipal, which has a collection of pre-Inca and Inca artifacts and documents citing the history of the Spanish foundation of Peru.
From the museum, head downhill two blocks to Puno's pedestrian street, Lima, which connects the Plaza de Armas to Parque Pino. Here you can refuel at some of the city's best restaurants and cafes. Parque Pino boasts an 18th century church dedicated to San Juan Bautista, and home of the Virgen de Candelaria, Puno’s most important patron saint. From the park, you can head towards the Arco Deustua, a huge stone arch built in honor of those killed in battles for independence in Junín and Ayacucho.
If city-sightseeing isn't your cup of tea, you can always head towards the lake, where you can meander through Puno’s huge central market, or catch a boat to one of Lake Titicaca's islands. Active travelers may want to inquire about kayaking on Lake Titicaca, or horseback riding in the valley just north of Puno. A number of companies in Puno offer island tours to Isla Uros, Islas Taquile and Amantaní, Islas Anapia and Yuspique, and Isla Suasi. You can also arrange a visit to nearby attractions like Sillustani and Chucuito.
For free tourist information and maps head to i Peru (Deustua with Lima, Tel :51-365-088, 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. daily). Or, for more detailed information pay a visit to the Regional Tourism Office (Ayacucho 682, Tel: 51-364-976, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.).


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Hotels in Puno

Kamisaraki Inn/Lodge Los Uros

It is one thing to have visited the world-famous floating islands, but how about telling your friends you actually slept on them, in a reed hut no less? This is what the Kamasaraki Inn/Lodge Los Uros ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

Taquile Hostal

The Taquile Hostal is only a few blocks from the main square in Puno and offers comfortable rooms starting at $12 for a single bed room, and $15 for two beds. This is complete with hot water, TV, ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

Hotel Puno Plaza

A 3-Star Hotel with visitor satisfaction as the main goal. Rooms are all carpeted and include 24 Hours of hot water, cable TV, internet, telephone, American Breakfasts, ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

Hotel Libertador

The Libertador hotel chain is one of Peru's most prestigious and luxurious, and the Hotel Libertador Puno is no exception. The hotel is located on Lake Titicaca, on Esteban Island, not far from ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

Helena Inn Hostal

One of the few three-star facilities in Puno, for those wanting to spend a little bit more for a higher-quality stay while anticipating a trip to Lake Titicaca, the Helena Inn, just two blocks north ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

Hostal Los Pinos

Of the places to stay in Puno, Hostal Los Pinos is one of the best budget options. This family run hostal has spacious, light-filled rooms with new private baths and electric hot water showers. Those ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

Qelqatani Hotel

Qelqatani Hotel is located in the heart of Puno and is within walking distance of many attractions such as museums, colonial churches, commercial centers, banks, restaurants and bars. There are 28 ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

El Manzano

This small but charming hotel is a little way from the bustling center of Puno, towards the port. Rooms are basic but comfortable enough, and there is a sheltered, sunny dining room where you can sit ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

Don Julio Youth Hostel

Associated with Hostelling International, Don Julio is a well-run hostel with lots of extra services including internet for guests, TV room, an on-site café-bar and storage lockers. Rooms are ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

La Glorieta

The Glorieta Hotel is located in Chucuito, a peaceful place in connection with nature. It is made entirely in stone in a traditional Italian cottage style. There is a camping area available, an ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru

Sonesta Posada del Inca

Sonesta Posada is a luxurious hotel located on Lake Titicaca. It has unique amenities such as a private dock for lake excursions and a private train-stop for those arriving by train. Many of the ...
Hotel
Puno, Peru
Tours in Puno

Titikayak

Partially owned by the reputable ExplorAndes agency, Titikayak is a fairly new company offering a range of safe, well-planned kayak trips that leave from Llachón. The equipment is excellent and ...
Tour Operator
Puno, Peru

All Ways Travel

This socially-conscious company managed by Victor Pauca and his daughter, Eliana, offers trips to various islands around Lake Titicaca and Sillustani, including Uros, Amantaní, Anapia, ...
Tour Operator
Puno, Peru

Edgar Adventures

Run by Peruvian husband and wife team Edgar Apaza and Norka Florez, Edgar Adventures is one of the busiest tour agencies in Puno, and is highly recommended. This daring-duo runs tours, departing ...
Tour Operator
Puno, Peru

Pirámide Tours

This company offers both classic tours and more unique trips to remote areas around Lake Titicaca. Service is flexible and friendly, and launches are fast. Transport to and from Cusco, Arequipa, and ...
Tour Operator
Puno, Peru

Mystery Peru

Mystery Peru has been operating tours in Puno and Lake Titicaca for the last 2 years. Our guides there speak perfect english and are very knowledgeable about the Lake Titicaca, traditions, and local ...
Tour Operator
Puno, Peru

Titicaca Expedition

Titicaca Expedition claims to offer the best team and best service for making the most of your visit to South America’s largest lake and the overall highest in the world. It does charge double ...
Tour Operator
Puno, Peru

Zarate Expeditions

From rappelling off of the mountain cliffs around Puno to visiting the Totorani waterfalls, Zarate really will take you out there in the wild surrounding Lake Titicaca. Apart from rock-climbing, they ...
Tour Operator
Puno, Peru

Solmartour

With over 30 years of tourism experience, customer service and tailor-made itineraries are deeply ingrained within Solmartour's philosophy. Their menu of tours is diverse with options for adventure ...
Tour Operator
Puno, Peru
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