Puno
Puno is a pretty tourist city on the shores of Lake Titicaca on the Altiplano of Peru. The city's biggest attraction is its proximity to Lake Titicaca.
Understand
Puno is also the name of the region.
Get in
By Train
Trains to and from Cuzco travel only 3 times per week. Others trains travel down to Arequipa.
By Bus
# Direct route, faster. # Via ferry boat across Lake Titicaca and Copacabana.:You should change some money at the border in order to be able to pay the ferry in Bolivianos. Be prepared to change buses in Copacabana. This will mean you will lose your good seats.
Eat
- In and around the mercado central are several budget places to eat for less then 3 soles. Also try a fruitjuice at one of the many juguerias on the second floor.
Most touristspots are in and around Calle Lima. A little bit of bargaining will get you a discount, but don't push it too far if you want your food prepared without any bodily fluids.
- Cafe restaurant Monterrey, Pasaje Grau 158, has reasonably cheap and good breakfasts.
- Restaurant pizzeria Ollantay, Pasaje Grau 160, has pizzas, trout and alpaca. Ask for el menú.
Sleep
- Hostal Los Uros, Theodóro Valcárcel N8 135, 051-352141. Clean and decent hotel close to the center. Popular with foreigners. A single with shared bathroom cost 20 soles. Ask for a discount in low-season.
Get out
Day Trips
Walking up in the hills gives nice views over the city and the lakes, but it is dangerous! Locals recommend not to do so since tourists are often the victims of armed robberies in the hills. If you like hiking, take a colectivo to Chuciuto (19km, 1 Sol, US$ 0.30) and start hiking from there. Next to the highest mountain (with a thin antenna on the top, 4550m) there is a summit where locals bring sacrifices. Fireplaces, flowers and bottles give witness of that.