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Puno, Peru

Lake Titicaca and floating reed islands

Puno

Puno · Life on the shores of Lake Titicaca

Lake TiticacaCultureIslands

Perched at 3,800m on the shore of Lake Titicaca, Puno is the folkloric capital of Peru and the gateway to the highest navigable lake on earth. Its waters hold the famous floating reed islands of the Uros people.

Top sightsSights

01

Uros floating islands

Islands woven entirely from totora reeds.

02

Taquile Island

A lake island famed for its textile traditions.

03

Amantani Island

A homestay island with pre-Inca temples.

04

Sillustani

Ancient funerary towers above a lagoon.

05

Puno Cathedral

A baroque cathedral on the main plaza.

What to eatFood

Trucha

Lake trout, grilled or fried fresh from Titicaca.

Quinoa soup

A warming Andean soup of the local grain.

Chairo

A hearty highland stew of meat and vegetables.

Good to know

  • An overnight homestay on Amantani is a memorable experience.
  • It is very high and cold at night — bring warm layers.
  • Puno is a common overland stop between Cusco and Bolivia.

Getting there

Reach Puno by train or bus from Cusco, or fly into Juliaca (JUL) an hour away.

Next city

Iquitos