Puno

Gateway to Lake Titicaca

Curated by Vinod Kumar Jain & Amit Jain · All Frontier Global · free, no login · reviewed 2026-07-05

The journal

On Lake Titicaca, our reed boat pilot showed us how the Uros build entire floating islands from totora reeds, replacing the base every few weeks as it rots from below. I stood on ground that was, quite literally, temporary, and felt the strangest, mildest vertigo I've ever experienced on solid footing.

Things to do

Lake Titicaca · Lake

The world's highest navigable lake, deep blue against the surrounding altiplano. Best: May–Sep

Uros Floating Islands · Cultural site

Hand-built totora-reed islands where the Uros people live on the lake. Best: May–Sep

Taquile Island · Island

Terraced Quechua island renowned for its UNESCO-listed textile traditions. Best: May–Sep

Sillustani · Ruins

Pre-Inca stone burial towers (chullpas) on a peninsula above Lake Umayo. Best: May–Sep

Chullpa Cemetery of Sillustani · Ruins

Ancient pre-Incan funeral towers with Lake Titicaca views. Best: Apr–Oct

Arrival

Airport

Inca Manco Cápac International (Juliaca) (JUL) — ~45 km / 45 min drive to Puno.

SIM / data

Buy a SIM in Cusco or Lima first; limited vendors here.

Money on arrival

Bring soles from Cusco/Lima; fewer reliable ATMs in Puno.

Daily costs

Backpacker/day

$18

Mid/day

$35

Comfort/day

$65

Rent (1BR)

$250–400

Budget Titicaca base

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