Puno

Good to Know

Altitude

3,830 m / 12,556 ft

Languages spoken

Spanish, Aymara

Nearest Airport

Inca Manco Capac International Airport, Juliaca (51.2 Kms)

Nearest Bus Terminal

Terminal Terrestre Puno (750 meters from the centre)

Discover Puno

With a regal plaza, concrete block buildings and crumbling bricks that blend into the hills, Puno has its share of both grit and cheer. It serves as the jumping-off point for Lake Titicaca and is a convenient stop for those traveling between Cuzco and La Paz. But it may just capture your heart with its own rackety charm.

Folkloric Capital of Peru

Puno is known as Peru’s capital folklórica (folkloric capital) – its Virgen de la Candelaria parades are televised across the nation – and the associated drinking is the stuff of legend. Its urban centre can feel contaminated and cold. But Puno’s people are upbeat, cheeky and ready to drop everything if there’s a good time to be had.

As a commercial (and contraband) hub, its colonial and naval identity can be glimpsed in its spots of old architecture, the colourful traditional dress worn by many inhabitants and scores of young cadets in the streets.