12 Best Top Attractions Near Puno

Puno is the best base for exploring the world's highest navigable lake. Most visitors start with a boat tour to see the local communities. These islands offer a glimpse into ancient ways of life. You should also look inland toward the Altiplano. This region is home to pre-Inca ruins and stunning pink cathedrals. Here are our top picks for your itinerary.

Quick picks:

• Best overall: Uros Floating Islands
• Best for history: Sillustani Burial Towers
• Best for families: Pucará and the Stone Bulls
• Best for nature: Taquile Island hiking trails

1. Name: Uros Floating Islands
   Type: sight
   Why go: These islands are built entirely of dried totora reeds. You can walk on the sponge-like ground and see how the Uru people live. It is a unique human-made landscape unlike anywhere else.
   Best for: Cultural photography and families.
   Where: 5 miles from Puno harbor.
   Time: 2–3 hours.
   Cost: $10–$20 for standard tours.
   Getting there: Take a boat from the main pier.
   Tip: Look for the giant reed boats with puma heads for a fun ride. You can learn more about Uros islands visits before you go.
2. Name: Sillustani Burial Towers
   Type: experience
   Why go: These ancient funerary towers (chullpas) overlook Lake Umayo. They were built by the Colla people and later the Incas. The stone masonry is incredibly precise and impressive.
   Best for: History buffs and sunset views.
   Where: 45 minutes northwest of Puno.
   Time: 3 hours.
   Cost: $15–$25 including transport.
   Getting there: Most people book a van tour from Puno city center.
   Tip: Go in the late afternoon for the best golden hour light. Check out our Sillustani burial towers guide for more.
3. Name: Taquile Island
   Type: activity
   Why go: Taquile is famous for its world-renowned textile art. The men here are the primary knitters, which is a unique tradition. The walking paths offer Mediterranean-style views of the deep blue lake.
   Best for: Hikers and textile enthusiasts.
   Where: Middle of Lake Titicaca.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: $25–$40 for a full-day lake tour.
   Getting there: Public or private boat from Puno.
   Tip: The climb to the main square is steep. Walk slowly to avoid altitude sickness. Many people enjoy the hiking trails on Taquile for the views.
4. Name: Aramu Muru (Hayu Marca)
   Type: experience
   Why go: This is a massive stone "portal" carved into a red rock wall. Locals call it the Gate of the Gods. It is surrounded by strange rock formations that look like giant animals.
   Best for: Spiritual travelers and mystery lovers.
   Where: 1 hour south of Puno near Juli.
   Time: Half day.
   Cost: $20–$35 for a guided tour.
   Getting there: Arrange a private taxi or join a spiritual tour.
   Tip: Bring plenty of water as there is little shade in this desert area. You can find specialized Aramu Muru portal tours from Puno.
5. Name: Chucuito (Temple of Fertility)
   Type: sight
   Why go: This small town features the "Inca Uyo" stone temple. It contains dozens of large stone phallic carvings. It is a quirky and historically significant site near the main road.
   Best for: A quick, funny, and interesting detour.
   Where: 20 minutes south of Puno.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: $2–$5 entrance fee.
   Getting there: Take a local "combi" bus toward Desaguadero and hop off.
   Tip: Visit the nearby colonial church for amazing carved stone details. See our guide to Chucuito for more details.
6. Name: Amantani Island
   Type: experience
   Why go: This island is perfect for a deep cultural immersion. Most visitors stay overnight in a family home. You can hike up to the Pachatata and Pachamama temples at the summit.
   Best for: Backpackers and slow travelers.
   Where: Lake Titicaca.
   Time: 2 days (1 night).
   Cost: $40–$60 (includes meals and stay).
   Getting there: Travel by boat from the Puno harbor.
   Tip: Bring a small gift like fruit or school supplies for your host family.
7. Name: Lampa (The Pink City)
   Type: day trip
   Why go: Lampa is famous for its pink-colored buildings and massive colonial church. Inside the church, you can see a replica of Michelangelo's Pieta. It is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the region.
   Best for: Architecture lovers and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
   Where: 1.5 hours north of Puno.
   Time: Full day.
   Cost: $30–$50 for a private day trip.
   Getting there: Best reached via private car or a tour.
   Tip: Visit the catacombs inside the church for a spine-tingling experience. Plan your visit with this Pink City day trip guide.
8. Name: Pucará Archaeological Site
   Type: experience
   Why go: Pucará is the birthplace of the famous ceramic bulls. These figurines appear on rooftops all over Peru for good luck. The local lithic museum explores the region's ancient pre-Inca history.
   Best for: Culture and craft lovers.
   Where: 2 hours north of Puno.
   Time: Half-day or stop-over.
   Cost: $5–$10 entrance and museum fee.
   Getting there: Take a bus toward Cusco and get off at Pucará.
   Tip: Buy a small ceramic bull as a local souvenir. Check out details for Pucará archaeological site visits.
9. Name: Condor Pillar Viewpoint
   Type: sight
   Why go: This massive statue of a condor overlooks the entire city. It offers the best panoramic view of Puno and the lake. It is the perfect spot for sunset photos.
   Best for: Photographers and budget travelers.
   Where: High in the hills above Puno.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Free (taxi ride is approx $3).
   Getting there: Take a taxi up to save your energy at this altitude.
   Tip: There are many stairs if you walk, so take it very slow. It ranks among the best viewpoints in Puno.
10. Name: Cutimbo Ruins
    Type: experience
    Why go: Similar to Sillustani but far less crowded. These towers sit on a stunning high plateau. The site feels wild, peaceful, and mysterious.
    Best for: Seekers of solitude and hikers.
    Where: 30 minutes west of Puno.
    Time: 2–3 hours.
    Cost: $10–$15.
    Getting there: Best visited by taxi or private car.
    Tip: There are no facilities here, so bring water and snacks.
11. Name: Llachon Village
    Type: experience
    Why go: This village sits on the Capachica Peninsula. It offers a more authentic rural experience than the busier islands. The beaches here look just like the ocean.
    Best for: Relaxation and community tourism.
    Where: 2 hours from Puno via road or boat.
    Time: Full day or overnight.
    Cost: $20–$40.
    Getting there: Public van or private boat.
    Tip: Try the local trout (trucha) for a delicious fresh meal.
12. Name: Lake Titicaca Boat Tours
    Type: activity
    Why go: You cannot visit Puno without getting on the water. These tours combine several of the islands into one convenient trip. It is the best way to see the massive scale of the lake.
    Best for: First-time visitors.
    Where: Departs from Puno Main Pier.
    Time: 4–10 hours.
    Cost: $15–$50 depending on speed.
    Getting there: Walk or taxi to the harbor.
    Tip: Fast boats save you 4 hours of travel time compared to slow boats. View all Lake Titicaca boat tours options online.

Essential Day Trips from Puno

Expanding your itinerary beyond the lake is a great idea. The surrounding plains host incredible colonial history. Many travelers miss the inland beauty of the Puno region. You can explore the Altiplano to find quiet villages and ancient crafts. Lampa and Pucará are the highlights of north-bound travel. These spots offer a break from the crowds of Lake Titicaca.

Visiting Lampa feels like stepping back in time. The Pink City is famous for its stone-paved streets. It is much quieter than Puno. You can spend hours looking at the Santiago Apostol church. It contains a stunning marble mausoleum. This trip is perfect for those who enjoy photography and solitude. Many agency tours can combine this with a stop in Juliaca.

Pucará is another fantastic destination for a day trip. It is the regional center for pottery. You can see the ruins of the Kalasaya temple. It was built by a culture older than the Incas. Visiting the museum helps you understand Andean spirituality. It explains why bulls sit on the roofs of local houses. This stop is essential for anyone traveling toward Cusco by train or bus.

Cultural Experiences and High-Altitude Wonders

Puno is known for its dancing and festivals. But the real culture is found in daily island life. On Taquile, the social structure is based on tradition. You will see people wearing specific hats and belts. These items signal their marital status and rank. This living culture is recognized by UNESCO. It is worth spending time to learn from local guides.

Homestays are the best way to support the local economy. Places like Amantani and Llachon offer small guesthouses. You will eat meals prepared by the host families. Usually, these include local grains like quinoa and potatoes. These experiences are simple but very rewarding. You will see the lake under a blanket of bright stars. It is a peaceful escape from the noisy city center.

Viewpoints are a highlight of any stay in Puno. The city is built on a steep slope. Walking can be tiring at 3,800 meters. Taking a taxi to the Kuntur Wasi (Condor House) is wise. From there, you can see the sun rise over the water. The blue of the lake looks different every hour. It is a great place to start your morning before catching a boat.

Planning Your Visit to Puno in 2026

Planning for the altitude is the most important step. Puno is significantly higher than Cusco. You should rest for your first few hours. Drink coca tea and stay hydrated. Do not plan any heavy hiking for day one. Most hotels offer oxygen if you feel unwell. Slowing down is part of the Andean experience.

The weather on the lake can change quickly. Even in summer, the wind is very cold. You should dress in layers to stay comfortable. Bring a hat and high-SPF sunscreen. The sun is very strong at this elevation. Rainy season is from December to March. The best clear skies are from June to August. According to Peru Travel, this is the peak tourist season.

Budgeting for Puno is easier than for Cusco. Food and transport are generally cheaper here. A good meal costs between $5 and $12. Most boat tours are very affordable. You can take the PeruRail train for a luxury travel experience towards the north. Always carry some cash in soles for local markets. Credit cards are only accepted in major hotels and restaurants.