Puno Travel Information FAQ

Lake Titicaca straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia. The city of Puno is the main access point to the lake from the Peruvian side and is located in the Puno province of Peru.

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Puno is located at an altitude of 12,556 feet (3,830m) above sea level. Lake Titicaca is located at an altitude of 12,506 feet (3,812m) above sea level and is the highest lake in the world.

Click here for our tips on how to deal with altitude sickness.

The official language is Spanish. But both the indigenous Quechua and Aymara languages are spoken in Puno & Lake Titicaca.

The easiest option is to get an official airport taxi in the airport arrivals hall. Taxis to Puno cost approximately US$25 and take 50 minutes. You can also ask your hotel to organize a pre-booked taxi to meet you when you arrive.

There are also shuttle mini-vans that leave throughout the day and cost approximately US$8 to Puno.

Weather in Puno is divided into two seasons – dry and wet. The wet season runs from October – April with temperatures between  34°F to 46°F (0°C-8°C) with an average of rainfall of 15 – 20 days per month during this period. Dry season is from May – September with average temperatures between  46°F to 75°F (8°C-24°C) and clear blue skies and sun most days.

Click here for more information about the weather in Cusco & Machu Picchu.

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Puno is a small city of 120,000 inhabitants. Like any city there are areas that are more dangerous than others. Our advice is to stay in the central touristic area of Puno that tends to be safer and better policed.

The Islands on the Lake have very low crime and are very safe to travel around. Just remember to remain alert, use common sense and stick to the usual travel rules.

Read our Peru staying safe travel tips here.

Like in any destination, it’s best to exchange your money in official banks to ensure you get authentic notes and the right amount of money back. Jiron Lima the main pedestrian street in Puno has several banks including the BCP (Banco de Credito del Peru), Scotiabank and Banco Continental.

You will find ATM’s on this street where you can withdraw money in either US$ or Soles.

For more information about banks and money in Peru click here.

Pack warm is our advice! Puno & Lake Titicaca can get extremely cold at night particularly on the islands so come prepared.

We recommend layers that can be added to or removed throughout the day as temperatures can get very warm around midday and then plummet at night. Polar fleeces, wind breakers and good hiking boots are a must. Don’t forget sunblock, hat and sunglasses as the sun is burning at this altitude.

Read more about what to pack for your Peru trip here.

The main emergency number for police is 115, Ambulance 116 and Fire department 117.

iPeru is the official tourist information service in Peru. iPeru provides information on what to see and do in Puno as well as advice if you have a problem or aren’t happy with a service you received.

Puno City Centre

Address: The corner of Jr. Deustua and Jr. Lima.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 09.00AM – 18.00PM. Sundays 09.00am – 13.00PM.
Telephone: (+51)  51 365 088
E-mail: iperupuno@promperu.gob.pe

Inca Manco Cápac Airport in Juliaca

Address: Arrivals hall.
Opening hours: When flights arrive.
Telephone:  (+51) 51 792 670
E-mail: iperupunoapto@promperu.gob.pe

Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz (cycles per second). If you plug in a 110-volt appliance, your piece of equipment may break.

If you want to use a 110-volt appliance in Peru, we suggest you buy a power adapter to protect your equipment. Do check first though, as many laptops and digital cameras are now dual voltage and can take both 110 and 220 volts. Most four and five star hotels have outlets for 110-volt appliances in the rooms.

There are two types of electrical outlets in Peru. One takes two-pronged plugs with flat blades, while the other takes plugs with two round prongs. Many Peruvian electrical outlets are designed to accept both types but we have found ourselves in situations where this wasn’t the case so we do recommend you bring an adapter on your trip so you have no problems.

Some countries in Africa, Central America and Asia will need to obtain a tourist visa before travelling to Peru. Click here for the Peruvian Immigration Bureau list of countries that require visas to visit Peru.

Passport holders from South America, EU member countries, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico don’t need to organize a visa prior to travelling to Peru. Travellers from these countries will receive a tourist card (Tarjeta Andina de Migracions) from Peruvian Immigration upon arrival in Peru stating the length of approved stay (usually 90 or 180 days). Keep the tourist card with you as it exonerates you from paying 18% tax in hotels in Peru and you will need to show it upon leaving the country. Remember, overstaying your visa can result in fines.

This information is intended as a reference guide only. Consult the Peruvian Embassy in your country for up to date information on visas required for Peru.

Click here to see the website for the Peruvian Embassy in the U.S

Puno is a small city and while some basic medical facilities are available the standard is much lower than in the U.S or Europe. For more severe medical problems head to Lima which has several clinics of international standard that are recommended by consulates and insurance companies alike.

Pharmacies are found throughout Puno city and will have most of what you will need for minor medical emergencies like dodgy tummies, headaches and pain relief. Medical service on the islands of Lake Titicaca are extremely limited.