10 Best Things to Do and See in Puno
Exploring Puno on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Puno, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Puno. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Plaza Mayor of Puno
Plaza Mayor of Puno is the main square in the city’s historic center, at the heart of daily life and tourism. Discover a lively open space lined with landmark buildings and a friendly atmosphere typical of Andean cities. It is a great starting point to admire local architecture, take a break on a bench, or walk to nearby shopping streets and key downtown sights. By day or evening, the square offers a simple, vivid glimpse of Puno and its urban vibe.
2. Pino Park
Pino Park in Puno is a pleasant urban square where visitors discover a lively place to relax in the heart of the city. Surrounded by buildings and shops, it serves as a meeting point for both locals and visitors. Benches, green areas and a lively local atmosphere make it an ideal stop on a walk. Its central location also makes it a good starting point for exploring the area and experiencing the daily rhythm of Puno.
3. Puno Puma Viewpoint
Mirador Puma de Puno is an iconic viewpoint with open views over Puno and nearby Lake Titicaca. Admire the Andean scenery, take photos and enjoy sunset.
4. Cerrito Huajsapata
Cerrito Huajsapata is an iconic hill in Puno, Peru, valued as a natural viewpoint over the city and Lake Titicaca. Following its trails, visitors discover a peaceful spot for a walk, with panoramic views of Puno’s rooftops, the lake shore, and the surrounding hills. It is a simple but pleasant place, often chosen to get some fresh air, admire the scenery, and experience the Andean atmosphere of the region in an easily accessible setting.
5. Mirador El Condor
Mirador El Cóndor in Puno offers a pleasant viewpoint over the city and the Andean landscapes around it. From this tourist spot, admire the open horizon of the Peruvian plateau, with its hills, urban districts, and, on clear days, wide views across the region. It is a great place to pause, take photos, and enjoy Puno's special atmosphere, where altitude, changing light, and the natural scenery of southern Peru meet.
6. Arco Deustua
The Arco Deustua is an emblematic monument in Puno, Peru, worth discovering along one of the city’s best-known streets. This commemorative arch draws attention with its monumental architecture and its presence in the heart of the urban area, where it serves as a popular landmark for visitors. Around the site, the lively atmosphere lets you observe local life while enjoying a photo stop. It is a simple but essential attraction for anyone exploring Puno and its most recognizable landmarks.
7. Lake Titicaca
Located near Puno in Peru, Lake Titicaca is one of the region’s great natural attractions. Discover a vast high-altitude landscape, blue waters, mountain views and lively lakeside shores. The site is popular for scenic viewpoints, boat trips and the chance to meet the communities living around the lake, especially on the islands. With its mix of nature, culture and traditions, Lake Titicaca offers a memorable and inspiring experience.
8. Saint Charles Borromeo Cathedral of Puno
Saint Charles Borromeo Cathedral of Puno, located on the city’s main square, is one of the most remarkable religious monuments in southern Peru. A visit reveals a Baroque-style stone façade, a solemn atmosphere and an interior ideal for quiet reflection, with altars, liturgical ornaments and architecture that reflects the importance of Catholic tradition in the region. It is also an essential landmark for understanding Puno’s historic center and appreciating its cultural heritage.
9. Puerto Muelle Puno
Puerto Muelle Puno is a museum on the shores of Lake Titicaca in Puno, Peru, set in a landscape closely tied to the region’s lake culture. Visitors discover a space dedicated to local history, Andean traditions, and the relationship between the city and its port, with elements evoking navigation, trade on the lake, and everyday life. The visit offers an enriching way to understand Puno’s identity and the importance of Titicaca in the regional heritage.
10. Museo Carlos Dreyer
Located in central Puno, Museo Carlos Dreyer is a museum that offers a varied look at the region’s history and culture. Its collections include archaeological pieces, ethnographic objects, works of art, and items linked to Andean traditions. A visit provides an engaging view of pre-Hispanic civilizations, the colonial era, and local life, in a setting that helps visitors better understand the identity of Lake Titicaca and its surroundings. It is a rewarding stop for enriching a stay in Puno.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
