Puno

Where to stay

Most budget hostels sit within a few blocks of the Plaza de Armas, concentrated along Jirón Lima, the pedestrian street that runs inland from the Plaza de Armas toward Parque Pino. Staying here keeps you close to buses, boat departures, and the market without needing a taxi for daily errands.

Getting around

• Puno sits at 3,827 meters. Spend your first afternoon resting rather than sightseeing, and try coca tea if your guesthouse has it. Altitude sickness can wipe out the first day of a short trip.
• Boats to the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island depart from the lake port, about a 15-minute walk east of the Plaza de Armas. Tour agencies along Jirón Lima typically charge less for the same trip than packages arranged through accommodation.
• Night buses from Cusco and Arequipa arrive at the Terminal Terrestre on the edge of town. A mototaxi to the hostel area near Plaza de Armas costs a couple of soles and takes around five minutes. Agree on the fare before you get in.

When to go

Hostels fill and prices spike during the Fiesta de la Candelaria in early February and during the dry-season rush in July and August. The rainy months of November through January offer the lowest nightly rates, outside of Candelaria week.