A Day Strolling Around Puno

About Puno Known as the gateway city for crossing the border into Bolivia (Located at an altitude of 3,827 meters, higher than Mount Fuji) Situated in the central Andes Mountains, next to Lake Titicaca An 8-hour bus ride from Cusco Many people might just pass through Puno by bus, but that would be a waste. I highly recommend staying overnight and enjoying a walk around the city. You can also join a tour to explore the islands. Unlike Lima or Cusco, Puno is not overcrowded, has many pedestrian-only streets, and is well-maintained, making it feel like the most organized city in Peru. Above all, it’s peaceful and relaxing. Near the lake, you’ll encounter persistent offers for tours to the Uros Islands, but since we planned to visit the islands on the Bolivian side, we skipped this. We kept politely declining with "No gracious." Puno Cathedral, Plaza Mayor de Puno Start your day with a visit to the cathedral and the city park. The fountain is beautiful, and the park feels like a place where locals come to relax. The area is clean, and the colorful buildings around make it enjoyable just to walk and explore. Cerrito Huajsapata Next, head to the hill with a statue of the Sun God standing atop a 60-meter rock. The path to the viewpoint is marked with blue signs, making it easy to find. Although the altitude and steep slopes can be challenging, the route is straightforward, and taking it slow makes it manageable. The blue skies and stunning views are worth the effort. Mirador El Condor Continue to the Condor Viewpoint. The entrance is also marked with blue signs, making it easy to locate. This spot features over 700 steps, and even locals take breaks while climbing. There’s a small shop on the left side of the path where you can buy drinks. You can climb up to the viewpoint below the condor statue and enjoy breathtaking views. The effort is well-rewarded. Bringing snacks and drinks for the climb is a good idea. Puerto Luis Banchero Rossi Afterward, descend to the lakeside area to see the Puno sign. The air near the lake is refreshing, and there’s a promenade where you can enjoy a leisurely walk under the blue sky. [Barco cevichero] While walking around to check bus schedules, I stumbled upon a long line of people. Curious, I found out it was for a ceviche specialty shop, with over 50 people waiting. I had just eaten ceviche at another restaurant, so I regretted not trying this place. This shop must offer unique ceviche that you won’t find elsewhere. It’s rare to see such a long line at a restaurant in Peru, so it was surprising. Most people seemed to be locals taking their orders to go, and the line moved quickly, so the wait wouldn’t be too long. If you visit Puno, you must try this place. The fact that locals were lining up speaks volumes about its quality. Other restaurants in Puno are also reasonably priced, and the people are incredibly kind. Whether using a translation app or body language, everyone is helpful, making the city feel welcoming. I highly recommend staying and taking your time to enjoy it.