Lake Titicaca is served by Inca Manco Capac International Airport (IATA code JUL) which is located approximately 32 miles north of the Puno city center. If you have not booked a private transfer with us then you have a few options. For visitors who arrive at Inca Manco Capac International Airport, it is about a 30-minute ride to the city center. The fastest way to reach city downtown is by taxi. Prices are inexpensive, expect to pay approximately S/98 (about $30 USD) to reach the city center.

Lake Titicaca is also served by train and bus. The Andean Explorer train runs Wednesday through Sunday and is a luxurious and different way to travel. The train takes up to 10 hours depending on the season. You will enjoy an exquisite view over all the plains to the snow-capped mountains, and a beautiful old chapel. For ticket information see https://www.perurail.com/ on the internet.

Daily buses depart to and from Cuzco and Cola Canyon in Arequipa. Puno has a modern, safe bus station. Road service to Puno from Cuzco has been greatly improved in recent years. During the trip, you'll pass by the Huacarpay Lake, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. Then, proceed to the beautiful town of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi archeological center, Sicuani town, and La Raya pass. The ride from Cuzco to Puno takes between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the number of stops. For more information see https://www.inkaexpress.com/ on the internet.

In our opinion, Puno is best explored by taxi, but be careful, a large portion of taxis in Puno are unregistered (unofficial and unregulated by the government). It is always safer to use registered taxis, which can be called by hotels and restaurants or are found at official taxi stands. Registered taxis must display the vehicle registration number on the rear doors of the taxi (both outside and inside). Also, Taxibeat and Easytaxi have proven to be a reliable way of securing a safe and affordable ride with the use of a traveler`s cell phone application. Just download the app and hail a taxi.

Combis (small transportation vans) are not recommended for getting around Puno. Combis are often crowded and there is an increased chance of being a victim of theft. Taxis are inexpensive and the best option for navigating Puno.

It is very easy to hail a taxi in Puno. All you need to do is wave your hand in the air at the taxi about to pass by, and if the taxi is vacant, the driver will stop and pick you up. Puno taxis are not too expensive, be sure you can share the negotiate a price before getting in. Keep in mind that a large portion of taxis in Puno are unregistered (unofficial); during the day, it's usually not a problem to use either. At night it is important to use registered taxis for your safety, which is traceable by the license number painted on the rear door.

Also, the Taxibeat and Easytaxi apps have proven to be a reliable way of securing a safe and affordable ride with the use of a traveler`s cell phone application. Just download the app and hail a taxi.

No, for the most part, Puno is not a walking city. To walk the historical center of Puno is walking by the city that was traced and designed by the Incas, it is like going for a walk by colonial buildings built on the base of the old palaces of the Incas. The coalition of two architectural styles that make it unique in the world, it is the opportunity to appreciate architectural and art jewels that contain their centennial or millennial walls. There are a few alternative circuits that can be made by walking with adequate signage to help you find your way. One thing to keep in mind is that the elevation of Puno is 11,152 ft above sea level and will take a time to get used to walking at that altitude.

No, overall Puno is not a dangerous city. However, it is best to avoid the city of Juliaca. At the airport, It is best if you take an airport taxi, do not hail a cab from the street. Although violent crimes are not common; theft, pick pocketing, smash-and-grab robberies and purse snatching are common crimes. Electronics (especially cell phones, laptops, cameras, GPSs and tablet computers) are the most common targets for theft. Be aware of your surroundings in areas where crowds gather such as soccer matches, concerts and mercados for example. Where crowds are, there is likely to be pickpockets too.

No, the currency of Peru is the Nuevo Sol. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for soles upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

No, about 90 percent of Peruvians speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest you get a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

No. It's not a good idea to drive in Puno. Getting around in Puno by rental car is not the easiest or the best option for travelers and it is not cheap. Traffic is congested and drivers are more aggressive than in the U.S. If you insist on renting a car, you can rent a car with or without a driver. If you like the freedom that renting a car brings you, renting a car along with a driver might be an option for you.

No, entry into Peru for U.S. Citizens does not require a tourist visa. The maximum period of stay granted by the authorities is 183 days.

No, the water is not drinkable. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you wherever you travel. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase. To avoid illness, make sure you don´t eat any raw vegetables or salads that are washed in water.

Peruvian food is among the most varied and best in the world. The national dish of Peru is Ceviche which is fish marinated and cooked in freshly squeezed lime juice. Other dishes you may want to try are causa, lomo saltado, anticuchos, and cuy. Popular dessert items to try are a picarones, and suspiro de limena. The national drink of Peru is the Pisco sour which is a sweet and sour cocktail made with Peruvian pisco (grape brandy) with key lime and simple syrup. If you want a soft drink, try out a Chicha Morada or an Inca Cola.

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry into Peru. Should you wish to visit the Amazonian region of the country, the Ministry of Health recommends vaccinations against yellow fever.

December through March is the best time to visit Lake Titicaca. The wet season, which comes during the summer months (December-March), brings ample rainfall, it is characteristically interspersed with long periods of sunshine, making Lake Titicaca - Puno a pleasant destination for much of the year. Lake Titicaca has a mild alpine climate, with warm afternoons, and cold evening temperatures throughout the year. Winters (June-August) are dry with cold nights and mornings - and is the least comfortable time of the year to visit.