By Equipo PAT
The best things to do in Puno in 2 days: spend day one on the Uros islands and the city, and day two at Sillustani or on the Aymara Route. Puno sits at 3,800 m, so take it slow. This plan covers the essentials of Lake Titicaca without rushing.
What are the best things to do in Puno in 2 days?
Puno is the ideal base for exploring Titicaca. It sits on the lakeshore and offers half-day and full-day tours. This table sums up a balanced plan. Prices are those of our tours.
| Day | Plan | Tour | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 morning | Boat ride to the floating islands | Uros Floating Islands | $39 |
| Day 1 afternoon | Stroll through downtown and the lakefront | On your own | — |
| Day 2 (option A) | Burial towers beside a lagoon | Sillustani Chullpas | $49 |
| Day 2 (option B) | Cultural route across the high plateau | Aymara Route | $69 |
As you can see, the first day is gentle, which is ideal for adapting to the altitude. The second day takes more time on the road, but it brings you to very different landscapes.
How should you spend your first day in Puno?
Start with Uros. These are the islands closest to the city, so they fit well when you have just arrived. You sail by boat, watch how locals build the reed islands and can ride a traditional reed boat. Our Uros Floating Islands tour starts at $39.
In the afternoon, walk calmly through the center. First, stop by the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. Then follow Jirón Lima, the pedestrian street with cafés and shops. Finally, head to the lakefront to watch the sunset over the water.
Keep in mind that effort feels heavier at this altitude. If you struggle to breathe, rest and drink water. For more advice, read our guide on how to acclimatize to altitude.
Is Sillustani worth it on the second day?
Yes, especially if you enjoy history and open landscapes. Sillustani is an archaeological site with stone towers called chullpas, where important people were buried. It sits beside Lake Umayo, about 30 km from Puno, and the full visit usually takes half a day.
The scenery is also very photogenic in the afternoon, with soft light and the lagoon behind the towers. It is not a long or tiring tour, either. You can book Sillustani Chullpas, from $49. Bring warm clothes, because the wind blows hard by the lagoon.
What if you prefer the Aymara Route?
The Aymara Route visits villages and places across the high plateau to learn about Aymara culture. It suits travelers who want more culture and fewer crowds. However, the day is longer, so leave early. Our Aymara Route Full Day tour costs from $69.
Choose Sillustani if you want one big monument. Choose the Aymara Route if you prefer several stops at an easy pace.
What other things to do in Puno fit an extra night?
With one more night, the plan changes: instead of two separate tours, sleep on an island. The two-day route through Uros, Amantani and Taquile costs from $89 and lets you watch the sunset on the lake. See the details at Uros, Amantani and Taquile 2 days and 1 night.
To decide which island suits you, check our guide to the Lake Titicaca islands.
How do you get to Puno and move around?
You reach Puno by bus from Cusco in about six to seven hours, or by plane to Juliaca, roughly an hour away by road. To compare transport options, see our guide to getting around Peru. Once in town, you can walk downtown and taxis cover short rides.
Tours usually include a pickup from your hotel. So you do not need to rent a vehicle. Still, confirm the pickup time the night before, because departures are early.
When is the best time to enjoy the things to do in Puno?
The dry season, from May to September, brings clear skies and very cold nights. From December to March it rains more, but the landscape looks greener. So always pack layers, whatever the date. To plan better, check the best time to visit Peru.
Practical tips for your 2 days in Puno
- Arrive a day early if you can, to adapt to the altitude.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat and a jacket: the sun burns and the wind chills.
- Wear comfortable shoes for stone paths.
- Carry cash in soles for handicrafts and tips.
- Always ask what each tour includes: transfers, tickets and lunch.
For more information on the destination, visit the official PromPerú website. And if you want to link Puno with Cusco and Machu Picchu, see the Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca package.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Puno?
Two days cover the essentials: the floating islands and one high plateau site. If you want to sleep on an island, add one more night.
What is the best thing to do in Puno in two days?
Visit Uros on the first day and Sillustani or the Aymara Route on the second. Together they give you the lake, history and living culture.
How high is Puno?
Puno sits at about 3,800 m above sea level, on the shore of Lake Titicaca. So take it easy on the first day.
How much do tours from Puno cost?
Our tours start at $39 for Uros, $49 for Sillustani and $69 for the Aymara Route.
What is the easiest tour from Puno?
The Uros islands, Sillustani and the Aymara Route are all easy, with no demanding hikes.
Can I do Uros and Sillustani on the same day?
It is not usually recommended, because they are separate tours with long transfer times. It is better to give each one its own day.
