I fell in love with that city, could even imagine living here for some time. I heard many times it's not worth it spending more than one day here, but I got the opposite opinion. It looks like an old industrial city, with old brick buildings, often without windows and roof, street dogs all over the place, fruit stores, street food stalls besides a train rail curving around the city. The food is delicious and cheap.
If no man could become rich in Peru, no man could become poor. ~ William Prescott
We preferred eating from the very simple stalls and got, for instance, a plate full of rice, vegetables, and chicken for 8S. Or meat pieces with potatoes for 7S each. A full glass of fresh-pressed orange juice is 2S. And the famous Ceviche can be enjoyed for 7S a plate.
The city's charm made our stay one night longer, just walking around and eating all the good food.
Lake Titicaca + Uros Island + Amantani Island
Due to a good offer of our hostel (Inka Rest) we chose to take a full-day tour for 50S. Start at 7:30 am, boats tour one way 3 hours including a tour guide, the visit of the local Uros Island and their culture, walking around the Amantani Island and having lunch there and then driving back for another 3 hours, reaching home around 6 pm. For that price and incredible offer. For 100S there is also the option to stay overnight at the Amantani Island - if you have more time to travel, why not.
Uros Island
They have been in contact with tourists for five years now, so it feels like stepping into a different world. The Uros explained to us how they built their floating village, about their culture and mentality. They are definitely talented in self-sustainability and living an independent life far from the modern world. Also you can buy a lot of handmade blankets, clothes and accessories at their tiny shop.
Amantani Island
More modern and a large island. We hiked around some areas, took a look at the Municipal place, and got good traditional lunch. The temperature was chaning magically all the time. It was a contest of who is putting on and off their sweater the most often. Overall, the tour is worth it for that price. Although Amantani was not that interesting, the Uros Island is something you shouldn't miss.
Puno
This city has charmed me. Besides mixing with the locals, we visited a few following places.
Plaza Major With The Cathedral
18th-century church in the city center. People sitting at the plaza, kids are feeding the pigeons. The church itself is impressive from the outside but designed inside.
Mirador Puma Uta
Hiking at this altitude is quite exhausting. Still, we did wander through the lonely roads to see the big Puma. If you want to be faster, just ask a tuk-tuk, and it will take you there without problems. The view is stunning. Besides the Puma, there's a playground for kids and cozy benches to sit down. No entry fee. Simply enjoy the view.
Cerrito Huajsapata
Similar to the Puma, it's famous as an observation deck. So put on your hiking shoes, bring water, and enjoy the freedom up there.
Mirador El Condor
The third observation area. This time we took a tuk-tuk close to that spot, although you still have to climb lots of stairs in the end to reach the majestic condor. Another angle of Puno, feeling the cold breathe and gasping a tiny bit of Bolivia on the other side of Titicaca.
Night Live: Positive Bar & Reggae
To calm down and end the day, we explored the bars and labeled this lively bar as our favorite. Music from the '90s. 2000's, neon light, and a massive variety of alcohol with low prices.
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