Puno , Peru

Puno Nightime Street Food Experience

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About this experience

Embark on an exclusive nighttime food tour in Puno and dive into the authentic flavors loved by locals! Starting at the iconic Parque Pino.

We’ll guide you through a culinary adventure to discover the best traditional dishes in the city. From the delicious Puno alfajor and comforting api to the unique mazamorra morada, you’ll experience it all. We’ll then explore the vibrant street food scene with crispy chunchulí, savory anticuchos, and sweet manás. To wrap it up, enjoy fresh picarones and a warm emoliente.

Don’t expect touristy spots, but rather a true local experience. Book now and taste Puno like a local!

Available options

Puno Nightime Street Food Experience

Pickup included

What's included

Local food mentioned on the description

English/Spanish speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Join me as we explore authentic local flavors on an exclusive nighttime tour, popular among locals. We'll start our journey at the iconic Parque Pino, in the heart of Puno.

First Delights:
Our tasting experience begins with a traditional Puno alfajor—a dense pastry filled with sweet cane sugar syrup (chancaca). Next, we'll savor mazamorra morada, a tasty dessert made with purple corn and local spices, renowned for its unique flavor. We'll also enjoy api, a comforting, warm beverage traditional to Puno, served in both purple and white varieties and made from nutritious quinoa flour.

Street Food Specialties:
Next, we'll continue exploring authentic flavors from Puno's street food scene. You'll taste deliciously crispy chunchulí—grilled beef intestines known for their crunchy texture and subtly smoky flavor. We'll also sample anticuchos, tender charcoal-grilled beef skewers, essential to Peru's nighttime culinary culture. Complementing these dishes, you'll try manás, sweet and crunchy bites of popped corn with a delicate caramel coating.

Warm, Sweet Ending:
We'll conclude this gastronomic journey with freshly made picarones—Peruvian donuts drizzled with traditional syrup—and a comforting emoliente, a warm herbal beverage prepared with medicinal plants, perfect for Puno's cool evenings.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

The majority of the restaurants we visit are small, locally-owned businesses in Puno, so you won’t find typical touristy spots here.

About Puno

Puno is a picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and stunning natural beauty, Puno is a must-visit destination for those exploring Peru's cultural heartland. The city is the gateway to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes.

Top Attractions

Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and unique islands like the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island.

Nature Full day Budget to Moderate (Boat tours range from 50-150 PEN)

Sillustani

Sillustani is an archaeological site featuring ancient burial towers called 'chullpas.' These towers were built by the Colla people and offer a glimpse into pre-Inca history.

Historical Half day Budget (Entrance fee around 10 PEN)

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is the heart of Puno, surrounded by colonial-era buildings, churches, and vibrant local life. It's a great place to relax and soak in the city's atmosphere.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Cathedral of Puno

The Cathedral of Puno is a beautiful colonial-era church located on the Plaza de Armas. It features a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture and houses several religious artifacts.

Religious 30-60 minutes Free (donations welcome)

Puno Museum of Art and Culture

This museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Puno region, featuring artifacts, textiles, and art from the Aymara and Quechua cultures, as well as pre-Inca and Inca civilizations.

Museum 1-2 hours Budget (Entrance fee around 10 PEN)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Trucha a la Plancha (Grilled Trout)

Fresh trout from Lake Titicaca, grilled and served with local potatoes and vegetables. A must-try for seafood lovers.

Main Course Gluten-free, but may contain allergens like fish.

Chairo

A hearty soup made with lamb, potatoes, corn, and quinoa, flavored with local herbs and spices. A traditional dish of the Puno region.

Soup Contains meat and gluten.

Sopa de Quinoa (Quinoa Soup)

A nutritious and flavorful soup made with quinoa, vegetables, and sometimes meat. A staple in the Andean diet.

Soup Can be vegetarian or vegan if made without meat.

Pique a la Puneña

A spicy and flavorful dish made with diced beef, potatoes, onions, and aji amarillo (yellow chili pepper). A popular appetizer in Puno.

Appetizer Contains meat and gluten.

Popular Activities

Hiking Boating Cultural tours Lakefront walks Spa treatments Coffee shop visits Visiting museums Attending festivals

Best Time to Visit

May to October (Dry Season)

This is the best time to visit Puno as the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the attractions. The temperatures are cool but comfortable.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Aymara, Quechua, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution

Puno is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi services or apps to avoid scams.
• Be cautious with street food and drink only bottled or purified water.

Getting there

By air

Puno International Airport (JUL) • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center

By train

Puno Station

By bus

Puno Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Puno. They cover most of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Beat, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Alto de la Alameda El Mirador

Day trips

Uros Floating Islands

1-2 hours by boat • Half day to full day

The Uros Floating Islands are a unique attraction in Lake Titicaca, made entirely of totora reeds by the Uros people. Visitors can learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.

Taquile Island

3-4 hours by boat • Full day to overnight

Taquile Island is known for its stunning landscapes, traditional textiles, and unique culture. The island is home to a close-knit community that preserves its ancient customs and way of life.

Sillustani

35 km (22 miles) from Puno • Half day

Sillustani is an archaeological site featuring ancient burial towers called 'chullpas.' These towers were built by the Colla people and offer a glimpse into pre-Inca history.

Festivals

Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria • February Puno Week • November 5-12 Carnaval de Puno • February or March (depending on the lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Acclimate to the high altitude by taking it easy for the first day or two.
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season and festivals.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures throughout the day.
Try local dishes and support local businesses to get an authentic experience.