Puno , Peru

Midday Food Tour in Puno

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About this experience

Indulge in Puno's culinary delights on this midday food tour, starting at Parque Pino.

Begin with a sweet alfajor, a pastry filled with dulce de leche. Then, enjoy a savory Bolivian salteña, a juicy empanada with meat and vegetables, embodying Andean cuisine.

The stroll through Puno’s historic streets leads us to a cozy café for coati coffee, a unique regional specialty processed by coatis in Puno's jungles.

Next, immerse yourself in the bustling central market, sampling exotic Amazonian fruits like sweet granadilla, tangy aguaymanto (goldenberry), and creamy chirimoya, a blend of banana, pear, and vanilla flavors.

Continue your gastronomic journey with kankacho ayavireño, tender slow-roasted lamb bursting with regional flavors. Of course, no Peruvian tour is complete without ceviche, freshly marinated in zesty lime and aromatic spices.

Conclude your experience with chicha de maíz, a refreshing, lightly fermented ancestral corn beverage.

Book your spot now!

Available options

Midday Food Tour Puno (Group)

Private Midday Food Tour

Private service: You'll go with your own guide just for you.
On the restaurants we may find other people that are eating.

What's included

Bilingual Guide (Spanish/English)

All food mentioned in the program

Detailed itinerary

Join our midday food tour in Puno, starting at Parque Pino. Enjoy authentic regional delicacies in the historic center.

Begin with a sweet alfajor, a pastry filled with dulce de leche. Then, savor a savory Bolivian salteña, a juicy empanada with meat and vegetables, embodying Andean cuisine.

Stroll Puno's streets and stop for coati coffee, uniquely processed in Puno’s jungles.

At the central market, sample exotic Amazonian fruits: sweet granadilla, tangy aguaymanto, and creamy chirimoya.

Next, delight in kankacho ayavireño, a tender slow-roasted lamb. And, of course, fresh ceviche, marinated in lime and spices.

Conclude with corn's chicha , a refreshing ancestral corn beverage, completing your Puno culinary adventure. Book your spot today!

What's not included

Transportation to the starting point (Pino Park)

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our meeting point is at Parque Pino at 12:00 PM. There are benches available where you can wait comfortably. We have a 15-minute grace period for the tour start, so we will begin no later than 12:15 PM.

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.