How much does it cost to travel to Lake Titicaca (Puno)?
You should plan to spend around $55 (S/.203) per day on your vacation in Lake Titicaca (Puno). This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $15 (S/.57) on meals
- $11 (S/.39) on local transportation
- $52 (S/.193) on hotels
A one week trip to Lake Titicaca (Puno) for two people costs, on average, $771 (S/.2,842). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently to Lake Titicaca (Puno) has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Lake Titicaca (Puno) expensive to visit?
Lake Titicaca (Puno) is a reasonably affordable place to visit. Located in Peru, which is a reasonably affordable country, visitors will appreciate the relatively low cost of this destination. It is in the top 25% of cities in the country for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within South America, Lake Titicaca (Puno) is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Santa Cruz de la Sierra or San Pedro de Atacama.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lake Titicaca (Puno) Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lake Titicaca (Puno)?
The average Lake Titicaca (Puno) trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lake Titicaca (Puno) travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Cost
|
|
Accommodation 1
(Double Occupancy)
|
S/.193
($52)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
S/.39
($11)
|
|
Food 2
|
S/.57
($15)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
S/.109
($29)
|
|
Tips and Handouts 1
|
S/.1 -
4
($0 - 1)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
S/.24 -
71
($6 - 19)
|
Accommodation Budget in Lake Titicaca (Puno)
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is $26 (S/.96). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is $52 (S/.193). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lake Titicaca (Puno)? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Transportation Budget in Lake Titicaca (Puno)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $11 (S/.39) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lake Titicaca (Puno).
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$11
S/.39
How much does it cost to go to Lake Titicaca (Puno)? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lake Titicaca (Puno) will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for Transportation in Lake Titicaca (Puno) are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Lake Titicaca (Puno), but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Food Budget in Lake Titicaca (Puno)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While meal prices in Lake Titicaca (Puno) can vary, the average cost of food in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is $15 (S/.57) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Lake Titicaca (Puno) should cost around $6.16 (S/.23) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$15
S/.57
Typical prices for Food in Lake Titicaca (Puno) are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Lake Titicaca (Puno), but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Entertainment Budget in Lake Titicaca (Puno)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in Lake Titicaca (Puno) typically cost an average of $29 (S/.109) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$29
S/.109
Tips and Handouts Budget in Lake Titicaca (Puno)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is $0.65 (S/.2.38) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is 5% - 15%.
-
Tips and Handouts1
For guides or service providers
$0.65
S/.2.38
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Lake Titicaca (Puno)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is $0.17 (S/.0.63), as reported by travelers.
-
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$0.17
S/.0.63
Alcohol Budget in Lake Titicaca (Puno)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $13 (S/.47) on alcoholic beverages in Lake Titicaca (Puno) per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
S/.47
Water Budget in Lake Titicaca (Puno)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, people spend $0.66 (S/.2.42) on bottled water in Lake Titicaca (Puno) per day. The public water in Lake Titicaca (Puno) is considered safe to drink.
-
Water2
Bottled water for one day
$0.66
S/.2.42
Lake Titicaca (Puno) On a Budget
Lake Titicaca, Peru
Lake Titicaca, which directly translates to "puma stone" in Quechua, is located high in the Andes Mountains straddling Peru and Bolivia, with about 60% of the lake in Peru and 40% in Bolivia. Among the lake are three main islands, the most popular of which are the Uros Islands, also known as the floating islands, where the Uros people live on totora reeds that grow in the lake.
Known as the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca sits at 12,507 feet and covers a little more than 3,200 square miles.
With that elevation, the most difficult part about visiting the area may very well be the altitude. Unless you are acclimated to the mountains, you'll likely experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, indigestion, and/or insomnia.
If you are unable to acclimate after a few days, it's best to descend to a lower elevation and try again later, and more slowly. You can also opt to take Diamox (a prescription pill which you can buy in the U.S.) 24 hours before arriving at the altitude, drop chlorophyll drops to drink in your water, chew coca leaves, and drink mate de coca (coca tea). Above all, it's important to take it easy and not overexert yourself until you've acclimated. Some hotels also offer oxygen tanks for those who are unable to handle the change in altitude so quickly.
Lake Titicaca is wettest in the month of November and experiences heavy rainfall all throughout January. Visit between May and September for average highs in the 80s and evening lows in the 40s.
Sights
Take a boat ride to explore the islands of Lake Titicaca. As you float along the river, you'll observe that the water changes from murky and dark to crisp and clear, depending on your location.
Visit the Uros islands or book a homestay to explore the way of the Uros people to learn about their culture and history. The Uros people build everything out of reeds, from homes to furniture to boats and even the islands themselves, you'll learn a lot about how the Uros people construct and anchor their own islands in the lake and also detach and float away if necessary.
Those who want to rough it and experience life before technology will love Amantani Island, another small island that 4,000 residents call home. Visit the two mountain peaks, Pachamama and Pachatata, upon which ancient ruins sit, waiting to be explored. With no electricity, hotels or vehicles on the island, you'll experience basic living and the true culture and lifestyle of the locals.
History buffs will enjoy the the island of Taquile for the pre-Inca ruins as well as the beautiful views of the Bolivian snow-capped mountains. Like Amantani, Taquile remains untouched by modern technology and most residents still use candles or hand-crank powered flashlights. With so little artificial light, Taquile is the ideal spot for stargazing. It also retains much of its culture in its handicrafts and textiles.
Just a quarter mile from Lake Titicaca is the port city of Puno, where you can visit the public market every Saturday to shop for local produce, bread, grains, and potatoes. Puno is also known as the folklore capital of Peru, where you can always find a festival, exhibit or parade in its streets. Visit for Puno Week in the first week of November for music, dancing and parades that last until late into the night.
Food and Dining
When it comes to meals in Lake Titicaca, you'll be relying on the locals to make the menu. If you enjoy simple and humble meals grown, caught, or harvested right outside of your home for the night, you'll have plenty to look forward to. Staples include fish, quinoa, rice, and potatoes. Common meals may consist of a quinoa soup, mashed potatoes, and lightly fried fish seasoned simply with lime and salt.
If you're looking for something a bit more elaborate, head back to the port of Puno, where you can find vegan cuisine, pizza, and fine local dining.
Accommodation
Homestays are the way to stay on the islands of Lake Titicaca and many can be booked with tour agencies. However, tour agencies take a large cut of the payment and thus, to best benefit the hosts, go to the port and ask the locals who work there for recommendations so that you can pay host families directly.
Regardless of where you're staying, pack layers for versatility and warmth and remember that you won't be able to depend on electricity to charge up your modern amenities, so charge up ahead of time and even bring your own battery pack.
Don't forget to bring a gift for your host families. Recommended items include food staples such as pasta, rice, and cooking oil. Fresh fruits are difficult to obtain on the islands and will be much appreciated. Non-food items including school supplies, toys, and rechargeable flashlights are another well-received gift.
Transportation
When it comes to meals in Lake Titicaca, you'll be relying on the locals to make the menu. If you enjoy simple and humble meals grown, caught, or harvested right outside of your home for the night, you'll have plenty to look forward to. Staples include fish, quinoa, rice, and potatoes. Common meals may consist of a quinoa soup, mashed potatoes, and lightly fried fish seasoned simply with lime and salt.
If you're looking for something a bit more elaborate, head back to the port of Puno, where you can find vegan cuisine, pizza, and fine local dining.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.