tu estancia — Balsa Inn
Pronóstico en vivo para sus fechas · qué hay en · Calidad del aire y polen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Puno.
La propiedad — Balsa Inn
The Balsa Inn is a no-frills family-run hotel in Puno's city centre, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and simple, well-maintained rooms. Its faded charm and rustic decor give it a characterful, laid-back feel. The hotel's USP is its proximity to the Plaza de Armas and the nearby cat cemetery, which attracts a quirky crowd. It's an excellent choice for budget-conscious families and solo travellers seeking an authentic, unpretentious stay.
Crónicas de Puno
Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca, has a rich cultural heritage dating back to the pre-Columbian era. The city was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadors, who built the first Catholic church, Iglesia de San Juan Bautista. Puno's architecture reflects its history, with many colonial-era buildings standing alongside modern structures. The city has a strong indigenous influence, with the traditional Andean folk music and dance still thriving in the region. Today, Puno is a city of vibrant cultural expression, with a mix of Aymara and Quechua traditions.
El mejor momento para visitar
Guía completa de Puno →Los mejores meses
The best months to visit Puno are June, July, and August, as the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs around 18°C (64°F). These months also offer the best opportunities to explore the nearby Lake Titicaca and its islands. Additionally, the crowds are manageable, and prices are relatively stable.
Peak / Festival Surge
August is the peak month in Puno, as it coincides with the Fiestas de la Virgen de la Asunción, a major Catholic celebration. Expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially in the hotel sector. The festivities include traditional music, dance, and food, making it an exciting time to visit.
La temporada del hombro
April and May are excellent shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. Prices are lower, and you can find good deals on accommodations.
Tiempo y embalaje
Puno's climate is known for its sudden changes in weather, with clear skies giving way to rain showers. Be prepared for unpredictable weather by packing layers and a waterproof jacket to ensure a comfortable stay.
Briefing en vivo de la ciudad — Puno
- The new Puno-Titicaca bus terminal is now open, offering improved transportation links to Cusco and other regional cities.
- The Museo de Arte Precolombino has reopened after a major renovation, featuring an expanded collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and interactive exhibits.
- The city's cat cemetery, a popular tourist attraction, has been restored and expanded, with new walking paths and interpretive signs providing insight into the fascinating history of the site.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Balsa Inn, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on the higher floors (3rd floor or above) for a quieter experience. As the hotel is located on a busy street in Puno, the lower floors may be more prone to street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the service entrance or lift (if applicable) may be subject to noise from staff activity and lift operation.
Best views
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's orientation, it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the busy road in front of the hotel may be a concern in lower-floor rooms.
Insider tips
Request a room with a concrete floor, as the 3-star hotel's floors are likely to be made of concrete, which can be a more comfortable surface underfoot compared to carpeted floors. Additionally, consider requesting a room with a view of the surrounding streets to get a feel for the local area.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Instalaciones hoteleras — Balsa Inn
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader), physical papers available in lobby
14:00, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 15:00 (S/. 50 fee)
available 24/7, complimentary
step-free access, wheelchair entries, no structural limitations
on-site parking S/. 20 per night, nearest public car park 'Parking Cajarmarca' S/. 15 per day, no EV charging
Tarifas, Impuestos y Depósitos
City / tourist tax: S/. 10 per person per night, mandatory
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit S/. 100, incidental card hold S/. 200 at check-in
Faith & Dietary cerca de
- Church: Iglesia de San Juan (92 m · ~1 min walk)
- Church: Basilica Catedral de Puno (357 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: Parroquia Franciscana San Antonio de Padua (497 m · ~6 min walk)
- Place of worship: Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced (510 m · ~6 min walk)
Estilo de vida y recreación local
Parque Pino — 118 m · ~1 min walk
Museo Carlos Dreyer — 361 m · ~5 min walk
Giant Slide — 1.5 km · ~18 min walk
5 minutos de radio esenciales
Nearest — 261 m · ~3 min walk
Rp. Pharma — 137 m · ~2 min walk
Variedades Olmar — 371 m · ~5 min walk
Puno — 501 m · ~6 min walk
Dinero y moneda
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Travellers can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices (casas de cambio) in town, or withdraw PEN from ATMs. Be aware that airport bureaux de change and tourist areas may offer poor exchange rates. For a better rate, exchange at a local bank or a casas de cambio.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Puno, especially in tourist areas. Mobile payment methods like Paynet are also available at many local businesses. Some smaller vendors may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some local currency on hand.
Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is considered polite. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or leaving 1-2 PEN is sufficient. Hotel staff may not expect tips, but a small gesture of appreciation is appreciated.
Comer, comprar y viajar en un presupuesto
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee can cost around 3-5 PEN ( approximately £0.80-£1.30) and can be found at local cafes or street vendors.
A street food stall or a local market stall may offer a filling lunch for around 10-15 PEN (£2.60-£3.90).
A budget-friendly dinner option can be found at local restaurants, with a main course costing around 20-30 PEN (£5.20-£7.80).
The streets near the Plaza de Armas and the Mercado Central offer a variety of street food stalls serving local specialties.
Local supermarkets like Wong and Taboada are common in the area and offer a range of affordable groceries.
The local market, Mercado Central, and nearby streets offer affordable shopping for clothing and souvenirs.
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a colectivo (shared minibus) or a taxi. A day pass for public transportation costs around 5 PEN (£1.30). From the airport, a taxi ride costs around 20-25 PEN (£5.20-£6.50).
Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas for a better rate.Use local transportation like colectivos or taxis for a cheaper option.Eat at local markets or street food stalls for a more affordable meal.
bueno saber — Puno
Type A/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ PEN 3.4 · PEN
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Puno, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Balsa Inn
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 261 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Rp. Pharma — 137 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →En torno a
Puno Terminal Terrestre or Plaza de Armas → Avenida La Torre stop (5 min walk to hotel)
💡 Buses are numbered but don't display routes consistently—ask a local or driver where it goes. Keep your bag zipped and close; pickpocketing happens on crowded routes. The walk from the stop to Munay Tambo is flat and safe.
Inca Manco Cápac International Airport, Juliaca → Munay Tambo Hotel, Puno
💡 Book in advance through your hotel or a reliable agency; don't just grab a taxi outside the airport as prices jump and safety varies. Agree on the fare before getting in.
Juliaca Airport exit gate → Puno Terminal Terrestre
💡 Shared minibuses run from the main road outside the airport terminal. They're cheap but cramped—better for light backpacks than big suitcases. Have small change in soles ready.
Plaza de Armas, Puno → Munay Tambo Hotel
💡 Negotiate down from their first quote (usually 10–15 soles). Use official radio taxis (look for a rooftop light) rather than unmarked cars. A short walk from Plaza de Armas is fine in daylight—saves a few soles.
Preguntas frecuentes
What are the best rooms at Balsa Inn?
Request rooms on the higher floors (3rd floor or above) for a quieter experience. As the hotel is located on a busy street in Puno, the lower floors may be more prone to street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Balsa Inn?
Rooms near the service entrance or lift (if applicable) may be subject to noise from staff activity and lift operation.
Is Balsa Inn noisy?
Street noise from the busy road in front of the hotel may be a concern in lower-floor rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Balsa Inn?
Unfortunately, without specific information on the hotel's orientation, it's difficult to determine the best view options. However, rooms on higher floors may offer a better view of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Balsa Inn?
Request a room with a concrete floor, as the 3-star hotel's floors are likely to be made of concrete, which can be a more comfortable surface underfoot compared to carpeted floors. Additionally, consider requesting a room with a view of the surrounding streets to get a feel for the local area.
What time is check-in at Balsa Inn?
Check-in at Balsa Inn is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Balsa Inn have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Balsa Inn?
S/. 10 per person per night, mandatory
Where can I eat cheaply near Balsa Inn?
A street food stall or a local market stall may offer a filling lunch for around 10-15 PEN (£2.60-£3.90).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Balsa Inn?
The cheapest way to get around is by taking a colectivo (shared minibus) or a taxi. A day pass for public transportation costs around 5 PEN (£1.30). From the airport, a taxi ride costs around 20-25 PEN (£5.20-£6.50).
When is the best time to visit Puno?
The best months to visit Puno are June, July, and August, as the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs around 18°C (64°F). These months also offer the best opportunities to explore the nearby Lake Titicaca and its islands. Additionally, the crowds are manageable, and prices are relatively stable.
Principales atracciones en Puno
💡 Best in late afternoon when the sun softens and the trees cast long shadows. Avoid the park after dark – it’s poorly lit and can feel unsafe.
💡 You can walk right under it for free – no tickets needed. Combine with a short stroll up to the nearby Mirador del Lago for a broader view. The steps are steep but manageable.
💡 Usually unlocked from 08:00–12:00 and 15:00–18:00. The caretaker may ask for a voluntary donation of 2 or 3 soles. Don't expect a guided tour – wander quietly and take your own time.
💡 Sunset is the moment to go – the light turns the water silver. It’s a 10-minute uphill walk from the Plaza de Armas. No entrance fee, but you can buy a juice or snack from the vendor who sometimes sets up there.
💡 Entry is 5 soles (about £1). Go early to avoid the tour groups. The museum is easy to miss – look for the sign above a souvenir shop on Calle Deustua.