Your stay — Hospedaje Estrella
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The Property — Hospedaje Estrella
Hospedaje Estrella is a no-frills three-star on Jr. Los Incas, a quiet street a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas. The lobby is small, tiled and functional, with a receptionist who usually has the TV on. It suits budget travellers and backpackers who want a clean, secure base for exploring Puno and Lake Titicaca; expect simple rooms, hot water (most of the time) and included breakfast of bread, jam and coffee.
Chronicles of Puno
Puno was founded in 1668 by the Spanish as a mining and administrative hub, but the area had been inhabited for millennia by the Uros, Aymara and Quechua peoples. After independence, the city grew as a commercial port on Lake Titicaca, and its architecture reflects a mix of colonial baroque (the cathedral, finished in 1757) and later republican-era buildings with balconies and painted facades. Today, Puno is known as the 'folkloric capital of Peru' for its annual Festividad de la Virgen de la Candelaria, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. The city's identity is tightly bound to the lake — its floating islands, traditional reed-boat builders and indigenous textile markets — and to the Quechua and Aymara languages you still hear in the streets.
Best Time to Visit
Full Puno guide →Best months
May to July: dry, sunny days (14–16°C), cold nights (below 0°C) and very little rain; good visibility on Lake Titicaca. Crowds are moderate; July gets busier for Independence Day.
Peak / festival surge
February (Candelaria festival) and July (Peruvian Independence Day, school holidays). February's festival brings huge crowds, street parades and higher hotel prices (book months ahead). July's prices rise but not as steeply; the city fills with Peruvian tourists.
Budget shoulder season
April, August–September: rain tapers off in April; August is still dry but quieter than July; September offers mild weather and empty roads. Prices drop 15–30% from peak.
Weather & packing
Puno sits at 3,827m — altitude sickness is real and weather swings wildly between bright, burning sun in the afternoon and sub-zero cold after sunset. Pack layers: thermal base, fleece, windproof jacket, and a sunhat with SPF 50 for midday.
Live City Briefing — Puno
- Construction of the new Puno terminal terrestre (long-distance bus station) is delayed; the current terminal at Av. Circunvalación Oeste is still in use and has overpriced taxis. Walk a block to the main road to wave down a cheaper colectivo.
- The floating Uros Islands have erected a new entrance fee system: S/20 per person (June 2025 rate) — paid only in cash. No cards; locals will push for a guide, but you can visit independently by joining a public boat from the port.
- Draught conditions on Lake Titicaca have eased this year, but water levels remain below average. Boats to Taquile and Amantaní are running on schedule; pack extra water because some towns are still rationing.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hospedaje Estrella, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third floor at the back of the building (facing away from the street). Third floor rooms are higher off the ground, reducing street noise from Puno’s narrow, vehicle-filled main roads, and the rear orientation avoids traffic rumble from Avenida Costanera or similar streets. These rooms also get better afternoon light and are far from the reception/breakfast area, which can buzz from 7am.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the second floor overlooking the street — Puno’s city centre streets have regular bus and taxi traffic from dawn until late evening, and second-floor windows are close enough to catch exhaust and honking. Also avoid any room directly above or adjacent to the hotel’s café/bar area (often on ground floor near reception) as chairs scraping and music can drift up in the evening.
Best views
Request a south-facing or rear-facing room (away from the main street). The best view here is over neighbouring rooftops towards Lake Titicaca’s distant blue strip, visible from upper floors on clear days — not spectacular, but a pleasant bonus over a wall or car park.
Quietest floors
Third floor is the quietest due to minimal foot traffic above and distance from ground-level noise. No lift means less machinery hum; request a room at the end of the corridor if possible.
🔊 Noise notes
Puno’s central streets are cobbled, so traffic rumbles, and the city’s altitude (3,800m) means early morning street vendors and church bells carry well. The hotel’s location on a standard city block puts it near a busy junction — expect occasional car horns and loudspeaker announcements from local buses. Weekday mornings are noisiest due to market deliveries.
Insider tips
1. Arrive before 7pm if you can — the hotel’s front desk often runs on a relaxed schedule and after-hours check-in is tricky (no 24hr reception at 3-star level). Ring ahead to confirm if arriving late. 2. Ask for a spare blanket at check-in: Puno nights are cold, and this standard 3-star hotel may not have thick duvets — they’ll usually supply one free if you request it politely at reception.
- 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
Hotel Facilities — Hospedaje Estrella
Free Wi-Fi throughout; typical download speed 15–20 Mbps; no login or password required (open network named 'Estrella_Hospedaje')
A single passenger lift serves all 3 floors (rooms 101–306); no stairs-only sections
No complimentary digital newsstand or physical newspapers; building is a converted early-20th-century townhouse with original stone staircase and interior courtyard
Standard check-in from 13:00; early bag drop allowed from 09:00 (no charge); late check-out fee of 30 PEN for departure after 12:00 (subject to availability)
Free storage at reception for same-day drop-off or post-checkout
Step-free access via a portable ramp at the main entrance (staff to deploy); lift to all floors; no wheelchair-accessible bathroom in any room
No on-site parking; free street parking on Jr. Cornejo (limited, first-come, first-served); nearest public car park 'Estacionamiento Puno Centro' at Jr. Tacna 250 (15 PEN per night, 08:00–22:00); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no municipal tourist tax applies at this property)
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required; a refundable incidental hold of 100 PEN is placed on a credit or debit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Santiago Apostol (174 m · ~2 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Museo Parroquial — 221 m · ~3 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banco de la Nación — 363 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Use bank ATMs in Puno city centre for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at Juliaca airport and tourist agencies, which add a poor markup.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at larger hotels, mid-range restaurants, and supermarkets, but many smaller shops, market stalls, and taxis are cash-only; contactless is rare.
Round up the bill or leave 10% in restaurants if service is good (often included in the bill, check first); taxis no tip; hotel porters 1-2 soles per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small black coffee from a street stall or local bakery, around 3-4 soles.
Set lunch menu (menú ejecutivo) at a simple local restaurant, including soup and a main course, for 10-15 soles.
A main course at a non-touristy local eatery, such as a plate of trout or aji de gallina, for 12-18 soles.
Near the market (Mercado Central) and along Jr. Lima, you'll find stalls selling anticuchos, tamales, and empanadas for 3-8 soles each.
Plaza Vea and Metro are the main budget supermarket chains; also try the local market for cheaper produce.
The central market (Mercado Central) has stalls for basic clothing; for cheap textiles and souvenirs, the crafts market near the main square.
Minibus combis (colectivos) cost about 1 sol per ride; from Juliaca airport, the cheapest option is a shared minibus to Puno city for around 6-8 soles per person.
Eat set lunch menus (menú) instead of à la carte; book tours (like Lake Titicaca) directly with a tour agency on Jr. Lima for half the hotel price; avoid drinks or souvenirs in the tourist zone near the Plaza de Armas.
Good to know — 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 Hospedaje Estrella
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banco de la Nación — 363 m · ~5 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hospedaje Estrella?
Request a room on the third floor at the back of the building (facing away from the street). Third floor rooms are higher off the ground, reducing street noise from Puno’s narrow, vehicle-filled main roads, and the rear orientation avoids traffic rumble from Avenida Costanera or similar streets. These rooms also get better afternoon light and are far from the reception/breakfast area, which can buzz from 7am.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hospedaje Estrella?
Avoid rooms on the second floor overlooking the street — Puno’s city centre streets have regular bus and taxi traffic from dawn until late evening, and second-floor windows are close enough to catch exhaust and honking. Also avoid any room directly above or adjacent to the hotel’s café/bar area (often on ground floor near reception) as chairs scraping and music can drift up in the evening.
Is Hospedaje Estrella noisy?
Puno’s central streets are cobbled, so traffic rumbles, and the city’s altitude (3,800m) means early morning street vendors and church bells carry well. The hotel’s location on a standard city block puts it near a busy junction — expect occasional car horns and loudspeaker announcements from local buses. Weekday mornings are noisiest due to market deliveries.
Which rooms have the best views at Hospedaje Estrella?
Request a south-facing or rear-facing room (away from the main street). The best view here is over neighbouring rooftops towards Lake Titicaca’s distant blue strip, visible from upper floors on clear days — not spectacular, but a pleasant bonus over a wall or car park.
What are insider tips for staying at Hospedaje Estrella?
1. Arrive before 7pm if you can — the hotel’s front desk often runs on a relaxed schedule and after-hours check-in is tricky (no 24hr reception at 3-star level). Ring ahead to confirm if arriving late. 2. Ask for a spare blanket at check-in: Puno nights are cold, and this standard 3-star hotel may not have thick duvets — they’ll usually supply one free if you request it politely at reception.
What time is check-in at Hospedaje Estrella?
Check-in at Hospedaje Estrella is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hospedaje Estrella have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout; typical download speed 15–20 Mbps; no login or password required (open network named 'Estrella_Hospedaje')
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hospedaje Estrella?
None (no municipal tourist tax applies at this property)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hospedaje Estrella?
Set lunch menu (menú ejecutivo) at a simple local restaurant, including soup and a main course, for 10-15 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hospedaje Estrella?
Minibus combis (colectivos) cost about 1 sol per ride; from Juliaca airport, the cheapest option is a shared minibus to Puno city for around 6-8 soles per person.
When is the best time to visit Puno?
May to July: dry, sunny days (14–16°C), cold nights (below 0°C) and very little rain; good visibility on Lake Titicaca. Crowds are moderate; July gets busier for Independence Day.
Top Attractions in 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.