Your stay — hostal and una joya
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The Property — hostal and una joya
This 3-star hostal in central Puno is no-frills but clean and run by a family who know the lake. The lobby has tiled floors, a small reception desk with a tourist map pinned up, and a faint smell of eucalyptus from the courtyard. It's ideal for a budget-conscious traveller who wants a reliable base within walking distance of the main square and the port, without any pretence of luxury.
Chronicles of Puno
Puno was founded in 1668 as a mining and trading post for silver from Potosí, but its real roots are older: the area was a key hub of the Tiwanaku and later Inca empires. Its colonial centre, built from volcanic stone, retains narrow streets and arched doorways that reflect Spanish influence, while contemporary Puno remains fiercely proud of its Aymara and Quechua heritage. The city is the self-styled 'folkloric capital of Peru', with over 300 traditional dances, and its annual Fiesta de la Candelaria in February draws crowds from across the altiplano. Today, Puno serves as the primary gateway to Lake Titicaca, balancing its role as a tourist stop with a working port and a lively market economy.
Best Time to Visit
Full Puno guide →Best months
May to August offers the driest weather, with clear skies and mild daytime temperatures around 14-16°C, but with very cold nights (often below 0°C). These months also avoid the worst of the rainy season and see manageable crowds outside the June Inti Raymi festivities.
Peak / festival surge
February is the absolute peak due to the Fiesta de la Candelaria, a two-week festival with parades, music and dance competitions. Hotel prices can double, and rooms book out months in advance. The event draws both domestic and international visitors, with the main parade days (early February) seeing the highest demand.
Budget shoulder season
April and September are the best shoulder months: the weather is still largely dry (though with a chance of showers), temperatures are milder, and accommodation prices drop by around 20-30% compared to peak season. You'll find fewer tourists at Lake Titicaca's islands too.
Weather & packing
Puno sits at 3,830m elevation, so the air is thin and intense UV rays are a hazard even on overcast days. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and multiple layers (thermal base, fleece, windproof jacket) as the temperature swings from 15°C at midday to -5°C after sunset.
Live City Briefing — Puno
- The Puno airport (Inca Manco Cápac) has resumed regular commercial flights after runway repairs in early 2026, but services remain limited to a few daily flights from Lima and Cusco—check schedules carefully.
- New pedestrianised zones have been added around Plaza de Armas since late 2025, improving walkability but also causing occasional congestion for taxis and tour buses.
- The city's water supply underwent chlorination upgrades in early 2026; while generally safe to drink from taps in central hotels like this one, bottled water is still recommended for sensitive stomachs.
Hotel Facilities — hostal and una joya
Free WiFi in rooms and lobby; typical speed 10 Mbps download; login via room number and last name only
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
Complimentary print copy of El Comercio at reception (weekdays only); no digital newsstand. The building is a converted colonial house with original stone staircase and interior courtyard.
Check-in from 13:00; early bag-drop available from 10:00 free of charge; late check-out until 14:00 for PEN 30 if space permits
Free at reception on day of check-in and check-out; luggage room available for day-storage with no charge
Step-free access from street via ramp; lift to all floors; wide doorways to ground-floor rooms but no dedicated accessible bathroom; no wheel-in shower
No on-site parking. Nearest public car park: Estacionamiento Puno Central, 2 blocks away, PEN 15 per night (24h); no EV charging within 1 km.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no city or tourist tax applies on this date for domestic or foreign guests)
Deposit & card hold: Full advance payment required via booking platform; a PEN 50 refundable incidental card hold at check-in (cash accepted if no card).
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Merced (332 m · ~4 min walk)
- Place of worship: Parroquia Franciscana San Antonio de Padua (727 m · ~9 min walk)
- Church: Iglesia de San Juan (764 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Basilica Catedral de Puno (790 m · ~10 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Parque de la Aguas — 137 m · ~2 min walk
Museo Marina de Guerra — 236 m · ~3 min walk
Giant Slide — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 428 m · ~5 min walk
Botica Puno R&S — 362 m · ~5 min walk
Flores Minimart — 836 m · ~10 min walk
Estación Virgen de Fátima — 484 m · ~6 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Peruvian Sol, PEN
Use ATMs in central Puno for soles; avoid airport or tourist bureau exchanges as rates are poor. Many banks charge a small fee.
Visa and Mastercard accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops; Amex rare; cash needed for markets, taxis, and small eateries.
10% in restaurants only if service charge not included; no tipping for taxis; hotel staff: small tip (2-5 soles) for porters/cleaners.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Basic coffee from a market stall or corner cafe; about 3-5 soles.
Set lunch menu (menú) in a local restaurant: soup, main, drink; 10-15 soles.
Main dish at a family-run eatery or pizzeria; 12-18 soles.
Anticuchos (grilled skewers) and empanadas near Plaza de Armas or market stalls; 3-6 soles each.
Plaza Vea and Metro are the common budget supermarkets in Puno.
Ferretería or Mercado Central for affordable local clothing and alpaca garments; no high-street chains.
Minibuses and colectivos (shared taxis) within the city cost 1-2 soles; from Juliaca airport take a shared minivan (approx 15-25 soles per person) or colectivo to Puno's bus terminal.
Eat at lunchtime for cheaper set menus; buy bottled water in bulk from supermarkets; negotiate prices politely at markets.
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 hostal and una joya
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 428 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Botica Puno R&S — 362 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 time is check-in at hostal and una joya?
Check-in at hostal and una joya is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does hostal and una joya have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi in rooms and lobby; typical speed 10 Mbps download; login via room number and last name only
Is there a city or tourist tax at hostal and una joya?
None (no city or tourist tax applies on this date for domestic or foreign guests)
Where can I eat cheaply near hostal and una joya?
Set lunch menu (menú) in a local restaurant: soup, main, drink; 10-15 soles.
What is the cheapest way to get around from hostal and una joya?
Minibuses and colectivos (shared taxis) within the city cost 1-2 soles; from Juliaca airport take a shared minivan (approx 15-25 soles per person) or colectivo to Puno's bus terminal.
When is the best time to visit Puno?
May to August offers the driest weather, with clear skies and mild daytime temperatures around 14-16°C, but with very cold nights (often below 0°C). These months also avoid the worst of the rainy season and see manageable crowds outside the June Inti Raymi festivities.
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.