Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puno is a city located on the shores of Lake Titicaca in southern Peru, known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional festivals. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PEN ≈ 0.27 USD, cash is favored; credit cards accepted in major establishments |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar, Claro, and Entel provide services; prepaid SIMs available |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Scotiabank and BBVA are commonly used by expats for international banking |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb and local guesthouses are available; prices vary from $10 to $50 per night |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially; cards accepted in major restaurants but cash is still preferred |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local hostels offer short-term rentals; prices start from $20 per night |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Malki, prices start from $10 per night |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Histórico, ideal for exploring the main attractions and local culture |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Around the Plaza de Armas, offering coworking spaces and cafes with internet access |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café Rumi is a popular spot for digital nomads with good Wi-Fi and a friendly atmosphere |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Barroco, known for its cozy environment and reliable internet |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are organized at Rumi Café and local coworking spaces; check Facebook groups for schedules |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Puno Facebook group hosts regular meetups and activities |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | InDriver and Uber are available in Puno |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some local shops may offer bicycle rentals |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches, but the shores of Lake Titicaca offer scenic views and exploration opportunities |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Latam Airlines offers connections to Lima from Puno's Juliaca Airport |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM, Avianca and Sky Airline provide international flights from Lima |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Road access to major cities like Arequipa and Cusco; the Pan-American Highway connects to coastal cities |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal in Puno connects to cities across southern Peru |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; affordable bus fares range from $1 to $5 depending on distance |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the main mode of transportation to nearby cities; companies like Cruz del Sur operate routes |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional Manuel Núñez Butrón |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Ayu Yoga offers classes in various styles |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio New Body is a local gym with fitness classes |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Clean & Polished, offers wash and fold services |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo are popular options for food delivery |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Sopa de Quinua' (Quinoa Soup) or 'Pachamanca' (traditional Andean dish) |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurants like 'El Huerto' offer local plant-based cuisine |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería La Reina is known for its delicious pastries |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central Puno for fresh produce and local snacks |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local marketplaces like Linio and Falabella for online purchases |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rappi and local grocery stores offer delivery services |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Restaurants and bars around the Plaza de Armas offer nightlife options |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery 'Cerveza Puno' produces local craft beers |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Not many options; local wines are available at restaurants |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | 'Anticuchos' (grilled meat skewers) are popular street food |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian food available at 'Pizza Nostra' |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Uros Floating Islands and the Puno Cathedral are iconic attractions |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Carlos Dreyer showcases local art and culture |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Chullpas de Sillustani are ancient burial sites located nearby |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Juan Bautista Cathedral is a significant religious site in the city |
| 🎉 Annual Events | La Festividad de la Candelaria is a major festival, celebrated in February |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico, a cultural hub with traditional markets |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal de Puno hosts local performances |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central for local handicrafts and foods |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues sometimes host folk music performances showcasing Andean music |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; however, local murals depict traditional culture |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary workshops are offered through local tour agencies |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art galleries generally showcase local artists; check the Centro Cultural de Puno |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Puno's colonial buildings are rich in architecture; explore around the Plaza de Armas |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Puno is recognized as the Folkloric Capital of Peru, showcasing rich traditions |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Lake Titicaca offers boating and scenic views; visit the islands |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lake Titicaca National Reserve protects the unique ecosystems around the lake |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the lakeside are suitable for walking and biking |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Titicaca viewpoint offers panoramic views of the lake |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit reed beds around Uros Islands for birdwatching |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some designated areas on the shores of Lake Titicaca allow bonfires; check local regulations |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Serpost offers postal services, including international shipping |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops near Plaza de Armas provide phone and laptop repair services |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited options; check local community centers for recreational activities |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for foreigners |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal de Puno has resources for students and study spaces |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events hosted at Centro Cultural de Puno |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options for gaming; check local cafes for internet gaming |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Puno; gambling is more common in larger cities like Arequipa |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $54,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,050 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 29.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Peruvian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules; focus on local income tax |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property assessment value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Peru offers favorable conditions for foreign digital nomads. |