Puno in 2 days
Most travelers arrive in Juliaca around 11am, so we recommend resting a bit after arriving to acclimatize, and in the afternoon visit the Uros floating islands, when the light is most advantageous. On the second day get up early for the sunrise, which is spectacular over the lake. Later in the morning, visit Taquile, a junket that takes at least half a day. In the afternoon, return to Juliaca, making sure to visit Sillustani and Lake Umayo (next door to Sillustani) en route. If there’s time left over, back in Puno make a stop at the Dreyer Museum in the center of Puno and see the antique ship Yavarí on the banks of Titicaca.

Puno in 3 days
With an additional day in Puno, we suggest that you include the remote private island of Suasi in your itinerary. Ideally, take advantage of the first day to visit Sillustani and Umayo (preferably in the afternoon, when the light is the loveliest), as well as the attractions in Puno (including the Dreyer Museum and the antique ship Yavarí). On the second day, start out early to see sunrise and do a boat trip to explore the Uros floating islands, as well as Taquile and finally Suasi, staying over that night at the ecolodge on Suasi. On the third day, do some of the activities offered by the lodge on Suasi and on the way back to Puno by land, stop off to visit the handsome colonial town of Lampa.

Puno in 4 days
With 4 days in the region, you can add an extra day on Isla Suasi to the 3-day journey, especially if you just want some time to relax. For active travelers, an excellent alternative on the final day (or the first, if you prefer) is circuit that includes the forest of Puyas de Tarukani, the spectacular Tinajani canyon and its stone forest, and the emblematic village of Pucará. This route is between Cusco and Puno, so the ideal way to see these attractions is in transit from one city to the other. With additional time in the Puno area, don’t miss visiting one or more of the lake-area attractions including Chucuito, Juli and Pomata (see “Off the Beaten Track”).