There were billboards everywhere, the busy streets were full of people and we had to zigzag between honking cars. It was cold and the smells of street food and exhaust fumes mingled in the air. This is how I imagine Tokyo, but welcome to Puno.

Plaza Mayor de Puno

Day One

In the morning we went jogging at Lake Titicaca. Along with a wide enough trail, it offers workout equipment. I'm sure it motivates a lot of people to do sports, such an opportunity in the center of a big city is great.

In the afternoon, we set out to explore the local culture. The city is rich in historical buildings. However, what caught Matheo's attention was the fact that each street offers at least 5 pizzerias. It made it easier for us to pick one for the evening and the waiter's repartee was not unpleasant.

Next we went to ogle the local markets (Mercado central de Puno). The smell, the mess and the suspicious looks of the locals put us off. Since each street excelled with businesses of one kind and we couldn't find a tablet cover in the one with electronics, the vendor advised us of the second market in town (Mercado Bellavista). We were unsuccessful in our search there too, but we liked them. They were more organized, cleaner and more affordable than in the city center and we were happy to go back.

When we arrived to Chivay, it was not that cold as the last time. That fact did not changed our view at the place, (at least not for the first moments) and we went into the poor and dusty streets for a hostel hunt. We accepted an offer, 60 pen for two nights in hostel El Valle. That is pretty much on that one, no more special review article.

Lake Titicaca - the jogging route for our morning routine

Day Two

We started the day with our morning routine, enjoyed our favorite breakfast in our hostel named Hostal Virgen de las Nieves II and attended to our duties. We rewarded ourselves with lunch again at Tulipan's Restaurant, as the menu was most inviting and we relied on good enjoyment once again

If your trip is not to Bolivia, you can skip Puno without regrets.

Since we were not impressed with Puno, we decided not to stay longer and purchased a night bus ride to Cusco. In the afternoon we visited our two favorite places once more. At the first one, the markets, we bought ingredients to prepare sandwiches for our trip, then we walked to our second favorite place, sat on the steps in front of the catedral Basílica San Carlos Borromeo and after finishing preparing our snack we enjoyed our time together watching the scenery of the park and the pigeons that were fed by the children. (Grains for the pigeons were sold in the park).

In the evening, not only was it challenging to find a bar to warm up and make our waiting moments more enjoyable, but so was our bus. At the chaotic station, we learned that the ticket agent didn't want to show up or neither inform us about the cancellation of our trip to Cusco. Fortunately, we were able to buy a ticket of the same value by an other agency, on the second level of the bus and with front seats with a view, and we enjoyed our arrival in Cusco in full.

The next statue personifies San Isidro Labrador, the blessed Spanish. He has the same vestment of the blessed San Isidro, who is Lord of farmers. Directs the rite of "pagachi" or box of the farm. He goes with long steps according to the music, making couple with the "jatun mama" (Big Mama).

Catedral Basílica San Carlos Borromeo