Sol Plaza Hotel

Sol Plaza Hotel is a mid-range stay whose name suggests a position close to the central square, which in Puno means the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral. For many travellers that is the most convenient part of the city. The pedestrian street of Jiron Lima runs close by, lined with cafes, pizzerias, trekking agencies and craft stalls, and the main tour operators have offices within a short stroll. Staying in or near the centre means you can walk to dinner, change money, buy a warm alpaca sweater and book a boat trip without hunting for taxis. At around 3,800 metres, walking even short distances feels different from sea level, so a central location earns extra value in the first two days. Check the exact position when you book, though, because names do not always tell the whole story, and ask about noise. Central streets in Puno can be lively at weekends and during festivals, with music and parades that run late. A room at the back or on an upper floor is usually quieter than one facing the street.

A hotel in this price band normally offers private bathrooms, heating of some kind, breakfast and a front desk that can arrange tours and transfers. Confirm those basics rather than assuming them, particularly heating and hot water, which matter on cold nights when the temperature can approach freezing. Ask whether extra blankets are available, whether a heater is in the room or in common areas, and whether breakfast starts early enough for morning boat departures.

The most popular excursions from Puno are the Uros floating islands, which are close enough for a half-day trip, and Taquile, an island known for knitted textiles that usually takes a full day. Amantani offers overnight stays with local families, and Sillustani has funerary towers above a lake that make a good afternoon outing. The hotel can usually direct you to reputable operators, but compare prices and itineraries, and check that your boat has life jackets and a reasonable schedule.

This kind of stay suits first-time visitors, families and travellers who want to keep costs under control without sacrificing location. Because it is mid-range, you may find better value than at the lakeside upscale hotels, with the compromise that rooms are less spacious and facilities simpler. Pack a warm layer for the room as well as for outings, drink coca tea if you feel the altitude and take it slowly on your first evening.

Plan around the calendar. February brings the Candelaria festival, when dancers fill the streets and hotels sell out, so book early if you want to see it. The dry season from May to September has clear skies but very cold nights. The wetter months bring greener hills and fewer visitors. Arrange airport transfers in advance, since flights land at Juliaca, around an hour away by road, and ask whether the hotel can store luggage while you take overnight trips to the islands.