The dry season (May to September) offers clear skies and stable weather - ideal for lake tours and the overland routes to Bolivia. December to March brings rain, especially afternoons, which can complicate mountain travel and multi-day treks. Check before you go if you're planning anything above 13,000 feet.

Popular options like the 3-day Lake Titicaca community experience or Salar de Uyuni crossings work best booked 1-2 weeks ahead, especially during June-August. Private transfers (Puno to Cusco, Puno to Colca) can be arranged more flexibly, but booking a few days prior avoids last-minute scrambles.

Yes. These tours include community access on islands like Luquina and Taquile that you can't easily reach alone, plus cultural context from people who know the lake intimately. Most multi-day packages handle logistics across high altitude and remote terrain, which takes real coordination.

The town is small enough to walk, though you'll feel the altitude. Taxis are cheap and plentiful for short hops. For anything beyond town - islands, mountain routes to Cusco, or Bolivia - join an organized tour or arrange a private transfer through your accommodation.

Most 2-3 day Lake Titicaca experiences bundle boat transport, island visits, meals, and a guide. All-inclusive packages add accommodation on islands or in town. Check what's covered before booking - accommodation quality varies between basic and comfortable, and some tours require you to arrange your own return transport.

The lake tours and island visits work for families, though the 12,500-foot altitude can hit kids hard on arrival. Give everyone a day to acclimatize before jumping into activities. Most tour operators can adjust pace for younger travelers - mention it when booking.

You can walk around town and visit the cathedral solo, but reaching the lake's floating islands and community sites really requires a guide who has relationships with island families. Independent travel here means losing access to the experiences that make Puno worth visiting.