Puno is the most convenient base for exploring the Peruvian portion of Lake Titicaca. Boat tours to the nearby Islas Flotantes, and islands of Tequille and Amantani are easily arranged from Puno.
Unfortunately the city is not a popular place with most travelers. Although Puno was originally founded in 1668, there are few colonial buildings left
The architecture consists mainly of tightly packed low-rise brick buildings, most of which look like they are still under construction. Rebar sticks out of the rooftops making the downtown area look very run down. The waterfront area is weedy and also generally unappealing.
Nonetheless Puno is a good place to book tours and make arrangements for getting out to the nicer areas of the Lake.