An island of totora reeds floats across the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca.

Puno is the city that sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.  Most people who travel to this region stay at least one night in Puno, widely recognized as the entryway to Lake Titicaca and the famed floating islands.

In recent years Puno and its surrounding areas have added some unique and amazingly luxurious hotels that allow travelers to revel in the natural beauty while providing world-class comfort. Here is a selection of the top three luxury Puno Peru hotels that will ensure you a one-of-a-kind experience:

Hotel Libertador Puno

Beautifully located right on the shores of Lake Titicaca, on Esteves Island, this 5-star hotel boasts some of the most impressive views of the lake. The only true 5-star hotel in the city of Puno, the Hotel Libertador offers first-rate amenities and excellent service.

Although all rooms feature excellent vistas of either Puno or Uros Island,  ask for a room directly facing the lake and its islands for an unforgettable experience.  The dramatic views at sunset and sunrise of the glistening city lights shimmering on the crystal clear waters of the lake are unparalleled.

Guests can revel in the breathtaking landscapes while tasting delicious regional cuisine in the restaurant, soaking in the Jacuzzi, or sipping a cocktail in the hotel’s cozy bar. The other two hotels below are located in the surrounding areas of Puno and not in the city itself.

Casa Andina Private Collection Isla Suasi

Casa Andina hotel is located on a private island in Lake Titicaca called Isla Suasi. The verdant gardens and sweeping views of the lake are what make this hotel the best luxury lodge in the area.  Far from spoiling the beauty of the lake, the Casa Andina Private Collection Isla Suasi has been carefully designed to blend with the environment. Solar-powered, surrounded by terraced gardens, and constructed with native materials, the hotel manages to enhance the already beautiful landscape.

Enjoy the Lake Titicaca sunset from your simple, but elegant room.

This is the perfect place to commune with nature while being pampered by the wonderfully friendly and attentive hotel staff. Each room boasts striking views and the absence of telephones and televisions on the island creates a wonderful disconnect from the rest of the world.  If you are looking for peace and serenity, Suasi Island is the perfect place to get away from it all, but there is plenty to keep you busy. Even the most active travelers will find plenty to do as nature hikes, wildlife spotting, canoeing, and stargazing are all available activities on the island.  In the evening, guests can cuddle up near the wood burning stove in their rooms to stave off the Andean chill.

Titilaka Hotel

Leave your worries at the doorstep and indulge in a truly luxurious experience with a stay at Titilaka Hotel. This 5-star hotel has interesting contemporary architecture and design sprinkled with indigenous touches. The idyllic location on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca offers some of the best services near Puno.

The eighteen, fully equipped suites all feature heated floors and spa bathrooms, as well as exceptional views of the lake. Contemplate the stunning sunset while sipping a local cocktail from the hotel’s waterfront terrace and enjoy an intimate fireside dinner, prepared with fresh regional products.

With its outstanding array of first class services, including private guided excursions, 24h room service, internet access, babysitting service, and more, Titilaka provides guests with luxurious services and a unique Puno vacation.

To arrange your stay in a Puno luxury hotel and for more Peru Travel opportunities, contact a Peru For Less travel advisor.

The city of 200,000 people is often dismissed as nothing more than a convenient staging post before heading out onto the lake itself, but this reputation is unfair: Puno offers many attractions which will all add to your Peru travel memories.

Puno Cathedral and Lake Titicaca, Peru. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2009

A note of caution to any visitors, especially those arriving from low altitudes: Puno is one of Peru’s highest cities and mild altitude sickness is common. Take it easy when you first arrive and don’t attempt anything too strenuous.

Begin your visit to Puno with a short walk along the city’s pedestrianized central boulevard, Calle Lima. This central thoroughfare offers the best of the city’s restaurants, shops and bars, and has two small but handsome plazas at either end.

On the central Plaza de Armas you’ll find the city’s Spartan-style Cathedral which is open to tourists (entrance free) during non Mass times. At the other end of Calle Lima you’ll find Parque Pino where many a local sits to enjoy the high altitude air and bright sun (from which you’ll need plenty of sun protection.)

Stop for lunch at one of the many local menú restaurants which line the side streets. These are great places to fill up on cheap, authentic Peruvian cuisine from a set menu which includes a starter, a main course and a drink.

Alternatively, the nearby central market is a fine place to explore and witness every day Peruvian life, while the top floor is home to a countless number of small food counters offering cheap, delicious food for next to nothing.

After lunch hail one of the city’s ubiquitous mototaxis (motorbikes that have been converted to take two passengers) for a 4 sole ride to one of the best Puno hotels, El Posada del Inca. But you’re not here to check into one of the finest luxury Peru hotels, for just outside on the lakeside you’ll find a piece of Peru’s fascinating history.

Puno's Yavari steamship, Peru. Photograph: Matthew Barker 2009

The iron Yavari steamship was originally purchased by the Peruvian Navy in the 19^th century, from a British shipbuilders in Birmingham. The ship was sailed across the Atlantic to a Peruvian port before being disassembled into thousands of pieces and hauled by mule across the Andes to Lake Titicaca at almost 4000 meters above sea level.

Having been retired and fallen into disrepair, the ship was subsequently bought and restored by a British enthusiast and is now open to visitors who can visit the ship’s decks, engine room and bridge.

After your tour of the Yavari, head back into town for dinner at one of Puno’s fine restaurants, where the Lake’s trout and kingfish are both highly recommended, being served up in a rich variety of dishes.

Before heading to bed, take a look around Puno’s vast number of tour operators for a trip out onto the lake the following day. International Peru vacation package providers will also offer these excursions.

The options are almost limitless, from a short three hour trip to the floating island communities on Uros, to a full day island tour, to a multiple day cruise around the lake.

If, on the following morning, you choose not to take a tour onto Lake Titicaca, go for a walk up to one of Puno’s many miradors, viewing points. The viewing point at Huajsapata Park is probably the easiest and most accessible which also offers great views of the city and lake under the shadow of an enormous Manco Capac, the legendary Inca said to have been born from the lake.

Stop off at a bakery for a delicious empanada pastry and a coffee before continuing on to your next Peru vacation destination.