MileHacker Logo
Essential Digital Tools

Essential Digital Tools

Lake Titicaca, Peru

Essential Digital Tools

Navigation & Translation

  • Google Maps

    Download offline maps for Puno and surroundings.

  • Maps.me

    Another reliable option for offline maps.

  • Google Translate

    Download Spanish for offline use; it assists communication.

  • WhatsApp

    Widely used in Peru for hotel and operator contact.

  • XE Currency Converter

    For quick currency conversions.

Ride-Sharing & Booking

  • InDrive

    Check availability and driver base in Puno.

  • Peru Official Tourism Website

    PromPeru's site for general tourism information.

  • Perurail

    For train schedules and bookings, Titicaca train included.

  • Cruz del Sur / Oltursa

    For bus schedules and bookings, intercity travel to/from Puno.

  • Booking.com / Expedia

    For comprehensive accommodation options and bookings.

Print & Media Immersion

Recommended Guidebooks

General Peru guidebooks (Lonely Planet, Rough Guides) cover Puno and Lake Titicaca.

Documentaries & Films

Explore films on Lake Titicaca, Uros people, or Andean culture.

Podcasts & Music

Podcasts on Peruvian history or Lake Titicaca background.

Language & Community

Language Learning

  • Duolingo for basic Spanish phrases.
  • Memrise for essential travel vocabulary.
  • YouTube channels for Peruvian Spanish tutorials.
  • Phrasebooks for quick reference.

Online Community Engagement

  • Travel forums (Reddit's r/travel) feature current advice.
  • Peru-specific forums offer personal experiences.
  • Valuable for specific questions and direct feedback.
  • Follow official tourism boards for updates.

Planning Essentials

Accommodation & Reviews

  • Booking.com/Expedia for diverse options.
  • TripAdvisor for restaurant and tour reviews.
  • Feedback from other travelers.

Intercity Travel

  • Cruz del Sur / Oltursa for bus schedules.
  • Perurail for luxury train bookings.
  • Connecting to different cities.

Cultural Context

  • "The Ancient Incas" by Garcilaso de la Vega.
  • Local publications may feature events.
  • Festival schedules and local perspectives.

Safety & Emergency Protocols

Critical Contacts

Emergency Services

  • Police (Emergencies): 105
  • Fire Department: 116
  • Medical Emergencies (SAMU): 106
  • Tourist Police: +51 51 366 348

Medical Facilities

  • Clinica Americana (private clinic)
  • Hospital Regional Manuel Núñez Butrón (public hospital)
  • Hotel assistance locates reputable clinics.
  • Carry a list of any personal medical conditions.

Lost Document Procedure

  • Report loss/theft to local police (PNP) immediately.
  • Obtain a police report for insurance claims.
  • Contact your embassy for emergency travel document.
  • Keep physical and digital copies of documents.

Health Preparations

Medical & Health Advice

  • Consult doctor for vaccinations and altitude medication.
  • Acclimatize slowly; hydrate well upon arrival.
  • Arrange for prescription refills for your trip duration.

Safety & Insurance

  • Purchase comprehensive travel insurance from World Nomads.
  • Stay informed on weather warnings during wet season.
  • Familiarize yourself with natural disaster protocols.

Home & Financial Security

Home Security

  • Inform a trusted person of your itinerary.
  • Stop mail and newspaper delivery.
  • Arrange for pet or plant care.

Financial Precaution

  • Inform your bank/credit card companies of travel.
  • Exchange currency for small Peruvian Sol notes.
  • Plan ATM withdrawals upon arrival.

Departure Logistics

Souvenirs and Shipping

  1. Plan space in your luggage for souvenirs.
  2. Inquire about shipping large items with the vendor.
  3. Be aware of customs regulations for your home country.
  4. VAT refunds generally do not apply for tourist purchases.
  5. Confirm onward travel arrangements.

Departure Timing

  1. Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flight from Juliaca.
  2. Arrive 30-45 minutes before bus departure.
  3. Pack carefully, secure valuables, have passport and TAM card ready.
  4. Consider final local purchases before heading to airport/station.
  5. Check for any last-minute travel advisories.

First Steps Upon Arrival

Airport to Accommodation

Clear immigration, collect luggage, find pre-arranged transfer or taxi.

Initial Orientation

Locate ATM, get a local map, take a relaxed walk around the neighborhood.

Acclimatization & Purchases

Take it easy, drink plenty of water, buy bottled water immediately.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. If outdoors, move to open areas. Flooding/Landslides: Follow local authority instructions. Stay informed on weather warnings.

Transformative Experiences

Life-Changing Aspects

Cultural Immersion

  • Homestays

    Homestays on Amantani offer direct interaction with daily life.

  • Communal Bonds

    Witness daily routines and communal bonds firsthand.

  • Perspective

    New perspective on simplicity and community.

Natural Grandeur

  • Andean Backdrop

    The sheer scale and beauty of Lake Titicaca against Andes awe.

  • Unique Ecosystem

    Unique ecosystem and interplay of light on vast waters.

  • Sense of Wonder

    A sense of wonder and deep perspective.

Cultural Perspectives

Andean Cosmology

Appreciation for deep-rooted cosmology and sacred relationship with Pachamama.

Uros Ingenuity

Comprehending ingenuity of Uros people on floating reed islands.

Taquile Heritage

Preservation of traditional weaving on Taquile, UNESCO-recognized heritage.

Personal Growth Opportunities

Resilience & Empathy

  • Developing resilience navigating altitude and cultural differences.
  • Cultivating empathy by engaging with diverse communities.
  • Challenging personal comfort zones.

Self-Discovery

  • Unique experiences like homestays lead to self-discovery.
  • Developing adaptability to new environments.
  • Expanding global awareness and appreciation.
  • Reflecting on diverse ways of life.

Next Regional Adventures

Peruvian Connections

  • Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley (Cusco) for Inca history.
  • Colca Canyon (Arequipa) for landscapes and condors.
  • Peruvian Amazon for biodiversity and jungle adventures.
  • Southern Peru tourist circuit hub.

Cross-Border Exploration

  • La Paz & Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia) for high-altitude experiences.
  • Gateway to Bolivia for unique cross-border travel.
  • Consider combining for an expansive South American adventure.
  • Lake Titicaca offers direct routes to Bolivian side.

Continue Your Journey

Puno functions as a gateway for your next adventure, linking to diverse destinations in Peru and Bolivia.