Yavari Ship Museum Puno Peru
A 19th-century British gunship offering a unique historical tour and lodging on Lake Titicaca.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups, more personal tours
Yavari Ship Museum Puno Peru
Best Time
Fewer tour groups, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century British gunship offering a unique historical tour and lodging on Lake Titicaca.
"A pleasant surprise with a quick, informative, and interesting tour from a friendly guide. Unique!"
🎯 Ask the Hotel
The Yavari is behind the Sonesta Hotel. Hotel staff can help you find it and arrange transport.
📝 Bring Your Passport
Your passport details might be requested by hotel security before boarding the tender.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Engine Room
Engine Deck
Explore the heart of this 19th-century steamship and marvel at its original machinery.
The Captain's Story
Bridge and Crew Deck
Hear the incredible journey of the Yavari, from its construction in the UK to its high-altitude lake life.
Historical Significance
Throughout the ship
Understand the unique history of this British gunship, built in pieces and reassembled on Lake Titicaca.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding the Yavari
Best Time for a Personal Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask the Hotel
The Yavari is behind the Sonesta Hotel. Hotel staff can help you find it and arrange transport.
📝 Bring Your Passport
Your passport details might be requested by hotel security before boarding the tender.
💰 Donation Appreciated
There's a visitor book and donation box; contributions help with restoration efforts.
🚶 Walk the Promenade
Enjoy a scenic 45-minute walk from Puno center along the lake to reach the hotel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask the Hotel
The Yavari is behind the Sonesta Hotel. Hotel staff can help you find it and arrange transport.
📝 Bring Your Passport
Your passport details might be requested by hotel security before boarding the tender.
💰 Donation Appreciated
There's a visitor book and donation box; contributions help with restoration efforts.
🚶 Walk the Promenade
Enjoy a scenic 45-minute walk from Puno center along the lake to reach the hotel.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Yavari Ship Museum for its unique historical significance and the personal, engaging tours provided by the captain and guides. The challenging journey of its construction and reassembly is a major talking point, making it a highly recommended and memorable experience in Puno. Some find it a bit difficult to locate initially, but the effort is always rewarded.
"I highly recommend visiting this renovated boat, originally from 1870. The captain on board depicts the full story of this monument, from the difficulty of bringing to the high altitude lake to the current usage of the boat, while giving the full tour of the boat from the crew deck to the engine room. 10/10 would recommend."
Deinos
"The ship has an interesting story being built in pieces in Birmingham UK and shipped in 1862 in about 2700 pieces in crates to Bolivia. The crates were unloaded in Arica Chili and then transported by porters and mules 4800m uphill to Lake Titicaca.
There it took until April 1871 to reassemble the ship and launch it.
Inside you now can see some nice technical details"
Seimen Burum
"We weren’t sure what to expect but this was a really pleasant surprise. The security guard at the hotel was very helpful and helped us find the boat behind the hotel. The tour guide gave a quick but informative and interesting tour and was very friendly. Unique!"
Jessica Hare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Yavari Ship Museum is located behind the Sonesta Hotel Posadas Del Inca. You can walk from Puno center (about 45 minutes along the promenade) or take a taxi to the hotel. Once at the hotel, ask the security guard for assistance; they will guide you to the jetty and arrange a tender to take you to the ship. +1
It can be a bit tricky to find directly. The key is to head to the Sonesta Hotel Posadas Del Inca and ask the hotel staff or security guard for directions to the ship. They are accustomed to assisting visitors.
Many visitors enjoy a leisurely 45-minute walk along the promenade from Puno center. Alternatively, a short taxi ride to the Sonesta Hotel will get you close.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Advance booking is generally not required. You can often turn up without notice and arrange a tour through the hotel staff. This can sometimes lead to a more personal experience. +1
Specific opening hours can vary, as tours are often arranged on demand through the hotel. It's best to inquire at the Sonesta Hotel upon arrival.
While there isn't a fixed entrance fee, visitors are encouraged to make a donation to support the ship's ongoing restoration. A donation box is available onboard.
If you arrive at the hotel and the ship isn't immediately visible, speak to the security guard. They can contact the captain or guide for you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the entire ship, including the crew deck, bridge, and the impressive engine room. Guides provide detailed information about its history and operation. +1
Yes, tours are typically offered in good English, making the historical explanations accessible to international visitors.
The ship offers a unique historical experience that can be interesting for all ages. However, navigating the decks and engine room might require some care for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Photography is generally permitted onboard, allowing you to capture the unique historical details and the stunning lake views.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridge offers panoramic views of Lake Titicaca, while the engine room provides dramatic industrial shots. The exterior of the ship against the lake backdrop is also a classic.
Absolutely! The engine room is a highlight for photographers, with its intricate machinery and historical atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical Tip: Ensure children are supervised closely when navigating the decks and engine room, as some areas may have uneven surfaces or machinery. The engaging stories from the guides can help keep younger visitors interested throughout the tour.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Tip: Consider walking from Puno center along the lake promenade to reach the ship. This scenic walk saves on taxi fares and offers beautiful views of Lake Titicaca, adding to the overall experience without extra cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Must-Capture Shots: The ship's exterior against the backdrop of Lake Titicaca, the detailed components of the engine room, and panoramic views from the bridge. The unique story of the ship itself provides a compelling narrative for your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Remarkable Journey of the Yavari
The reassembly process on the high-altitude lake was equally arduous, taking until April 1871 to launch the ship. This incredible feat of logistics and construction allowed the Yavari to serve its purpose as a gunship for the Peruvian Navy. Today, its restoration allows visitors to step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity involved in its creation and deployment.
The Yavari's story is a fascinating blend of industrial history, geopolitical context, and human endeavor. The ship's journey highlights the difficulties of accessing remote locations in the 19th century and the determination required to overcome them.
Experiencing the Yavari Today
The tour typically covers all accessible areas, from the command bridge to the engine room, allowing for a close-up look at the ship's mechanics and historical features. The guides are known for their friendliness and informative explanations, often in excellent English, making the visit engaging and educational.
The experience is often described as a pleasant surprise and a highlight of a trip to Puno. The opportunity for a 'personal guided tour' without prior notice adds to its charm and memorability.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit