PUNO – LAKE TITICACA

Puno is located in the highlands Southeast of the country, in the ‘Altiplano’ at the surprising 3800 meters above sea level (12467 ft), on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. The area, cold and unattractive to certain standards, is rich in its spectacular landscapes and impressive archaeological ruins. Puno was the seat of Tiahuanaco Culture (800 to 1200 A.D.), which developed between what today is Peru and Bolivia (the Aymaras); then the Incas dominate the territory in the 15th century and finally the Spanish left an important colonial legacy throughout the area.

The Lake is home to various islands, whose inhabitants have preserved their customs and ancient traditions. Puno is also the capital of the Peruvian folklore and the site of the
Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria.