Puno is situated on the banks of Lake Titicaca – the world highest navigable lake - at an altitude of 3,827 meters (12,628 feet) and it is considered the capital of Peru’s altiplano (high plains).
The landscape is desolate and the city has a somewhat austere look. Tails of mineral wealth and a plentiful supply of slave labor lured the spaniards to Puno, bringing new cultural, social and economic patterns along. The city of San Carlos de Puno was founded in 1668 and the priests, eager to convert the natives, motivated them to build beautiful churches.
Puno is also known as the folklore capital of Peru with a reach array of handicrafts, customs, legends, and are more than 300 different local dances.

Main Tourist Attractions

LAKE TITICACA
located 3,800 m above sea level and covering more than 8,000 km2, is the highest navigable lake in the world. There are more than 41 islands on the lake, the most important ones in Peruvian waters being Taquile and Amantani, and in Bolivian waters, El Sol and La Luna. The lake is well stocked with trout and suche, both of which are native to the lake. There are also many varieties of wildfowl.

FLOATING ISLANDS AND THE UROS
These are islands made entirely of totora reeds by the Uros, a people that descends directly from the original lake dwellers and have maintained their traditional livelihoods and customs. The Uros keep the islands afloat by adding fresh reeds. They also use the reeds to build their houses, boats and all manner of objects. The Uros live off fish and other animals they catch locally.

TAQUILE ISLAND
The island population steadfastly resists changes to its regional customs. Although the neighboring communities speak Aymara, the island inhabitants speak Quechua. However, two essential characteristics set them apart: the geography of the island with its beautiful landscape and beaches visible from its hills; and the because Taquile is an important textile center. Furthermore, the local people themselves organize the tours for visitors, with the aim of preserving their customs and way of life. Access to the island is difficult and tiring because it is necessary to climb 600 stone steps.

AMANTANI ISLAND
is the most densely populated island on the lake, as well as the prettiest. The island has archeological remains and terraces for growing crops. Like Taquile, the island offers splendid views over Lake Titicaca.

SILLUSTANI
This is an archeological site near Lake Umayo. It is well-known for the great number of chullpas or funerary towers of different shapes and sizes. These towers are built of large blo