Capital of folklore and of the Peruvian high plateau. Besides having inherited important cultural, historical, ethnological, and mythological legacies, this region is the place of union of the two great Quechua and Aymara Cultures, which have brought an immeasurable wealth of customs, rites, and beliefs. Puno is located on the shores of the legendary "Titicaca Lake," the highest navigable lake in the world. According to the legend, the founders of the amazing Incas' Empire emerged from its waters. Due to its cultural and ethnological appeals as well as to the variety and warmth of its people, Puno and its surroundings have become compulsory tourist sites in all their different aspects. The Sillustani, Pukara, Chucuito, Cutimbo, and Molloco ruins, remainders of their glorious past; the Uros, Takile, and Amantani Isles, and the Llachon Community, with its excellent landscapes and ancient life styles; the towns of Chucuito, July, Pomata, and Lampa that preserve their Colonial wealth make this area one of the important places to visit when you come to Peru.

Historical Description:
Since the first cultural expressions were born from the mystic element of the ancient cultural tradition, this place was the perfect environment for the development of very early human settlements, such as Pukara and Kaluyo in Peru and Tiahuanaco, Wankarani, and Chiripa in current Bolivian territories. After these first human settlements disappeared, their legacies enabled the creation of regional reigns, such as the Collas, Lupakas, Pacajes, Kollawuas and others, and later on the formation of the great INKAS' EMPIRE. The city of Puno was founded by Don Pedro Gonzalez de Castro, "the Lemos Count," in 1668 due to the frequent fights for the Laykakota Mines. This city shows a special enchantment that is enhanced during the celebrations of the "Candelaria Virgin," which is the most magnificent expression of national folklore.

LAKE TITICACA
Located at 3.810 m. high, its surface covers 8,500 km2 and comprises three areas: the Puno Bay, the Chucuito or Main Lake and the Smaller Lake or Wiñaymarca. The origin of the Titicaca Hollow is merely tectonical, the actual basin is fed by several tributary rivers, such as the Ilave, Ramis, Coata and as only affluent, the Desaguadero River. Considered as "the Sacred Lake" or "Pacarina" (source of life for ancient inhabitants), Lake Titicaca operates as a regulator thermometer generating microclimates on its surroundings and at present, it is an essential element of the agricultural economical structure of the town settled around it. It has acquired a great mythological and religious value, since it is a source of life and support of the area inspiring legends and traditions that are the basis of the world vision of the Altiplano inhabitants.

Geografía y Ubicación:
Capital city of Puno Department; it has an altitude of 3.825 m. Located at l.132 Km far from Lima to the southeast; at 389 Km southeast from Cuzco and 323 Km to the east of Arequipa.
The entrance to Puno is done from Cuzco, Arequipa, and La Paz (Bolivia) by land; by air (to the airport of the nearby town of Juliaca) with several flights from Lima, Arequipa, and Cuzco (this last one is restricted), and finally, by train from Cuzco and Arequipa.

Service and Programs

BASE PROGRAM
3 days - 2 nights

1st Day: Meeting and transport from Station / Hotel. Accommodation.
2nd Day: Breakfast. Full-day tour to Uros + Takile Isle (See PUN-003). Return to Puno. Accommodation.
3rd Day: Breakfast. Transfer Out Hotel/Apt. Visit to the Sillustani ruins en route (see JUL-009).
This program includes:
· Transfer In / Out and visit to Sillustani.
· 02 Nights accommodation according to the hotel category.
· 02 continental breakfasts.
· Full-day tour to Uros and Takile Isles.
· Guide and personalized assistance.

This program does not include:
Entradas a los atractivos turísticos
Alimentación, excepto los desayunos
Lo no mencionado en el apartado incluye.

NOTE:
· Entrance tickets to touristic sites
· Meals, except breakfast.
· Anything not mentioned in the preceding clause.

UROS ISLE
3 hours
The Uros, unique ethnical group in the world, inhabit the reed mace floating isles. They are settled on the northern part of the Puno Bay; they are a millennial race. They stand out for being skilled and clever fishermen and hunters of birds that cross the lake waters defying time and storms.

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