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Puno is the capital of the province with the same name,
has a population of about 80,000. It itself is a small dusty town. Its
claim to fame is its location. It is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca,
at an altitude of 12,421 feet. It is highly recommended you take it easy
for a few days to get used to the altitude. The altitude also makes for
the extremes in the climate in Puno. During daytime it can be very hot
( be very liberal with sun block), but at night the temperature can drop
below the freezing point. The city itself may not be very interesting for
travellers, but the surroundings are magnificent. It and the area around
it are the cradle of the Aymara civilization and the legendary birthplace
of the founders of the Inca empire. Puno lies on the shore of Lake Titicaca,
the world's highest navigable lake, from whose waters the Inca believed
Manco Capac, their cultural founder, emerged. Many ethnic groups like the
Uros still depend on the the lake for their living. The Uros dwell on the
floating islands they build with the lake's reed vegetation. Near Puno,
overlooking Lake Umayo, are chullpas, or burial towers, that served as
the tombs of the Aymara Lords. Tours can be readily put together upon arrival
at a very reasonable price by your hotel.
 Click
here for 2 day cruises of Lake Titicaca from only $295 per person.
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