Puno was the seat of one of the most important cultures of the pre-inca period; the Tiahuanaco, which represented the maximum expression of the ancient Aymará people and whose archeological remains cause admiration. According to the legend, the first Inca, Manco Capac and his spouse Mama Ocllo, emerged from the Lake Titicaca, with the order from their father the Sun God, to found the Tawantinsuyo Empire, which was divided into four regions; Puno occupying the region of the Collasuyo, which extended its territory on the whole Collao Plateau.

The Department of Puno is situated in the South-Eastern part of Peru. It presents an accidented topography, with the majority of its cities, above 3,800 m. of altitude.

To the North, with Madre de Dios; to the South, with Tacna; to the East, with Bolivia and to the West, with Cusco, Arequipa and Moquegua.

The city of Puno has an altitude of 3,830 m. above sea level.

Before visiting Puno, it´s indispensable to know that in whatever time of the year, the climate is cold and semi-dry, given its geographical situation and its altitude, which varies from about 3,827 m. to 6,000 m. (in some parts of the department). The annual average temperature is of 8°C. and reaches a maximum of 15°C. and a minimum of 1°C., in the winter.

BY AIR :

Juliaca has the Manco Capac International Airport, with the longest runway in the country, offering you good landing conditions. There are daily flights from anywhere in the country, through Lima, Arequipa and Cusco.

BY LAND :

Transportation by land is secure given that the roads to Puno, Arequipa and Cusco, are completely asphalted and in very good state, since they are new. These conditions make it possible to visit a good portion of the region of Puno.

BY RAILROAD :

One can get to Puno by train from Arequipa or Cusco. Juliaca is an obligatory stop on the way from Arequipa to Cusco. Now, train services are First Class and it is a pleasure to travel meanwhile watching the high plateau´s landscapes.