The city of Puno, capital of the department of the same name is a beautiful city, blessed by the nature and privileged earth for having a natural jewel, the Lake Titicaca; envied by several, but admired by many more; it is recognized as the highest navigable lake in the world and the second wide-world lake in South America. Puno, the folkloric capital of Peru, is an alive testimony of a rich cultural inheritance left by the Tiahuanaco and Inca culture, who from generation to generation maintains with devotion its beliefs and principles.

Location: The department of Puno is located on the Altiplano, or high plateau of Callao at the Southeast part of the country.

Altitude: It has an average altitude of 3 830 m (12 562 f)

Climate: The climate on the Altiplano is typical of the high Andes, dry and extremely cold, with bright sunshine during the day and the temperature sometimes dropping to     -10°C (14°F) at night. Within the city the temperature changes are not so drastic. The yearly mean temperature is 6°C (43°F). The region’s rainy season is from December to March.

Population: It has a population of 91 900 inhabitants.

Points of Interest in the City:

Traditional locales: Plaza de Armas, Conde  de Lemos balcony, Arco Deustua, Parque Waqsapata.
Churches: The Cathedral, San Juan Bautista.
Museum: Dreyer Municipality Museum

Excursions:

Huajsapata Mountain, Lake Titicaca, Isla Flotante de los Uros, Isla Taquile y Amantan, Sillustani, Pucará, Chuchito, Ilave, lampa

Festivals:

The Feast of the Virgen de la Candelaria or the Candlemas Virgen, patroness of Puno.