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.
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