Punu, Peru

Puno is the capital city of the Puno Region and the Puno Province with a population of approximately 100,000. The Puno region of Peru is one of the poorest areas in the Western hemisphere. The region, nevertheless, is rich in cultural heritage and history. The majority of its people speak Quechua or Aymara languages.

Puno is considered the Folkloric Capital of Peru due to its wealth of artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance. It was founded on November 4, 1668 by the Spanish for its closeness to the colonial silver mine of Laykakota. They are most notable during the
celebrations of the Feast of the "Virgen de la Candelaria" and the Regional Competition of Autochthonous Dances. Puno's access to Lake Titicaca is surrounded by 41 floating islands.

Puno Peru is located at an altitude of 12,565 feet or 3,830 meters above sea level. As Puno is located at such a high elevation, it experiences more extreme weather conditions than would be expected for its sub-tropical latitude.