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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.
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