In prehispanic times in the punas were created the so-called cochas or artificial lakes used for cultivation and for the livestock to drink. These lakes can be round, elongated or rectangular and are composed of a great number of symmetrical furrows which collect rainwater and conduct it between the camellones of the furrows. The water should not collect for more than a day for fear of the crops rotting. On its edge grass grows consumed by the livestock who presently take advantage of abandoned cochas.

Another way to improve the system is the use of the camellones. In the Lake Titicaca region the so-called waru-waru were used which is a sign if previous great development. Experimental waru-waru have been constructed in Huatta - near Puno - with indigenous implements, that is to say, with the chakitaclla, the Andean plow, and rawkana or adze. With them are cut large turves of grass from the canals, turning them over along the sides of the canals to form the camellones. In view of the good results obtained the possibility of their reconstruction is confirmed.