Floating on Lake Titicaca

Last night after a grueling 10 hour bus ride through The Altiplano (high plain), which is the widest part of the Andes and the largest high plateau on earth, we reached our destination of Puno.  It felt like we traveled the entire 4,300 mile length of the Andes!  There seems to be more poverty in the region of Puno than in beautiful Cusco, and it´s much colder too.  Our hotel does not disappoint.  The Libertador has guarded gates and breathtaking views of Lake Titicaca from all windows. You just have to smile when you say Lake Titicaca, I don´t care how old you are!

View from our hotel room

This morning we boarded a boat, docked right in from of our swanky hotel, for a day on the lake. Lake Titicaca, which roughly means Puma Rock, is shared by Peru and Bolivia.  At 12,500 ft it is the highest commercially navigable lake in the world.  By volume it´s also the largest lake in South America.

First stop was the Floating Islands of Los Uros.  A small tribe live on "islands" made out of reeds in the shallows of the late.  They make everything, homes, kitchens, boats, watch towers, out of reeds.  They were bright native dress and were the friendliest people on earth! We saw a kindergarden class and fell madly in love.  Of course they rely heavily on the tourist trade and want to sell you textiles and take you on boat rides, but they were curisous and kind.  No one begged for change or asked for money for photos, as is common practice here.  I thoroughly enjoyed this visit!

Our next stop was Isla Taquile.  This World Heritage Sight is beautiful.  About 2,000 people live on the island and support themselves by farming and textiles.  Their textiles are said to be some of the finest traditional clothes in Peru.  The men dress like Spanish Madadors, but add floppy hats that loop down like night caps.  It´s a sight to see.  The people are shy and reminded me of the Amish.

Given a choice, I would much rather hang out with the Uros!