Lake Titicaca

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Early start with a motor launch from our hotel which was right on the lake.We were joined by our guide for the day Luis and some tourists from Italy including a charming honeymoon couple from Rome. Our first stop after about ten minutes was to the floating reed islands which are unique to this part of the world. We were taught a greeting which meant how are you to which we replied Waikiki which means well. The Uros people are very gentle and welcoming and taught us how they made the reed beds their houses were built on. It was an odd sensation walking on the floating island a bit like walking on marshland but it was dry. We were invited into the house which was dark and had flies in but they have solar power to generate enough electricity for a light bulb radio and TV. They can grow some crops and either eat fresh fish or duck or dry them by hanging them in the hut. Their children go to school but the babes were playing around and were delighted that we wanted to play with them and held on to us not wanting us to leave. A ride on a Mercedes Benz which was a reed catamaran took us to the next island where tourists sometimes stay so there were improvements such as a cafe with windows. We found out that for only 40 soles which is £10, dinner, bed and breakfast including a fishing trip the next day was available. Tempted by the price but not the thought of being served up a sun dried cormorant for starters followed by a seagull for the main course.After buying the obligatory locally made goodies we set sail across the southern end of the lake to a small island where the locals prepared lunch for us. Fortunately they had run out of seagulls. After explaining about their way of life and how they make their living we ate a delicious lunch so soup, then fresh trout followed by mint tea . The setting of their home was stunning, on a hillside overlooking a freshwater bay with sandy beach. We were then entertained by them dancing for us and we were invited to join in, well they grabbed our hands and we didn't have much choice but great fun. We then walked across the width of the island and made our way back to the boat and hotel Lake Titicaca is so large you can't see the other side it is .100 miles long and 30 miles wide and is the highest navigable lake at 13000 feet. The water is clear and warm for this time of year. We would have expected there to be many boats sailing or fishing but we saw one or two a real wasted resource or a delightful calm and peaceful place to be where you can fish as much as you want and no licence fee. Returned to the hotel at 4pm and had a delicious plate of tapas and wine served by Mr Happy who clearly had failed to gain his charm certificate. The Peruvian people are delightful and like to please, Mr Happy you are an exception.

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Photos

Local dance display
how did I get involved?