Lake Titicaca

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The trip to Lake Titicaca was one that I really enjoyed. People that I had met along the way said that it was really touristy, but when I went it was just our tour group on a floating island of reeds! The islands go down for about 2 or 3 metres, but floats on a part of the lake approximately 20m deep - you really want to watch where you step here!

On one of the other islands there was a tourist lodge, a minimart and even a phone booth where you could make local and International phonecalls! There is also a primary school, while older kids end up leaving for Puno or other cities for their higher education... Ok sure this is not the greatest outcome, but the fact is this is the only way the locals can make a living - from tourism. Some sources say they moved out from the mainland to escape conflict from the Inkas, our guide said it is possible that they didn't want to work for them. Our guide was excellent, a wealth of information and a bundle of energy.

Next stop was Isla Amantani, where we stayed the night. It was like time forgot to pass through... simply magic.... (I imagined this is what a remote mediterannean island would be like). Everything was tiny, the streets, the houses, the doorways (ouch). We were put up with a local family and then went on a hike to the Pachatata (Father Earth) pre-Inka ruins. So beautiful.... We went all the way up to the Temple of the Sun where rituals were held. There was certainly an air of spirituality about the place - real or induced I am not sure! But we watched the sun set over Lake Titicaca, amazed that what looked like an ocean was actually only the Peruvian side of the lake! Crazy...

Later that night we got dressed in traditional costumes for a night of dancing!

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Photos

Arriving at Isla Flotantes
Being greeted by the locals

With one of the locals in front of her house
It even had a TV...!

Pachatata (Father Earth)
Walking up towards the Temple of the Sun at 4200m above sea level

Pachatata
Despite the dozens of people tramping through, this place had a quiet, spiritual air about it. In the olden days, Pachatata and Pachamama (Mother Earth) were used as places for ceremonial offerings

Dressed up in traditional clothes!
With my 'host mum'

With the rest of our tour group
Love the skirt and hiking boots look...!

Artesania
This is mainly how the locals survive, by creating handicrafts and weavings

ONLY the men are allowed to knit
The women weave and dye the wool