Lake Titicaca, resting 3812 meters above sea level in the Altiplano basin, is the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake is shared between Peru and Bolivia, and Puno is the access point for the Peruvian side of the lake.
Puno can be easily reached by bus or flight from Lima or Cusco.
Lake Titicaca Tours – Uros, Taquile, and Amantani Islands
There are a variety of tours to the Peruvian islands on Lake Titicaca, which can be booked through a travel agent in Puno or down at the boat dock. Tours primarily go to the Uros Islands, Taquile Island, Amantani Island, or a combination of the three. Perhaps the best option is the two-day tour to all three islands, including an overnight stay with a family on Amantani Island.
Those with time to visit only one of these should not miss the floating reed islands of Uros. These forty or so small islands, man-made by the Aymara people for hundreds of years, cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
Making of the Uros Floating Reed Islands
The Uros Islands are constructed from the naturally floating reeds, called tortora, indigenous to that section of Lake Titicaca. The Aymara people take large chunks of the roots and bind them together using tree trunks and rope. Then they secure the floating mass to nearby reeds in more shallow water. Once the chunks of roots fuse together, they cover the whole thing with many layers of reeds, and voila... an island is made! The whole process takes about six months, and the islands last for many years.
The Aymara People of the Uros Islands
Each island houses between three and ten families. The people that live on the islands have a peaceful and simple lifestyle. They eat local birds, fish, and guinea pigs. They use the reeds for cooking and medicine, as well to build their homes and boats. The women make weavings, many of which depict their daily life.
The Aymara are welcoming to tourists that visit. They are happy to show off their home, their clothes, and their way of life. They often sing a song for visitors and sometimes offer a small gift. They also show off their textiles, which are available for purchase.
Taquile Island
This island is located further out on Lake Titicaca and is not made of reeds. The Quechua people that live here are also very friendly, and have a collective community much like those of the Aymara people.
Tourists who visit the island will have opportunities to witness local dances, try local foods, or perhaps witness how soap is made from a local plant to clean the wool for weaving. Weaving is a primary practice for these people... women, men, and children all weave. This island was recognized by UNESCO in 2005 for it's textiles.
Author Paul Linus
Puno can be easily reached by bus or flight from Lima or Cusco.
Lake Titicaca Tours – Uros, Taquile, and Amantani Islands
There are a variety of tours to the Peruvian islands on Lake Titicaca, which can be booked through a travel agent in Puno or down at the boat dock. Tours primarily go to the Uros Islands, Taquile Island, Amantani Island, or a combination of the three. Perhaps the best option is the two-day tour to all three islands, including an overnight stay with a family on Amantani Island.
Those with time to visit only one of these should not miss the floating reed islands of Uros. These forty or so small islands, man-made by the Aymara people for hundreds of years, cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.
Making of the Uros Floating Reed Islands
The Uros Islands are constructed from the naturally floating reeds, called tortora, indigenous to that section of Lake Titicaca. The Aymara people take large chunks of the roots and bind them together using tree trunks and rope. Then they secure the floating mass to nearby reeds in more shallow water. Once the chunks of roots fuse together, they cover the whole thing with many layers of reeds, and voila... an island is made! The whole process takes about six months, and the islands last for many years.
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The Aymara People of the Uros Islands
Each island houses between three and ten families. The people that live on the islands have a peaceful and simple lifestyle. They eat local birds, fish, and guinea pigs. They use the reeds for cooking and medicine, as well to build their homes and boats. The women make weavings, many of which depict their daily life.
The Aymara are welcoming to tourists that visit. They are happy to show off their home, their clothes, and their way of life. They often sing a song for visitors and sometimes offer a small gift. They also show off their textiles, which are available for purchase.
Taquile Island
This island is located further out on Lake Titicaca and is not made of reeds. The Quechua people that live here are also very friendly, and have a collective community much like those of the Aymara people.
Tourists who visit the island will have opportunities to witness local dances, try local foods, or perhaps witness how soap is made from a local plant to clean the wool for weaving. Weaving is a primary practice for these people... women, men, and children all weave. This island was recognized by UNESCO in 2005 for it's textiles.
Author Paul Linus
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