Peru part 1, the Indigenous peoples of Lake Titikaka

We entered Tacna, Peru from Chile without incident. At first it looked like the transportation strike we had heard about was still in effect, but after waiting and searching for alternative route northward we found a ride to Puno on Lake Titikaka.


It was our worst bus ride to date with many checkpoints and rain leaking in throughout the night. Upon arrival in Puno (3,890 meters) the next morning, Amani and I were feeling the effects of the altitude pretty accutely; cerebral pressure, nausea and exhaustion.
After a day or two of rest we were feeling better and embarked on a day tour of Lake Titikaka. First we headed to the Uros (floating reed islands) where we met the local poeple living more or less as their ancestors had, building there islands, boats, and houses all from the reeds that grew in the lake. The women where dressed very colorfully making everything by hand and the men built large canoes that could hold 25 people, and were responsible for the fishing and hunting.






Next we visited a traditional dirt and rock island called Tequile. It was a three hour boat ride but already we found the locals spoke a different language, Quechua. They also lived very traditional lives (except for the tourism) with terraced fertile land dating from Incan times.


We ate a trout lunch and enjoyed a traditional dance by our hosts, and then hiked to the other side of the island.





As our boat approached the mainland again we headed right into a strong thunderstorm. A storm that later we would realize had devastating effects for many people in Peru.

-- Expanding Experience through every Step...

Location:Cusco, Peru