Lago Titicaca

I returned early yesterday morning from an amazing weekend in Puno and Lake Titicaca. The adventure started Friday night with a 6.5 hour overnight bus ride from Cusco to Puno. Saturday morning we boarded a boat and visited Los Uros, a group of man-made floating islands. They are made out of reed-type plants, and were originally constructed as a means of defense. Some families still live on the islands, and we were able to get a tour and see their houses, which was very interesting- shocking to think that people still live so simply.

From Los Uros, we took a 3-hour boat ride to the largest natural island on the lake, Amantani. The island has a population of about 4,000 and is divided into 10 different communities (each with its own President). There are no streets, no cars, no electricity, and only some places with running water. There are also no hotels or hostels on the island, so tourists stay with local families. When we arrived on the island, we were split into 2 groups of 3 and taken to 2 different homestays. The family I stayed with was very nice and welcoming - a couple with a 10 year old son and 5 month old daughter. We arrived to a traditional lunch of island-grown vegatables, rice, and fried cheese. Meat is rarely ate on the island, and the diet consists of the grains and vegetables grown on the island and occasionally lake trout. Tea is also served after every meal with freshly picked herbs in place of tea bags. I am not a tea person, but enjoyed their Muna tea (tasted a bit like mint).

In the afternoon, we hiked up the biggest hill/mountain on the island, called Pachatata (Father Earth). It was a beautiful hike and the views of the lake and surrounding mountains were breathtaking. Plus, I scored a good deal on a handmade Alpaca sweater from a woman at the top of the hill - only 30 soles (about $11). After the hike, we returned to our houses for dinner and to get ready for the fiesta! Our family gave us traditional clothing to wear and took us up the hill to a party where we learned traditional dances. It was fun, and I enjoyed twirling around in my big skirt!

The next morning we took the boat to another natural island called Taquile. We went on a another short hike, and stopped to eat a traditional lunch of lake trout with rice and potatoes. We then returned to the city of Puno, where we got on our bus back to Cusco. It was truly an amazing weekend. The generosity of the family was very touching, and seeing such a simple way of life was eye-opening. It is definitely a place I want to return to someday!

This week, I am back to my normal routine of Spanish and volunteering. Friday, we are having a birthday party for all the kids who had birthdays within the past 3 months - so that is sure to be fun and super cute. I promise to take pictures!