Puno, Peru


La Paz, Bolivia >> << Inca Trail and Macchu Picchu
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Puno, Lake Titicaca, Taquile & Amantani Islands and floating islands1

Matthew - Sun 23 December 13.00
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I've been in Puno for a couple of days now, a city right by the mahusive Lake Titicaca with a very Peruvian feel to it (think crowded, run down, cheap and vehicularly suicidal, but in a good way). Fantastic chicken and chips though, a 1/4 of a Peruvian chicken which is about the same as a Nandos half chicken, huge plate of chips and a salad for 6 Soles (1 quid). I digress...

Yesterday we took a boat to the two islands on the lake, Taquile and Amantani. Not before a hugely enjoyable rickshaw ride to the port however. 24 gringos, 12 rickshaws, several near collisions and a 3 legged dog. Priceless.

Taquile island has the descendants of a mainly pre-Inca society still living there, sticking to their old customs to the best of their abilities despite the rising influx of tourism to the island. Boatloads of locals were arriving while we were there with crates of beer and food, obviously getting ready for Christmas Eve on the island.

A very rough boat ride later we arrived at Amantani Island where we spent the night with local families. Our 'mother' lived with her husband and 10 year old son running a shop with beautiful views of the island and the lake. Facilities were fairly basic but impressively clean and comfortable. Altitude is still an issue here, the lake is at 3850 metres which didn't help during our football match against the local team. We were 5-1 up at one point but ended up losing a very close 6-7 once the lack of oxygen started to affect our ability to run. Brilliant fun though, our forfeit was two bottles of Coke. P.S. Pisco and hot chocolate a thoroughly recommended combination.

After a carbo loaded but delicious meal of rice and potatoes we were dressed up in local attire and joined in with some dancing at the 'Inca-tec'. Luckily the moves were fairly straightforward so we were able to keep up admirably.

Following a very comfortable night's sleep and a far more tranquil ride back to Puno in the sunshine, we stopped by the floating islands. During the Inca invasion some of the people living by Lake Titicaca chose to escape on reed boats which they lashed together and lived on. Over time they learned to build whole islands made of reeds, which are still lived on today. Slightly squishy underfoot but generally solid, the majority of buildings on the islands were also made of reeds and seemed quite comfortable, some of the houses even having a TV.

Finally back to Puno for a well earned night off, some of the party are leaving tonight so we have a goodbye meal and probably a drinky or two. Christmas Eve tomorrow I can't believe it, so looking forward to finally seeing Bolivia!
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Mon 24 December - Nick said delete
Merry Christmas Matt
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