Lake Titicaca, Peru

Hello again! We are back on-line after an exciting journey into Southwestern Bolivia. It was a bit tedious, and occasionally uncomfortable getting there, but after all was said and done, it was well worth it. But that story is for another day. Would you like to go to Lake Titicaca with me?

What a magical place it truly is! Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It is languidly stretched out at 12,500 ft, and according to borders and such, Peru and Bolivia each share an equal portion. Her surface is finely rippled, and if you look in just the right location the sun casts diamonds across her surface. Pardoning a few minuscule locations which ferry tourists about, and a few islands, the entire surface area is devoid of anything... no boats, no jet skies, and no sound whatsoever. And the color; OH MY, she is a beautiful, incomparable shade of sapphire blue. The atmosphere is completely clear, and despite the nighttime chill which can be downright freezing, the daytime sun is brilliant and warming. It is no wonder that the native population spans centuries, with visible cultural uniqueness, including a group consensus that the world was born from Titicaca's depths.

Lake Titicaca map

Following the excitement at Machu Picchu, our tight knit group returned by train and bus to Cusco for an evening's rest. The following day included shopping and a 90 minute air flight to the dismal town of Juliaca, Peru. There we were met by Javier, our Titicaca guide, who conveyed us by mini-bus to a rural, authentic home-stay situated within a large peninsula of the lake. We arrived in complete darkness, and our rag tag band picked our way over the lengthy stone path leading towards the guesthouse. The stars provided little light, but with very careful steps we safely made the journey from the rough dirt road we had arrived on, luggage in tow. It would appear that our first sight of Titicaca would need to wait until tomorrow. In the interim we enjoyed our host families warm hospitality and delicious regional food. Our sparse sleeping quarters were not heated, but there were faithfully three woolen blankets on each bed.

Our home-stay dining room

AW, the doggie that lived at the homeYou and I awoke just after sunrise; breakfast was slated for an early hour so that we could begin our days adventure on the water. It was difficult to see you in the small bed, mounded deeply under the blankets with your head poking out wearing a woolen cap for warmth. To give you a few extra moments of slumber, I quietly slithered out of my bed and tiptoed to the rudimentary bathroom window. Titicaca was there, just as spectacular as I had imagined, made even more so by the early morning light. Today we would spend the entire morning paddling her surface in a two person kayak. Our destination was Isla Taquile, a Peruvian Island, where we could enjoy small village shopping, lunch, and the joy of no motor vehicles. The paddling was easy and hypnotic. You and I are a real good team; but you already knew that I'm sure!

The people of Titicaca, and especially Isla Taquile, have a unique appearance, way of dressing, and a prized method of weaving Alpaca, Llama, and Sheep wool. After kayaking all morning, hiking the island, and then eating, it was a relief to have a boat return us to the mainland. On the way we made a quick stop in the fading sunlight to visit the people of the Uros Islands. These islands are man-made from the reeds that grow along portions of Lake Titicaca's shoreline. The reeds are carefully bundled and structured to create a floating island that holds several families. Numerous islands such as these are clustered together, near the shore of the city Puno, and we were enthralled by the demonstrations and sincere kindness of the Uros people. Aren't you glad I remembered to video it all? Hopefully, if the electric stays on, and the internet is available, we will soon have more movies than you can make popcorn for!

Here is a sample of some traditional music we have enjoyed along our travels...