Puno

We're back in Puno after a two-day boat trip on Lake Titicaca, six times the size of Lake Geneva and the highest navigable lake on earth. Our trip took us to three islands: Uros islands, man-made out of reeds, Amantani, where we had our homestay, and Taquile.
Tourism is obviously a mainstay of the island economy, but on balance, I feel it is a good example of sustainable and responsible tourism. Tourist groups are taken to the different villages or communities on a rotation basis, so that, for the homestay on Amantani for example, families host guests every 21/2 months. Supported by the community, families build simple but functional adobe houses, where they also house their guests. Guests are requested not to give tips but maybe consider buying their handicraft, which is often of really high quality. There is always some interaction with your hosts - and due to the fact that you do not get any ensuite toilets, you get to see the most amazing starry night sky with the milky way in clear view😉🌟
Our guide gave us a real insight into the local culture and the unique mix of natural and Christian religion.
The communities offer primary and secondary education, there is always a - rather basic - health care centre - which locals frequent when natural cures and the shamans couldn't help.
Still, adolescents and young adults tend to to live away from their island homes...
The pics show Cantuta, the national flower of Peru (and sacred to the Inkas), our delicious lunch on Amantani with the most awesome view and the sunset seen from Pachatata, the sacred mountain we climbed as a first mini taster of things to come ...Read more