Titicaca is a place shrouded in mysticism. Even the origins of its name are somewhat obscure. According to Andean folklore, it’s the birthplace of the sun and it certainly seems believable when you are standing beneath its brilliant blue sky on the shores of the world’s highest navigable lake, as it stretches infinitely between Peru and Bolivia.
Venture into this surreal altiplano and you will find minute communities of indigenous folk who continue to lead a way of life far removed from urban culture. Against the backdrop of the Andes, you will find local women working the fields by hand in gathered skirts, petticoats and bowler hats. The main town of Puno is Peru’s folklore capital and during the festive season the town erupts into riotous party fervor for days on end.
Several towns and villages dot the shores of Lake Titicaca, but even more unique are its island inhabitants and occupants – including the ancient steamship Yavari.
Originally built in Birmingham, the Yavari made an arduous journey across the ocean to Arica (which lies in today’s Chile) from where it took a train journey to Tacna and was ultimately hauled by mules to Puno! Today the steamship has been converted into a historic museum and does a token ride across Lake Titicaca at certain times of the year.
The Uros of Titicaca are one of its top attractions – these islands are made by the Uros people out of the local reed or tortora. For the Uros the reed is everything – they eat it, make boats out of it, build homes and continuously reinforce the spongy island mass with it.
East of Puno, Isla Taquile is a tiny island with a miniscule population of 2200 people. Its vivid colors and natural beauty is made up of deep red soil, azure waters and the snowy caps of the Cordillera Real on the far side of the lake. This tiny community are Quechua speakers and retain their customs and traditions. Men wear woven woolly hats – red means they’re married, red and white means they’re single, and other colors indicate social rank. The women here are festively dressed with exquisitely embroidered blouses and layered skirts. Taquile is also known for its incredible handicraft tradition. Here you will find one of a kind local crafts that have been hand-made by members of the community.
As you continue north along the waters of Titicaca from Taquile, you find yourself at Isla Amantani. Home to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachatata (Father Earth) peaks, Amantani is a remote and rural island which is serenely quiet and pretty.
For those more oriented towards a high degree of comfort in authentic surroundings the privately owned Casa Andina at Isla Suasi is a great place to base oneself to explore Titcaca and the islands in the lake. Vaulted ceilings, fire-places, beautiful grounds where vicuna run wild, make this an ideal getaway.
Alternatively, stay on shore at the Nuevo-Andina styled Titilaka. Folk art lends colorful touches to a spacious setting with soft tones and large picture windows that let in the scenery. Walk, kayak, canoe or simply relax when you’re not exploring the surrounding countryside.
Several small towns and villages dot the shores of Lake Titicaca, offering stunning views, a pastoral vibe, and some pre-Incan relics. The Lake Titicaca region gives us a first-hand view of an ancient way of Peruvian living that has remained impervious to time.
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