Titi
Lake Titicaca (there seem to be so many ways to spell this, I’m sticking with this version). Straddling Peru and Bolivia, I’m sure rivalries have been serious in the past. Today though, it seems that the main preoccupation is who has the Titi (titi) and Caca (poo) part.
The lake is famous for it’s floating islands and reed boats. Originally a way to escape Spanish taxes and other colonial tinkering. Now, if it wasn’t for the tourists these islands and way of life would almost certainly not exist anymore. Some might say that the way of life has already gone and what you see is purely for the tourists. Look behind the wonderfully manicured islands and the picture postcard houses on them and you’ll probably find a motor boat rather than a reed boat. How many people actually live on these islands after the tourists go home I have no idea.
We went for a full day trip to the floating islands and Taquile island (you can do half days that only take in the floating islands). This trip from Puno is shamelessly touristy! One look at the harbor will confirm just how popular this trip is with hundreds of boats moored up ready for the morning rush. I think if you go with this in mind, you won’t be disappointed though.
Whatever the reality is, they put on a good show here. Just stepping on the islands is fun, they don’t bob up and down but they’re really springy. We got a little talk about the lake and how the islands and boats are made (out of reeds of course) and then ate some of the reeds. Very nice. Good for the thyroid apparently, so I’ll bare that in mind! We were then shown the inside of one of the houses. I really don’t know if it was used or not. The main thing I wanted to do though was wander and check out the islands. The final part was an optional ride on the reed boat.
The visit to Isla Taquile is probably worth it too just for the views [more]
Tourist spotting over Taquile square
