Like Titicaca Adventure

We set off on our Lake Titicaca adventure, and climbed aboard Boat Inka. 

Boat Inka - The one with the green roof is our boat! 

Uros floating islands was our first stop. We were greeted by the locals upon arrival, and enjoyed learning about the history and engineering behind the islands existence.  When the Spanish arrived to Puno, the native people escaped the land to floating reeds for protection. They constructed these islands and large romantic boats out of totora reeds. We were able to ride in one of the boats and get another passport stamp. 

 Peeled Totora Reed is edible   

The long Totora Reed with Totora House and Uru People

A local collecting Totora Reed

Inside a Home

Aboard a Reed Boat

Local Uru Women

Romantic Boat with Puma Heads (Titicaca means Grey Puma)

Keith claiming a home

We then set off on a 3 hour boat ride to Amantani island. When we arrived we were welcomed by our host family, Artimio and Marisol. They showed us our accommodations and fed us a lovely lunch. We enjoyed looking through Marisols handicrafts. I purchased an awesome llama ornament from her.  We decided to walk off our lunch and hike up to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachatata (Father Earth). Custom has it to walk around each site counterclockwise and make a wish or three, never two. You can't stay on Antamani island without attending a fiesta. After dinner Marisol and Artimio dressed us in some traditional outfits for the occasion. We had a wonderful time!

Catching some high altitude sun rays on the roof of the boat

We were impressed by the Kitchen

Our room

A local Restaurant 

How do we look?!

Scott is ready to Party! 

Top of Pachatata

Plaza

Sleepy Keith

We said goodbye to our hosts, boarded Boat Inka and headed to Taquile Island. There we did a little hiking, yes I know we hike every day, and learned a little about the culture. We watched a demonstration on how soap was made, and learned about the differences in attire worn amongst individuals. The single men wear a red and white cap adjusted to the right. If he has a girlfriend it is turned to the left. Once married a man will wear a red cap and a Coca sack, resembles a purse, on his hip. I told Keith he could switch out his ring for a purse. Ha. The women wear Pom Pom balls in their hair. If they are single they are large, if married they are small. I figure If scrunchies found a place in the 80's, these Pom Pom balls could catch on in the US any day. 

A goodbye picture with Artimio

Scott at the peak of the hike

A married man (red hat) making soap

Keith couldn't get enough soup

Trout on a fish plate! 

We had a wonderful time on the islands of Lake Titicaca. Unfortunately all vacations must come to an end. We made the 3 hour boat trip back to Puno where we spent our last night in Peru. Homeward bound tonight.  We will all be returning to the USA a different people than we left it. It's impossible to experience all we did and not be changed. Thank you to our hosts and guides for making this such a memorable and heart changing trip.

Goodbye Lake Titicaca

Thanks for reading, 

JenniferMarie

I'll be writing about our 4 days on the Inca trail when I get home. Keep a look out!