A Day on Lake Titicaca: The Uros Islands and Taquile

Following the Peru Hop route, the most southern stop is the city of Puno at 3800m (12,500 ft) perched on the hill on the edge of Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable body of water in the world and South America's largest lake. Following my plan to reduce altitude sickness as I travelled to Cusco, I had started the pills prescribed by my travel doctor two days earlier and was planning to spend two nights in Puno. The main attraction for me was a tour on Lake Titicaca.

Puno is a regional trade hub in the area, as well as host to many traditional festivals throughout the year. In the middle of July Virgen del Carmen festivals are celebrated in every town. Most of its inhabitants are of Andean origin (both Quechuan and Amayan) and the city has a unique mixture of modernity and Andean traditions. Women in traditional clothing live and work next to their modern versions. Some families are living in traditional settings, while enjoying modern conveniences and media.

As we arrived in the main plaza in Puno, the streets were jammed with people milling about. It turned out that a funeral procession was just leaving the church and people were gathered for a process along the main streets.