Peru: Lake Titicaca

We took a bus from Arequipa to Puno to visit Lake Titicaca.  Other than the lake, I don't think there is any reason to visit Puno.  The most interesting place in the town was a large supermarket which I referred to as Peru's Target.  It had everything - food, electronics, clothing, toys, even car tires.  Anyway, during our one full day in Puno, we set off for the port to visit the Floating Islands of Uros.  After a very very slow twenty minute boat ride we arrived in Islas Uros.  I was expecting one big island, but Uros is actually made up of many different islands, with each island having about four or five families on it.  The floating islands are made from reeds that grow in the lake.  Walking on the reed island feels a bit like walking on a trampeline.  The trip to Uros was very touristy.  The community did not seem very authentic and we doubted whether people really live on those particular islands anymore.  However, it was still interesting to get an idea of how people used to live, and still do on reed islands that are more difficult to reach.

Beautiful Puno

A reed restaurant

Welcome to Uros

Simon on the island

A local family

A reed boat