Uros and Taquile
Daily excursion from Puno
Full day
Travel to Taquile island via the Uros indians’ reed islands closer to the shore. (Once fishermen living a perilous life on island homes woven from the ubiquitous reeds, the Uros islanders now make a living mostly from tourism).
Taquile is a beautiful little island of rocky cliffs and gently rolling hills, three hours from Puno, home to some 1500 Quechua-speaking indians.
There is much to admire in their communal way of life, intricate weavings and ancient stone pathways, they continue to knit and weave the traditional garments which they proudly wear, and there are no cars or roads allowed.
The inhabitants guard their traditions and customs very protectively and these have changed little in 500 years; there are no creature comforts whatsoever, but the place has a magical and captivatingly serene atmosphere.
This excursion can be done with an overnight in Taquile, allowing more time to appreciate the inhabitants’ unique lifestyle.
Please note that boats used to reach Taquile are of questionable seaworthiness.
Chullpas - Sillustani Stone Towers
Daily from Puno, Half day
Drive to pre-Inca chullpas, tomb towers of the Hatum Colla chieftains, on the windswept plains at the shore of mystical Lake Umayo, high above Lake Titicaca, with spectacular views of the Cordillera Real in the distance. Can be done on the way to/from Juliaca at extra cost. |