Peru: Inca Tour: Puno and Uros Islands

The sky was dark and cloudy over Lake Titicaca as we started breakfast on our first morning in Puno. Off in the distance it looked like rain was falling on the lake. By the time we finished our last cup of coffee the sky brightened and patches of blue sky started to appear.

With the weather improving, it as time for a boat ride on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 12,421 feet above sea level.

Uros Islands

The Uros Islands are made and re-made from the totora reeds which provide home, sustenance and transportation for their residents.

The largest of about 40 islands and the main destination is the island of Santa María.

Boy with a chicken and girl peeling a reed to eat.

Children playing on a reed boat.

Street Scenes

The dock area at Puno.

Many three wheeled vehicles on the streets of Puno.

The hotels and buses carried bottled oxygen for tourists ("flatlanders") that had problems with 12,400+ foot elevation. The locals of Puno had no problem with the elevation.

An armored parked at the back near our hotel. People waiting in line at the bank to cash their checks on the first of the month.

The Puno police department, located across the street from the church in the town squire. A cuy (guinea pig) advertizing a VISA card at the local bank.

Cuy

The cuy (guinea pig) plays an important role in the culture of many Indigenous South American groups, especially as a food source. Most restaurants in Puno feature cuy and I had to try it. Not bad. More tender than wild rabbit but not a lot of meat. Mary opted for the alpaca in red wine sauce, which was very good.

Time to return to Lima

After a second night in Puno it's time to return to Lima. As our motor coach winds up the hillside for the airport in Juliaca we stop at an overlook for one last view of Puno and Lake Titicaca. Panoramic view, click to photo to enlarge.