| When you see Lake Titicaca you can be forgiven for | | | | trip to Taquile and Amantani - two of the 'real' islands |
| thinking someone has stuck a medium-size sea right in | | | | further out in the lake is perhaps a better idea! Both |
| the middle of the Andes! It is massive, covering | | | | islands are absolutely beautiful and have a rich heritage |
| 8,000km² and is the highest navigable lake in the | | | | of both Inca and pre-Inca ruins, and both have a |
| world, forming most of Peru's border with Bolivia. Many | | | | famous tradition of handwoven textiles. For the more |
| people fit a visit to Lake Titicaca into their Peru | | | | adventurous, it is also possible to stay overnight on |
| holidays and it's definitely a location you should | | | | either of these islands with a local family and sample |
| consider trying to visit on your holiday in Peru | | | | some real Andean hospitality as part of your holiday in |
| It is an incredibly tranquil place, and is home to some of | | | | Peru. |
| the most ancient of the Peruvian peoples. Many speak | | | | The main town on the lake is Puno and this is most |
| Quechua (the language of the Incas) as a first | | | | people's base when visiting Lake Titicaca during their |
| language and maintain a very traditional way of life. | | | | Peru holidays. It is a centre for traditional music and is a |
| The lake itself played a prominent part in Inca creation | | | | great place to buy llama and alpaca gear - much |
| myths and there are many items of historical interest | | | | cheaper than in Cuzco or Lima! There is a large daily |
| both in and around the lake! | | | | market in Puno and you can find it just by walking |
| The Uros are floating islands made entirely out of the | | | | towards the lake from the town itself, along Avenida |
| reeds which go all round the lake. The largest have | | | | Los Incas. If you are arriving by train from Cusco, the |
| several hundred people living on them and one great | | | | very last stage of the journey actually goes through it! |
| thing to do on your holiday in Peru is to take a boat trip | | | | There is also a great vantage point behind the town |
| out to visit some of the smaller islands. The trip out to | | | | which you reach by following a path symbolising the |
| these remarkable homes amid the tranquility of the | | | | stations of the cross. The views across the town and |
| lake is definitely something to remember! | | | | out over the lake are well worth the walk! |
| Of course, if you don't fancy trusting to reeds, then a | | | | |