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