We arrived late in Puno but booked our tour to the islands for the next morning right away. After bringing Tino to the hospital in the morning due to a massive stomach ache and organising the things around it was only Vivian and me to continue.
First stop the flowing islands of the Uros. They still build their self-floating totora-reed islands in the bay of Puno. The totora-reeds develop very thick roots which floats. These are used as a base (about a meter thick) and are covered with freshly cut reed (about two to three meters). IN the rainy season they have to be stacked up every week in the dry season every month. On top of the islands they build their houses. They even have floating schools in the communities.
We were driven to one of the islands where the chief explained the technique and everything to us. Then we were taken on a little boat ride on the traditional boats around the islands and of course offered some of the handcrafted products. A bit touristy but I thought a balanced trade-off for the fact that they still continue to live in the traditional way. Definitely very unique and interesting to see!
The boats are a bit faster than in Bolivia but not much 😂 After another three hours. Our first stop and also place for the night was Amantani. The island almost looks like a small German village – at least from the accuracy of the little pathways, houses and gardens. The style of course again is a bit more Mediterranean. We were welcomed by our host Señora Virgina where we would stay the night. After a vegetarian lunch – most of the people living on the island are vegetarian and live from what they grow on their terraces: potatoes, carrots, quinoa, onions.
And then we happened to be “in town” for the most important fiesta of the entire year: Virgen de la Candelaria honouring the guardian of Puno. The entire island prepares costumes and dances the entire year for this epic festival. It’s a bit like Carnival in Rio. So we marched to the central plaza together and watched the scenery.
The costumes were amazing. And even more amazing – everyone was involved. From very young to very old. Everybody participated in the parade. Either playing in a band or dancing in one of the formations.
We left the festival to climb up to the top of on of the little hills which hosts the temples of Pacha Mama (mother earth) and Patcha Tata (father earth). They are both very important figures in the Andean culture symbolizing the principle of complementarity and harmony. We took it again easy up the hill and even had a little coffee break.
And then we were spectators of an amazing sunset. A thunderstorm in the distance, clouds and more made it again super-espectacular!
And then we were back in the fiesta. There was no end in sight. Now with darkness the fireworks started as well.
Great timing. We really enjoyed it. We left Amantani and said good bye to our host.
A short stop, another hill and a lunch on Taquile and back to Puno. We met up again with Tino who had recovered and was almost back to normal. Next stop Cusco. Another night bus – let’s see what Peru has to offer 😂
