Puno on Lake Titicaca, An Unplanned Adventure

A June 2005 trip to Puno by akakd

Hotel Libertador on Lake Titicaca Photo - Libertador Hotel Puno,

Quote: Planning to see Lake Titicaca from the Bolivian side, we were caught by surprise when The State Department issued a travel warning against travel to Bolivia. We substituted Puno to be able to see Lake Titicaca from the Peruvian side. We're glad we did.

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Taquile Island

Attraction | "Puno on Lake Titicaca, An Unplanned Adventure"

Quote:

We spent an entire day exploring the Uros Islands and Taquile Island (Island of the Weavers) on Lake Titicaca. Our guide for the day was Bruno from Puno.${QuickSuggestions} If you go to Taquile, be prepared to hike. Wear good walking shoes, put on sunscreen, wear a hat, and take water. The first 45 minutes are a tough uphill climb. Leave your jacket on the boat. Even in their winter, we were warm on Taquile, after freezing on the boat.${BestWay} Boating on Lake Titicaca is the best.

Taquile Island
Lake Tititcaca
Puno, Peru

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Libertador Hotel Puno

Hotel | "Libertador"

Quote:

Arriving tired and a bit cranky after a 9.5-hour bus ride, we were welcomed by a trainee named Carmen, who was sweet, patient, and very helpful. Libertador's motto is "only one boss, our guest." Rooms at the Libertador are large, with panoramic views of Lake Titicaca. There is a nice restaurant, bar, boutique, and a large area with a fireplace to relax in. Live Andean music was provided in the evenings. Breakfast was included. By far the best part of the hotel was the panoramic views of sunset over Lake Titicaca.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on July 13, 2005

Libertador Hotel Puno
Isla Esteves S N
Puno, Peru
51 51367780

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Uros Floating Islands (Islas Flotantes)

Attraction | "Uros Floating Islands"

Quote:

Reeds are a way of life for the Uros people. Not only are their floating islands made of reeds, but so are their homes, boats, watchtowers, etc. They even eat reeds. We tried a bite, but found them rather tasteless. Stepping onto one of these islands made of reeds takes some getting used to. The islands are squishy and flexible--no solid ground here! One time I stepped on the edge, my foot sank way down in. It was a funny feeling for someone used to walking on solid ground. Some of their boats are very intricate double-deckers with elaborate faces on the front. The islanders make and sell miniature versions as souvenirs. The Uros still use bartering as their main way of trading. Though n...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 13, 2005

Uros Floating Islands (Islas Flotantes)
Lake Titicaca
Puno, Peru

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Taquile Island

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction

Isla Taquile, Island of the Weavers Photo - Taquile Island,

Quote:

Go to Taquille, Island of the Weavers, and you come away realizing how easy our lives are. If you think a backpack is heavy, just look at the loads these islanders carry on their backs up and down steep hills. There are no grocery stores here. Everything on the island has to be carried in. Since we substituted this boat trip for one in Bolivia, we didn't know what we were getting into. Little did we know that we would be hiking Taquille up one side and down the other. The first part was 45 minutes uphill. It doesn't sound too terribly hard until you add in the altitude factor. It's all worth it to meet the people and see the stunning views. It eventually levels off when you come to the main...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on July 13, 2005

Taquile Island
Lake Tititcaca
Puno, Peru

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Roadblock

Story/Tip

Quote:

We were told it would be safe to go to Puno, as long as we got out before the weekend, when demonstrations tended to heat up. Difficulties in Bolivia had spilled over the border into Peru, with Puno being a site for many demonstrations. We left Puno on a Thursday and headed for the airport in Juliaca on the only highway between the two towns. Enroute, we were met with a roadblock by angry students. They were stoning any vehicle that passed. Luckily our driver was observant. He turned off quickly onto a dirt road and diverted us through small villages and down narrow lanes to Juliaca. We made our flight with time to spare.