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Puno is located on the shore of Lago Titicaca.......we didn´t make the name up! Lake Titicaca is the highest navigible lake in the world, the largest in South America. We used Puno as our base to explore the islands of the lake.
We decided on a tour which included several island hopping visitations aswell as explanation of cultures and languages. Lake titicaca is known for its artificial reed islands, constructed by the Uros culture. A very clever method of using surrounding materials, producing boats, islands, houses......everything!
The islands are wonderfully active with a host of houses and numerous families living their day to day lives there. We were expecting quite poor conditions which was completely contrary to our experience. These islands are well equiped with satelites, tvs, schools and a range of other priviledges. Our guide mentioned that these communities have a better quality life than those living on the mainland as tourism is the main contributing means of livelihood. These islands are infamous, bringing hords of tourists, incentives of pureblooded locals extending back to before the spanish rule, dependant living on harvest fishing and customs also dating back to many a century before.
After exploring the community we quickly agreed to a reed boat ride, women in their 50s were rowing with immense strength which their slight frames deceptively embraced. We were greeted at other islands with great enthusiasm who produce local artesanal items, marketed for tourism, making use of surrounding reeds and textiles.
We encountered local communities displaying traditional dress. It was explained that the colour of the clothes of these locals involved their class, gender and even emotional status upon that day! Very interesting and eye opening.
We were greeted by a local artist during lunch, singing melodically the songs of his ancestors, accompanied by pan pipes, flute and guitar.....inspiring.
A truly cultural experience which educated us upon the lives of the Lake Titicaca residents.
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