El lago Titicaca y los Uros

Los Uros
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As you head south toward Bolivia and at an altitude of 3,822 m. by the shores of ​Lake Titicaca and the Peruvian Altiplano, you will come across the port city of Puno best known by the floating islands of the Uros.

While in Puno, you will see that both the Aymara and Quechua cultures blend in well with the rest of modern society; and that this is notably recognizable by coming across women wearing their traditional clothing everywhere.

Once you have acclimatized, put on some sunscreen and head to the port to take a boat tour to the floating villages/islands of the Uros. These ​floating islands on Lake Titicaca became the permanent home of the Uros as they tried to escape from hostile attacks from neighboring enemy tribe and even during the time of the Incas.

Over 60 floating villages/islands (ranging in different sizes) have been built by using reeds (a strong aquatic plant) which in the Quechua language is called ‘Totora’. These temporary islands float atop the water surface and are anchored to the lakebed. It's interesting to note that new layers of reed need to be laid every 2 weeks to maintain the islands floating and resistant to the tides which at times washes over their houses.

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Go on a boat ride!

Once on the floating islands, you are able to make proper arrangements to pay the local captain to be taken on a boat ride around the islands on a boat also made of totora. ​Enjoy the island hopping experience!

It is also worth noting that nowadays you can also make arrangements to:

• Send a postcard from the only floating post office in the world located on the island named Qananpacha.
• At this same island, you can also stay overnight at a well-equipped hospedaje. For more info click here.

​Note that tour operators will most likely not take you to this particular island, so do inquire before heading out into the floating islands!

The ... ¡Hasta pronto! ... committee will sing farewell to you and will also say: See you in Bolivia!

While on the lake, head out to Isla Taquile

Once your tour ends at the floating islands, your next destination is this island which is almost 2 hrs away, each way. 
Tourism here is tightly controlled by the committee of elders as to maintain it's true identity and culture. Once in the town, you can find several shops with handicrafts, cafes and textile shops for great souvenirs. 

As you make your way through the island on foot walking on some really steep staircases, make sure you make your way to the highest point (el mirador) on the island as to be witness to some great views of the lake and over the town itself. 
It is said that at the top, there is a temple in which sacrifices are made to Pachamama. I did't find it but if you do please share your comments and thoughts!

N.B. You will walk from one side of the island to the other as the boat will drop you off on one side and will be waiting for you on the there side, so as to give you ample time to peruse and walk through this island.