sailing the waters of lake titicaca

After breakfast, we will board the boat heading toward Ticonata, an idyllic and off-the-beaten-path island located just off the coast of Capachica Peninsula. Before reaching Ticonata, we will board a canoe and sail boats to paddle the last stretch of calm waters leading up to the island. You will be able to choose from among the different water conveyances. In the afternoon, we will visit a small museum and learn about the Tiahuanaco culture, dating from 200CE, whose artifacts and mummified remains were found on this island. This culture pre-dated the Incas by over 2500 years and is known as the “mother culture” of South America. The Tiahuanaco people mysteriously disappeared without a trace around 1000CE. After visiting the museum, we will hike to the upper part of the island to gaze at the spectacular sunset over Lake Titicaca.

After breakfast including a view of our serene surroundings, we will traverse a short stretch of water, just over 7 km., to reach the island of Amantani, the highest point in the entire lake. The Amantani islanders, numbering about 800 families, live in adobe homes and are known for their traditional textiles and ceramics. They practice agricultural terracing of potatoes, quinoa, wheat, and a variety of vegetables; engage in fishing from the lake; and raise sheep for their wool and meat. They have a synergistic relationship with the lake and its environs dating back centuries, and work to preserve their ancient traditions in the face of modern life. We will climb to the highest point of the island, the Pachatata Temple, from where we’ll achieve a panoramic view of the entire lake. Then, we’ll enjoy an authentic family-style lunch in one of the community member’s homes. In the afternoon, we’ll return to our camp by rowing and sailing downwind, a rapid and exhilarating lake experience. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious camp barbeque.

We’ll begin the day early, paddling around the camp, noting the beautiful beaches, islets, and formations that comprise the natural landscape of the island. After breakfast, we head back to the tiny Uros island of Titino. What is noteworthy about this less-visited island is that its inhabitants have chosen a lifestyle somewhat distant from that of the other 110 floating islands near Puno, thereby avoiding mass tourism and maintaining a more authentic lifestyle. We will learn about how the islands’ structure is maintained by adding and replacing totora reed material which is the foundation of these “movable” islands, and we will hear tales about how the floating islands came to exist. We will enjoy lunch among the amicable islanders before embarking on the last part of our journey to the city of Puno.