As you know, we had a day tour of the Uros floating islands and Amantani Island. They have their own language on the floating islands, because they came out here and the Inkas never conquered them. We were told when we get to the island we needed to say “Camiseraki” as a greeting of hello or how are you, and “Waliki” which means hi I’m good thank you. Spelling is not fact checked just how I heard it when they said it.
The islands are on Lake Titicaca, which is 3800 meters, 12400 ish feet, above sea level, with a surface of about 58000 square kilometers. It spans parts of both Bolivia and Peru. Uros is on the Peruvian side. What I gathered from the guide is they fled to the lake when the Inca’s were coming, and someone survived on a floating island of totoras. Eventually, they made more islands and their people grew. Now they have floating schools, hospitals, and all the likes of a community. The islands are five to ten meters deep and have to constantly be rebuilt. The bottom eventually disintegrates in the water so they add more layers from the top. They showed us a demo of it, very interesting process. It’s anchored to the ground so they dont float away. About five or so families live on each island.
There is one day a year for weddings, the Second Sunday in May. Marriage is cool though. They do not believe in divorce, it is forbidden. However, The couple has to live together for three years before they are allowed to get married. They can change couples as many times as they want, but once they are wed that’s it. Seems like a good system. It was a bit strange, coming to the island and interrupting their lives. I know they get something out of it, we do pay for a boat ride on their reed boats and they have souveniers, but it still seemed odd. I felt like we were intruding, even if they were super nice and friendly! I am very grateful they welcomed us onto their island and taught us about their culture.
After that first island tour, we boated over to Amantani. This was where our hostel lady was from, so that was neat to see. A very deserted town from what I saw. They speak Quechua here. They have some temples at the top of the island that are open on holidays. The town square was empty, but they had two little cafes open for a snack or bathroom if needed. Seems to be a place for agriculture. Donkeys and sheep and terraces for quinoa and potatoes, etc. It is known as the Island of Kantuta, named after the national flower of Perú and Bolivia.
A simple lifestyle on the island, but seems super peaceful. 360 degree views of the stunning lake every day can’t be too bad.
On the way back, we stopped for lunch on the Llachon (I think) peninsula and had a tasty fresh caught trout. It was a massive boy. They did not get all the bones out, which became a common thing the more I had fresh trout on this trip. Interesting.
Great day tour, I do recommend giving it a go if you are in Puno. I think they are all a little different too. Different islands are seen by different tour groups.
Madeline Daily 