From Arequipa to Puno it was only an eight hour bus trip. As soon as we got off the bus we could feel the altitude. Puno is 3800 m above sea level and breathing is a little difficult. Walking slowly is strongly recommended. A cup of coca tea helps as well. But even sleeping wasn't easy without getting enough air. Luckily we got used to the altitude after a few days. Puno is located right at Lake Titicaca and although it is not a very beautiful city, it still has a special atmosphere. Besides the main tourist road, it doesn't feel very touristy.
We got there at the day of elections but luckily there were no demonstrations or protests.
We walked through town, the market and to the lake. At the harbor there
were boats leaving to tours around the Islas flotante (floating islands) and we spontaneously decided to join one of these tours. First we stopped at a small island where six families live in small, traditional houses. Almost everything (islands, houses and boats) is made from reed.
It was very interesting to see these islands and learn about the construction of them. The islands are made of blocks of reed that is growing in the lake. Reeds at the bottom of the floating reed blocks rot quickly and new reed is added to the top. Walking on this island was exciting as well because each steps sinks in a little into the reed. The houses are tiny huts that only contain a bed (made of reed). Life on the islands is very basic and many families nowadays live from tourism by showing their houses and selling artwork.
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"It is not a very beautiful city". Haha, very diplomatic :-)
ReplyDeleteCheers, Micha