PUNO, TITICACA & SILLUSTANI: JOURNEY TO THE ROOTS OF THE ANDES

After bidding farewell to Cusco, we embarked on a scenic bus journey to Puno ($35), a city perched at 12,556 feet above sea level on the shores of Lake Titicaca – the world’s highest navigable lake. Puno, known as Peru’s “folkloric capital,” surprised us with its authenticity and vibrant culture. For just $3 per person, we found lodging with breathtaking views of the sacred Inca lake.

Puno cityscape with Lake Titicaca
Puno

Uros Floating Islands: Living Museum or Authentic Culture?

At dawn, we set out by boat to visit the world’s most unusual islands – Uros ($6 tour). These artificial islands, built entirely from totora reeds, were created centuries ago by the Uros people escaping Inca rule. Today about 1,200 residents maintain this unique tradition. Fascinating fact: New reed layers must be added every 15-20 days, with each island lasting about 30 years.

During our visit, we sampled edible parts of the reeds (tasting like young corn) and rode in a traditional totora boat. Despite tourist crowds, the islands retain magical authenticity – especially when local women in colorful skirts share stories of daily life.

Uros floating islands made of reeds
The remarkable floating islands of Uros

Taquile: Island of Weavers and Timeless Traditions

Our next stop was Taquile, where time seems suspended. The island’s 2,500 residents maintain pre-Columbian traditions, including a unique social system – there’s no police, with all decisions made collectively during weekly meetings. Men wear distinctive hats whose colors and patterns indicate marital status and social position.

At a local eatery, we sampled trucha (lake trout) with quinoa while watching men gathered in the main square… knitting! Taquile produces Peru’s finest textiles, recognized by UNESCO.

Taquile Island weavers at work
Ollantaytamba

Sillustani: Towers of Silence

The final chapter of our adventure brought us to Sillustani’s mysterious chullpas – cylindrical burial towers from the Kolla culture (12th-15th century), standing at 13,123 feet overlooking Lake Umayo. These impressive structures (some reaching 40 feet tall) served as tombs for aristocracy. Most intriguing was the fetal burial position, reflecting beliefs about rebirth.

As sunset painted the stone towers golden and wild flamingos appeared on the lake, we felt the true magic of this place – a perfect finale to our journey through Andean history and culture.