Lake Titicaca and the AltiplanoTiticaca is a massive lake that sits on the high plateau or Altiplano, straddling Bolivia and Peru. It is the highest navigable lake in the world with an average altitude of 4,000 metres. The small town of Puno is a gateway to Titicaca, located on the Peruvian shores of the lake, full of character, with narrow dusty streets and a colourful market. Lake Titicaca is the main attraction, with superb scenery, rarified air, big skies, wonderful sunrises and sunsets and indigenous people with ancient customs. Once the cradle of the most important pre-Hispanic cultures in the Andes; the Tiawanaco, who flourished between 100 to 700 AD, the lake also held an important spiritual place in the Inca realm that arrived later, as the origin of their creation myth. There are a number of fascinating and welcoming islands that are possible to visit from Puno. Taquile Island is the most interesting, as it preserves many customs and laws from Incan times, as well as the Quechua language, traditional dress, colourful festivals and pre-Inca ruins. The floating Uros islands are closer to shore in shallower waters and made from reed which is anchored to the bottom of the lake. Women make textiles and carvings while the men fish and constantly build up the island's reeds. The train ride from Puno to Cuzco is an unforgettable experience that cross's the Altiplano before dropping into Cuzco's fertile valleys, one of the world's great train journeys. TO SEE AND DO ON LAKE TITICACABelow are some of the attractions that Puno and Lake Titicaca have to offer, but any itinerary may be put together depending on your preferences. Sillustani: An ancient Inca burial ground with giant tower tombs and a stunning location sat on a hill surrounded by Lake Umayo. This archaeological Inca site, between Puno and the Juliaca airport, is best known for its 'chullpas' or round burial towers, built of stone with some as high as 12 metres. It is a good place to observe wild guinea pigs (this is also the national dish in Peru and should be tried at least once!) birds and other wild life. Uros: known as the 'floating islands of Uros', a 20 minute boat from Puno, these islands are made up of 'tortora' reeds and provide a livelihood for the people who live there, as they use them to build their homes, boats and their islands. Taquile island: the best known island is a highlight due to its uniqueness. The inhabitants speak Quechua and have managed to preserve their age-old way of life, unchanged since Inca times, as they were independent from Spanish rule. The Taquilenos still wear distinctive black and white outfits covered with a colourful woven sash and they have a strong sense of community which is best observed at festival time. The 7km long island, which is dotted with archaeological ruins, is a peaceful place as it has no vehicles, roads, policemen or dogs! Puno: the town of Puno is also worth wandering around, with its narrow streets and interesting market, it is more of a typical Peruvian town, with rickshaws fruit stalls and local traders.We would suggest an overnight stay on the island of Taquile, due to the 5-hour boat ride from Puno and for the amount the island has to offer in the way of attractions.
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