What we do: Leaving the port in the town of Puno, a short boat journey takes us to the lake community of the Uros, well known for building their homes floating islands made from reeds.  For centuries, the Uros islands were located up to 14km (9-miles) offshore, but in 1986, after a major storm devastated the islands, many Uros islanders decided to rebuild closer to the shoreline. As of 2011, about 1,200 Uros indians have lived on an archipelago of 60 artificial islands, clustering in the western corner of the lake near Puno. The islanders traditionally earn a living by fishing, hunting and harvesting reeds, although in recent years, the income from tourism has provided an additional livelihood. After exploring some of the islands, we continue to the Llachon peninsula. We visit this quechua community of 1300 inhabitants., who rely mostly on agricultrue and fishing. We can have lunch with a local family and hike to the lookout point at the top of the peninsula for an unforgetable view over the lake.

What to bring: You need to where comfortable walking shoes in which you will be confident for getting on/off boats, also for exploring the islands. A sun hat and sunblock are essential. You will also need a jacket as it can be cold early in the morning although rain showers are more common between November and March. You should also be prepared to drink plenty of water.

What we do: Leaving the port in the town of Puno, a short boat journey takes us to the lake community of the Uros, well known for building their homes floating islands made from reeds.  For centuries, the Uros islands were located up to 14km (9-miles) offshore, but in 1986, after a major storm devastated the islands, many Uros islanders decided to rebuild closer to the shoreline. As of 2011, about 1,200 Uros indians have lived on an archipelago of 60 artificial islands, clustering in the western corner of the lake near Puno. The islanders traditionally earn a living by fishing, hunting and harvesting reeds, although in recent years, the income from tourism has provided an additional livelihood.  After visiting the Uros, we are back on the boat to continue to Taquile Island, located in the main body of the lake. Upon arrival, we climb to the village loctaed near the peak of the island. Their economy is driven fishing and terraced farming horticulture mostly of potatoes. But they are perhaps best known for their skills in traditional textile making, which are regarded as among the highest-quality handicrafts in Peru. Women spin wool and use vegetables and minerals to dye the wool to be used by the community. Knitting is exclusively performed by men of the community, beginning in early boyhood. In the community shop, you can buy great examples of their work, including hats, ponchos and rugs. After a traditional lunch we return to the boat for the journey back to Puno.

What to bring: A sun hat and sunblock are essential considering the strong sun at this high altitude. You will also need a jacket as it can be cold early in the morning and wind can often start in the afternoon. Rain showers are more common between November and March.You need to where comfortable walking shoes in which you will be confident for getting on/off boats, also for exploring the islands. you also need to be prepared to drink plenty of water and bring some money in local currency for the community shops. You should also be prepared to drink plenty of water.

What we do: Leaving the port in the town of Puno, a short boat journey takes us to the lake community of the Uros, well known for building their homes floating islands made from reeds.  For centuries, the Uros islands were located up to 14km (9-miles) offshore, but in 1986, after a major storm devastated the islands, many Uros islanders decided to rebuild closer to the shoreline. As of 2011, about 1,200 Uros indians have lived on an archipelago of 60 artificial islands, clustering in the western corner of the lake near Puno. The islanders traditionally earn a living by fishing, hunting and harvesting reeds, although in recent years, the income from tourism has provided an additional livelihood. 

What to bring: You need to where comfortable walking shoes in which you will be confident for getting on/off boats and exploring the islands. A sun hat and sunblock are essential. You will also need a jacket as it can be cold early in the morning although rainshowers are more common between November and March. You could bring some money in local currency for the small community shops.

What we do: Located on a high plateau overlooking Lake Umayo, the burial towers of Sillustani are only a 50 minute drive from the town of Puno. The tombs were built above ground in towers called chullpas, the earliest of which were built in the 12th century by Qolla tribe. They were conquered by the Incas in the 15th century, who conronued the practice and built some of the largest tombs. We spend over an hour exploring the site and enjoying the views.

What to bring: UV rays are particularly severe at altitude, so you need a sun hat and sunblock. We stroll around the ruins so you need comfortable shoes and perhaps a jacket in case of rain or the cold felt every morning. You should expect rain showers between November and March. Also plan to drink plenty of water.