Sunday 23 September 2012
PLAZA MAYOR HOTEL
JR. DEUSTUA 342
PUNO - PERU
TEL (51-51) 366089
A big bus trip today from Cusco to Puno, with 5 stops. The most notable stop was to see a 14th century Inca temple at Raqshi (or what was left of it). It was said to be 90m long and although some walls were missing, it was an imposing sight. Buildings on the site included several granaries and a lane way specifically built to allow the winter solstice rays through. Terraces in this area too of course! We made it to 4350m on our journey today. We arrived into Puno around 5pm and strolled around. Great motel location! An early night tonight as we have a 5.30am alarm in the morning. We were collected at 6am to travel by launch to the reed islands of the Uros people (on Lake Titicaca) who have been living on these 'floating' islands for centuries. We were the first boat to arrive and it was so peaceful and quiet. Who needs civilization! They built their islands from a reed base 'Tortura', then build one-room raised houses on them. A separate kitchen (for the women!) The men fish for trout and a couple of other varieties. They eat ducks and their eggs. A modern touch is the solar panels which allow them TV! And a gas bottle for cooking. No open flames here, except on a flat stone! We went for a short ride in a gondola style boat made out of reeds by the men. It takes 4 mths to build. The father brought his little 3 yr old boy on board and we lazed back. Greg played with the little boy. Here was an opportunity to give away our last bundle of pencils! How good is that. On our return we passed by at least ten boats going out to the reed islands. So good to have it to ourselves. Lake Titicaca is like an ocean at 3800m. 60pc Peruvian 40pc Bolivian. The Peruvians say they have the 'titi' and the Bolivians have the 'caca'! It is so blue and measures 180km by 70kms.