Lake Titicaca is the mythological place of the birth of the Incas. It was also this area, from were the Incas started their amazing conquest and creation of an empire that covered most of the Andes from Ecuador to Chile. The lake is at an elevation of 3900 meters above see level.
We went on a two day boat trip on the lake that included an overnight stay with local families at an island of Antamani. Close to Puno, in a shallow area of the lake is a place were local Uru Indians build boats, homes and entire islands were they live from reeds. There are no pure blood Uru Indians any more, but the tradition continues, now fueled by the tourist interest. From there it is another 4 hours to the Antamani island.
It has been only two years since the local people decided to capitalize on tourism. This isolated island lived on agriculture and limited trade with Puno. The tourism helps to bring some cash to this very poor area. We stayed with a nice family, who provided us with a room and three meals (lunch, dinner and breakfast). Private outhouse and a water pump shared by several households. The people were very friendly and beautifully dressed in traditional costumes.
In the late afternoon we hiked to one of the two peaks of this island and watched sunset over the Lake Titicaca. It was very peaceful. Blue water, clear sky and snow covered peaks in the distance. And then the sunrise next morning. Even more impressive.
On our way back we shortly stopped on Taquille island, which was nearby. It become more touristy than Antamani, but provides yet different traditional dresses for both men and women. This was a very rewarding visit to the Lake Titicaca.