A unique culture in the middle of Lake Titicaca
The island of Taquile is one of the three main islands on Lake Titicaca (another important is Amantani and the island of the Sun). It departs from Pune and along the way you can still stop at the reed islands of the Uros tribe. As on other islands, the local people have a unique culture completely different from other islands and from the mainland.
Reed labyrinth
The cruise to the island of Taquile begins at the port of Pune and then leads through the floating reed islands of the Uros tribe, viz. previous article. From Uru, another almost seven kilometers of zigzagging between the reeds awaits you before you reach the open surface.
Fertile shores of Lake Titicaca
It takes more than an hour to set sail from the large Punic Bay to the wide lake. Until then, the shores are quite close to you. The landscape around the lake is very fertile by local conditions, so practically every suitable area is cultivated
The port on the island of Taquile
After about three hours of sailing, you will finally reach the main port on the west side of the island of Taquile.
View of Amantani
All the main development is basically on the ridge of the island, so you will get off the port ascent more than 130 meters. The path climbs along terraced potato fields. On the horizon you can see another of the cruise islands – Amantani.
Titicaca as a freshwater sea
When you climb, you feel as if you are somewhere by the sea. The end of the lake is practically impossible to see. The trip is a bit uncomfortable for local children, who beg and want salt for a photo shoot.
Entrance gate to the square
After about a kilometer walk through the island, you will reach the main square through the gate.
Artisan Center
The square is dominated by a building with souvenirs from knitting men and knitting women. At the very top is a viewing terrace from where you can take pictures of locals in traditional costumes. He who does not like „human safaris“ is not so much for him
Costumes of men from the island of Taquile
Everyone can have a hat on their head here, and everything can be recognized by its type and deployment. Whether he is single or not, how old he is and even what his mood is. A full-color cap means that whoever wears it is married, half-color and half-white means he is single.
Women from the island of Taquile
You will see local women mainly working in the fields. On crayfish trips around the square go for lunch (not usually included) and it is best to have fish from Lake Titicaca.
City View
After lunch, you will only descend to the port. First you have to climb a few meters into a small saddle
Descent to the eastern port
The descent to the port on the east side of the island is quite steep. 533 steps are waiting for you. The road still leads through two stone gates. Then just a long way back to Pune if you do not have a planned continuation on the island of Amantani.
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