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© 2008 Jace Mouse.
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Photography : Albums : Peru, Lake Titicaca 11.14.00
 

Peru: Lake Titicaca    Lima and Puno, Peru
Peru is famous for it's rugged Andes Mountains.  Then what am I doing on a lake?  Well, my main reason for the trip to Peru was for an intense four-day climb through the Andes along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.  But the hike is challenging enough for me in regular conditions -- not to mention the altitude adjustment.  So I spent a couple days just hiking the islands on Titicaca -- a place even higher than Machu Picchu.  It was a great way to acclimatize before tackling the more-strenuous ascents along the Inca Trail.

These photos cover the first 36 hours within the borders of Peru.  40 photos in 36 hours...not to mention the 30 that didn't make the cut...  That has to seem insane by anyone's standards -- including my own.  The main reason for the "photo binge" was the warmth of the people.  The people were so engendering, that it was easy to develop a quick rapport that resulted in numerous photo opportunities.

Arrival in Peru -- Lima
My trip began with a flight into Lima, Peru's capital city.  Lima is a very industrial city, and lacks any real notoriety.  Although Lima is positioned along the coast, and odd collection of geographic conditions result in limited beach-going opportunities.  For these reasons, the amount of time I spent in Lima was intentially short.

Puno and the Uros Islands
So after flying into Lima during the night, I set out the next morning for an early flight to Puno, a port city on the shores of Lake Titicaca.  The lake is reputed to be the highest navigable lake in the World, though that point is subject to debate.  The lake straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia, and contains a couple of islands within Peru that are sufficient to support small agricultural communities.  I'll be posting more photos from those islands in the weeks to come.

But one of the most intriguing groups of people who make their living from the lake, are the people of the floating Uros islands.  The islands are built entirely from reeds that are native to the lake.  To combat the inevitable process of decay, the reeds are systematically replenished through out the year.  New layers of reeds are constantly being added.  Walking on the islands is an interesting experience -- especially for a 200 lbs. guy like me.  It feels a little like walking on a water bed.  It's interesting to find that the Uros even construct boats of the same reeds, complete with sterns adorned with figures that are reminiscent of Viking legends. 

Sadly, the true lifestyle of the Uros has basically vanished.  What remains today is largely a display maintained for the benefits of tourism.  Very few people still live on the islands.  Most live in Puno, and return here each day to market their wares -- most of which also come from Puno.

Camera: Olympus E-10


Note:  Each of the photos have been annotated.  Just place your mouse over the photo to see the caption.
Uros.jpg
The Peruvian public transportation system.... A todler at the airport in Puno. A sculpture in front of the Puno Airport. A view of the streets in Lima. Note the taxi -- theirty seconds at the nearest Kinkos, and you're in business.
A view of the rooftops in Lima. One of the many people in the Puno harbor who are looking to sell one thing or another to gringos like myself. The caption of the boat I took to the Uros islands. One of the musicians that comes on board to play before the boat leaves. He then asks for tips.
Kids will be kids, no matter what country.... One of the girls on the Uros islands. A lady selling hats at the Puno harbor. Another lady selling hats in Puno.
Woman selling hats at the port in Puno. If you look at the 'shore,' you get an idea of how thick the layers of reads need to be to support walking on the island. A man on Uros island. Native Peruvian food...Guinea Pig, with the teeth still attached.... Sorry, I forgot to get the recipe.
The rooftops of Puno. Puno's harbor. Cattle grazing along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Norice the reeds that are used to build the Uros islands. Workers along the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Nearing the end of Puno harbor, headed for the open lake. A lady working on one of the Uros islands. A traditional reed boat of the Uros islands. Little girl playing among the reeds.
A local, having a little fun trying to scare a Gringo like me... That gun wasn't real, was it? He is smiling, isn't he? Uros child. School girl. A guy who took me in a reed boat over to another island.
A shy school girl on the island. A group of school girls. Other people on the island wanted me to get them to look their way for a photo -- like I spoke their language?!?! School girl on the island. A family selling their wares on the island.
A food staple on the islands. More of the reed boats. A baby from one of the famlies I spoke -- err, gesticulated -- with. Notice his rosey cheeks -- indicative of most Peruvians. A view of the island from an obervation tower -- not too big, huh...
Another shot of the boy that hung out with me on the deck. A boy working on the boat I took to the Uros islands. He chose to ride up top on the deck with me. Sunset over Puno. The best way to get around in Puno. You sit, they peddle. Lucky for that kid that there aren't too many hills in Puno.
A man fishing from one of the reed boats the Uros use. A view of some of the goods available for sell on the Uros islands. One of the musicians at the port in Puno. Musician at the port in Puno.


See Also...
   The Inca Trail    (Photos and Travelouge)
   Machu Picchu    (Photos and Exposition)
   Photo of the Week