Nestled between the Andes and the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. At over 12,000 ft. above sea level, it is the world´s highest navigable lake. It is also the cradle of Peru´s ancient civilizations, including the Inca. The myth goes that the first Inca, Manco Capac was born of the Sun god Inti here, and emerged from the Lake to bring forth the Inca Empire. There is a white statue of Manco Capac looking down over the port town of Puno (albeit with a cross in his hand).
Manco Capac looks down over Puno and Lake Titicaca
The sun is very brilliant over the water, the colors intense, and like everywhere in the Andes, the sky is always a dramatic display of clouds and light. Ride the boat out two and a half hours, and you will arrive at Taquile Island.
The island has been inhabited for thousands of years by a lineage of Quechua-speaking people who have maintained a distinct cultural identity from the peoples of the mainland. They have rich artisan traditions, including the knitting of hats (done by men) and weaving (by women). You can often see the men and boys knitting hats as they go about their daily routines on the island.
Boys practice their knitting skills
Kite-flying on Taquile
Tourism changes everything
Terra cotta pot, Taquile
Young girl in the village square
Earthen bricks drying in the sun
Young girl, Taquile
Man in traditional dress; hat design indicates that he is married
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