Foto's

Day 8 - After crossing the totora 'fields' to go out of the Uros Islands (see picture I the WS) we reached a part of the Lake Titicaca of intense blue. Our guide which is native from the region brought us to a side of the Island less explored by tourism. This was the place we took off in Taquille and it was our first view of the infinite blue horizon, which was being admired by one of the companions on our boat. From this point the ascendance is less dramatic and as we stop on a community half way to the village it seems we had to climb less steps than the majority of people who goes there. It was a difficult to climb because of the high altitude and some in our group had to stay in the boat due to the altitude sickness. We went slowly admiring the view and arrived feeling fantastic with all the beauty around us!

About Taquile: 'Taquile is an island which sits on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca 45 km offshore from the city of Puno. About 1,700 people live on the island, which is 5.5 by 1.6 km in size. The highest point of the island is 4050 m and the main village is at 3950 m. The inhabitants, known as Taquileños, are southern Quechua speakers.

Taquile, whose Quechua name is Intika, was part of the Inca Empire and has a number of Inca ruins. The island was one of the last locations in Peru to capitulate to Spanish domination during the Spanish conquest of Peru. It was captured for Carlos V and eventually passed to Count Rodrigo of Taquila, who inspired the island's current name. The Spanish forbade traditional dress and the islanders adopted the Spanish peasant dress that they are known for still using today.

Taquileños run their society based on community collectivism and on the Inca moral code "ama sua, ama llulla, ama qhella" (do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy). The economy is based on fishing, terraced farming horticulture based on potato cultivation, and the approximately 40,000 tourists who visit each year. Taquileños are known for their fine handwoven textiles and clothing, which are regarded as among the highest-quality handicrafts in Peru. The work of spinning and weaving is primarily done by the men.'