Flyin' Shoes

After picking up a few other tourist, we arrived at the docks and grabbed a few snacks and some water from the market.  Also grabbed a bunch of bananas and some oranges for the host family, as fruit is the most appreciated out here.

It didn’t take very long to get out to the first island where the warmest of greetings awaited. I thought I was the president or something with the singing and waving from the edge.  The islanders we’re told, live by the old Inca ways of “Don’t be a Liar, Don’t be a Thief, Don’t be Lazy” and they’re certainly showing it. The clothing is emmensly colourful and completely reflects the attitude.

Once on the island, there was a 15 minute talk about the history and culture of the people, the social structure and how the islands are built.  The types of reed and rope they use, enable some of the islands to last up to 100 years before needing to move to a new home.

After several more demonstrations and trying the Totora (tastes like chestnut) there was an opportunity to jump aboard one of the reed boats for a short sojourn to the next island.  The boat ride was so relaxing and comfortable, that it was worth the 7 soles they asked for the ride – the cash apparently goes to resources to better themselves in life, so it was very much worth it.  We were sent off with some songs, ‘Row your boat’ as an English offering and a chorus of ‘Hasta la Vista!”

While most of Peru has been a happy culture, there’s still an element of resignation about the buildings and life. Uros islands persona are much different and likely lends itself to being in the Sun, calm waters and a relaxed, simple, life. The people are not completely without some modern amenities however, and there is solar power, along with radio and some TV in places.  The culture itself doesn’t seem overly complex, with women bearing children at 18 and marriage happening some time before this.  There is a male head of the island but everyone seems to work together without an issue.  The men live to an average of 85 which is slightly more than the women, and are said to get lazy in the older age.  The schooling is minimal but despite this, they speak Quechua, Spanish and a little English – much more language than I’m able to be fluent in. I’m told that the schooling isn’t so important past the earlier years, as most people work hard for the island to thrive.

Today we head out to the Uros islands; floating reed structures that house native families. We’ll be overnighting with a family which I’m both excited and nervous about, as there’s no electricity and only basic toilet amenities – it’s also getting bloody cold at night.

Time to check out the hotel and wait for the tour operator to pick us up in 30 minutes. Think I’ll have some coca tea while I’m waiting, to see if that settles my stomach a little.

This section of the trip to Peru, was probably the easiest overall to book.  Right off the bat, I decided to go for the highly recommended All Ways Travel.  Every reference I looked at for trips on Lake Titicaca, with exception of one or two self-recommended tour operators, all referenced AWT as the superior option.  AWT take very little for themselves and the main goal of the tourism, is to support the community of the islanders; something that was at the forefront of my mind, when looking for this trip.

The website is very clearly laid out, and it was so easy to choose the tour I had wanted (Cultural Exchange Tour).  At first, I was a little despondent over the minimum requirement of four people for the tour, but, after a brief E-Mail and quick response from Willy, I was assured that due to the request being so far in advance (six months), I could book anyway and they would have plenty of time to find another couple of people, to make up the minimum group size.

The tour itself includes Amantani and an overnight stay with a host family.  If you’re looking for something close to a day in the life of the islanders, this is perfect.  The lodgings have very basic toilet facilities and no running water or electricity, so don’t expect the usual tour treatment; I need to remember to take water and also some snacks, in case the local cuisine doesn’t agree with my stomach or nostrils.

Something that really attracted me to this particular tour, is that we are required to pay the overnight and meal costs, directly to the host family.  This is a guarantee that no money is going through the operator and, the islanders themselves are directly benefiting. Incidentally, the cost is amazingly cheap for the experience you’re getting – at the time of booking, it’s just shy of $10 per person.

The remainder of the islands tour includes the floating Uros Islands and Taquile, as well as some meals and hiking to the lesser travelled parts of the islands.  I’m more interested in getting away from the crowds so again, this was extremely appealing.  The full tour excluding the overnight costs, is only $45 per person, which is an absolute bargain for what you’re getting.  All hotel transfers are included (with a $3 transfer fee, for hotels out of the free pick-up range).

As a wonderful bonus, AWT also has on-line booking for a tour bus to Cusco.  The Pullman Tourism Bus is an all day affair, departing at 7:30am and arriving in Cusco at 5:30pm.  While it seems a long journey to take, cramped inside a bus, it does cover five sight-seeing stops along the way and also includes lunch.  At $40 per person, it’s a little more expensive that the standard bus but the richness of experience, makes it so much more appealing.  For those interested in visiting Puno after Cusco, the tour bus also operates in the opposite direction, leaving and departing at the same times; an additional $5 cost, to the Puno to Cusco direction.

When everything was finalised via quick E-Mails and it came time to book, the procedure was as simple as sending passport numbers and names, along with confirmed itinerary – hotel details are also needed, if you’re requiring a pick-up and/or drop-off.  No money, not even a deposit, is required for any of this and everything is paid for in cash, when arriving for the tour.  Be aware to take enough currency, to cover the costs of everything as it goes without saying really, that the islanders will likely not be looking to hand out change, for large denominations.