Part 2 A Magic Journey To The Heart Of The Inca Empire

A Lake Like an Ocean, Sunken Treasures, Knitting Men and a Community Life of Long Gone Times.

 After spending some days at the ancient capital of the Inca Empire,Cuzco, we continued our journey to the lake Titicaca, one of the most fascinating places I have seen so far.
Situated between Peru and Bolivia  at an altitude of 3.800 m (12507 feet) above sea level, this place leaves you literally breathless, not only because of the altitude but as well because of it's extraordinary beauty.

The lake is studded with many islands, both natural and men-made.
According to mythology, a large gold treasure was sunken by the Incas in this mysterious waters.
Looking much more like an ocean than a lake,  the Titicaca is the largest freshwater lake in South America. It's water is of a deep blue ( maybe due to the good weather :=) ) and its inhabitants have developed  the most extraordinary variety of cultures and ways of life.
There are different tribes living in the area.
The Uro people living on their floating islands are a relatively small but very interesting community.
Their islands are made (and must be maintained and replaced regularly) from totora reeds which provide home, sustenance and transportation for their residents.
The islands vary in size and according to the needs they can provide homes for 3 up to 6 or more families.

Walking on them is quite an experience, a bit like walking on a waterbed, as everything moves beyond your feet. The Uros developed through the centuries their own way of life,social system and nature cure.

The inhabitants of Taquile Island
the main village at this small small island is situated about 3950m above sea level.
The Islanders are masters at knitting and weaving and their textiles and clothing was proclaimed "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.
Men are usually the ones that knit wheras women weave.

The society is runned based on community decisions and on the Inca moral code "ama sua,ama llulla, ama qhilla" which is quetchua for "do not steal,do not lie, do not be lazy.
These people are friendly and proud (but in a rather shy way) of their Island and society and it needs a sensitive and respectful tourism in order to preserve their way of life intact.

One of the youngest inhabitants playing on a floating island made by his parents

This Lama just stepped before my camera at the right moment

Looking for something?

Men knitting at the Taquile island

A Lama somehow puzzled about the speed limit

The austere beauty of the landscape

The huge lake seems to melt into the horizon

Sunset

So we will go to rest,tired but happy after an extraordinary day.
Hope you enjoyed the journey.
See you next week.

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