Puno sits on the impressive mirror-like Lake Titicaca 3,879 meters above sea level. The skies melt into the lake with white peaks dotted in the background. The lake is massive and extends from Peru to Bolivia. The Peru side is known for the unique floating islands. This was where we were headed for our first night. Our island hotel was a little haven in the middle of nowhere. There were little cabins bordering the edge of the island with lawn chairs dotted throughout to enjoy the scenery. Traveling has been amazing but because you don’t stay one place for very long you are always connected planning for the next location. I had 24 hours with no internet, or TV for Jon, of heaven!
Our delicious dinner was early so I figured Jon and I would have a romantic night viewing the stars and relishing the peace and quiet. This area has really hot days and very cold nights. Jon and I sat huddling under the brilliant sky of stars for about 10 minutes before it became too cold to enjoy it anymore. Thank god we were provided with hot water bottles to put in our bed to keep us toasty warm. So much for a romantic night as Jon passed out at 6:30 and woke me up at 2:30 flopping around in the bed because he had already gotten his 8 hours of sleep!
The floating island we stayed on, view of the other floating islands and mainland, and relaxing on the island.
After spending a gorgeously lazy morning sitting under the sun on the island we were transferred back to Puno. That evening we went to a folkloric dance show at one of the restaurants in town. The costumes were festive and it made for a great evening out.
Pictures from the show.
What we ate, Lake Titicaca is known for their fresh trout. While staying at Uros Aruma Uro we were able to try the fresh trout cooked to perfection by the owners for $10 US each. No other choice on the island so I am glad that the food was fantastic! We also tried alpaca steak in Puno and more roasted chicken that Jon said was the best he ever had. I chose to have a traditional hot drink of Huajsapata (pisco, hot wine and juice) along with quinoa ice cream. Yummy!
Our delicious dinner on the floating island.
Where we stayed, Uros Aruma Uro, a family run floating hotel on an island made up of reeds. The bottom layer of the reeds rots out about once a year and so the top layer is constantly being replenished. We had a private room with a shared bathroom for $67 a night including a yummy breakfast with crepes. They arranged for transportation from mainland to the island for $12 each way including both the cab and the boat. You could also book different tours from the island. By far one of my favorite and most unique places I have ever stayed (except of course the hammock on the boat).
Me in the door of our cabin and view of the distant horizon from the viewing platform.
In Puno we stayed at Quechua’s Backpackers, a great little hotel on the top of a hill overlooking a courtyard where there was a dance performance and music a night. We had a private room with a bathroom for $25 per night including one of the best breakfast spreads yet. There was also free coffee and tea all day.
Jon in the doorway of our hotel in Puno.
Journey with Christina 