Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
woolen hats that resemble floppy nightcaps, which they knit themselves. These hats are
closely bound up with social symbolism: men wear red hats if they are married and red
and white hats if they are single, and different colors can denote a man's current or past
social position.
Taquile women weave thick, colorful waistbands for their husbands, which are worn
with roughly spun white shirts and thick, calf-length black pants. Women wear eye-catch-
ing outfits comprising multilayered skirts and delicately embroidered blouses. These fine
garments are considered some of the most well-made traditional clothes in Peru, and can
be bought in the cooperative store on the island's main plaza.
Make sure you already have lots of small bills in local currency, because change is lim-
ited and there's nowhere to exchange dollars. You may want to bring extra money to buy
some of the exquisite crafts sold in the cooperative store. A limited electricity supply was
introduced to the island in the 1990s but it is not always available, so remember to bring a
flashlight for an overnight stay.
ETHICAL COMMUNITY TOURISM
After Cuzco, Puno is Peru's most touristed town, as it's a base for excursions on and around Lake Titicaca. Ar-
chaeology and mythology draw tourists here, sure, but what makes us stay is the chance to spend time in a rich
and fascinating culture. Since
turismo vivencial
(homestay tourism) took off around Puno, it has become the basis
of the local tourism industry.
There are dozens of tour agencies, in many cases offering the same thing at wildly different prices. The main
difference for this discrepancy is the amount of money the agency pays to the host families. Nearly all of the
cheaper agencies (and some of the more expensive ones) pay little more than the cost of the visitors' meals. While
it's difficult to find out for certain which agencies fairly compensate the host families, the following tips can help
you contribute to a better experience.
» Use one of the agencies listed here or one recommended by fellow travelers.
» Check that your guide rotates both homestays and floating island visits.
» Insist on handing payment for your lodging to the family yourself.
» Expect to pay well for your homestay. Visitors must pay at least US$50 for a typical two-day island excursion
for the host family to make a profit from your stay.
» Travel to the islands independently - it's easy.
» Carry out your trash - islanders have no way of disposing of it.
» Bring gifts of things the islanders can't grow, such as fresh fruit or school supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks).
» Don't give candy or money to kids, so they don't learn to beg.
