Lake Titicaca - Peru - page 388

» Support communal enterprises, which benefit all. On Taquile, families take turns to run the Restaurante Comun-
ál, which gives many people their only opportunity to benefit from the tidal wave of tourism that hits their island
daily. Luquina Chico and Isla Ticonata run their tourism communally, through rotation of accommodation, profit
sharing, and shared work providing food, transport, guiding and activities.
» Consider visiting one of the communities around the lake. They're harder to get to than the islands but are far
more peaceful and less touristed - here you'll see a living, agrarian community.
Sights & Activities
Visitors are free to wander around, explore the ruins and enjoy the tranquility. The island
is a wonderful place to catch a sunset and gaze at the moon, which looks twice as bright in
the crystalline air, rising over the breathtaking peaks of the Cordillera Real. Take in the
lay of the land while it's still light - with no roads, streetlights or big buildings to use as
landmarks, travelers have been known to get so lost in the dark that they end up roughing
it for the night.
A stairway of more than 500 steps leads from the dock to the center of the island. The
climb takes a breathless 20 minutes if you're acclimatized - more if you're not.
Festivals & Events
The Fiesta de San Diego (Feast of St James; July 25) is a big feast day on Taquile. Dan-
cing, music and general carousing go on for several days until the start of August, when
islanders make traditional offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth). Easter and New
Year's Day are also festive and rowdy. Many islanders go to Puno for La Virgen de Can-
delaria and Puno Week, when the island becomes somewhat deserted.
Sleeping & Eating
The hospedajes (small, family-owned inns) on Taquile offer basic accommodation for
around S20 a night. Meals are additional (S10 to S15 for breakfast, S20 for lunch). Op-
tions range from a room in a family house to small guesthouses. Most offer indoor toilets
and showers with electric showers. Lodgings can either be booked with a tour operator or
on your own once you arrive. As the community rotates visitors to lodgings, there is little
room for choosing.