Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Restaurants all offer the same fare of
sopa de quinua
(quinoa soup - absolutely deli-
cious everywhere on Lake Titicaca) and lake trout; dishes start at S20. Consider eating in
the
Restaurante Comunál
, Taquile's only community-run food outlet.
Getting There & Away
Ferries (round-trip S20; admission to island S5) leave from the Puno port for Taquile from
6:45am. If the ferry stops in Islas Uros, you will also have to pay the admission there.
There's a ferry from Amantaní to Taquile every morning; it's also possible to get here by
ferry from Llachón.
ISLA AMANTANÍ
The more remote
Amantaní Island
(admission S5)
, population 4000, is a few kilometers
north of the smaller Taquile. Almost all trips to Amantaní involve an overnight stay with
islanders. Guests help cook on open fires in dirt-floored kitchens. Witnessing the different
aspects of rural life can create engaging and memorable experiences.
The villagers sometimes organize rousing traditional dances, letting travelers dress in
their traditional party gear to dance the night away. Of course, your hiking boots might
give you away. Don't forget to look up at the incredibly starry night sky as you stagger
home.
The island is very quiet (no dogs allowed!), boasts great views and has no roads or
vehicles. Several hills are topped by ruins, among the highest and best-known of which
are
Pachamama
(Mother Earth) and
Pachatata
(Father Earth). These date to the Tiwana-
ku culture, a largely Bolivian culture that appeared around Lake Titicaca and expanded
rapidly between 200 BC and AD 1000.
As with Taquile, the islanders speak Quechua, but their culture is more heavily influen-
ced by the Aymara.
Sleeping & Eating
When you arrive,
Amantani Community Lodging
( 36-9714),
basically the island
families, will allocate you to your accommodation according to a rotating system. Please
respect this process, even if you are with a guided group. There's no problem with asking
for families or friends to be together. A bed and full board starts at S30 per person per
night.
