Exploring Taquile Island, Peru
Following our morning visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, we boarded our boat en route to Taquile Island.
Arrival at Taquile Island
Taquile Island is renowned for its textiles, earning it a place on UNESCO’s list of protected sites, making it a must-visit location in Lake Titicaca.
It is conveniently situated near the floating villages; thus, just as you begin to drift into an afternoon nap, you’ll soon find yourself at the island’s harbor.
Island Exploration
Full of anticipation, we disembarked the vessel and navigated through a footpath leading to a local home where our guide had arranged for us to enjoy lunch.
As you traverse the island (which can be deceptively challenging due to the high altitude and low oxygen levels), you’ll encounter amiable residents engaged in their daily activities, pausing momentarily to greet you.
During our host’s hospitality at their home, we witnessed the intricate textiles for which this island is acclaimed.
Lunch Experience
The long strands of wool transform into intricate, colorful patterns, making for a perfect souvenir. The weaving instrument, a rectangular wooden device, was part of the crafting process, although I unfortunately forgot to inquire its proper name.
Honestly, I was captivated by the other tool utilized—a sharply crafted sheep’s bone, which added a unique touch to the weaving process.
If you are fortunate, you may witness a local dance or two. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you might even consider joining in.
However, I opted to remain seated and appreciate the performance from a comfortable distance. 😊
Return Journey
After enjoying a delightful lunch that commenced with a flatbread served alongside an unexpectedly flavorful vegetable and quinoa soup (which I sampled multiple servings of), we proceeded with our activities.
The main course offered consisted of fish and rice. The type of fish remained a mystery, leading to several guesses among us, revealing the charm of traditional hospitality; one must embrace what is served.
Post-lunch, our guide presented us with a decision: we could walk back downhill to the boat or opt for a hike around the island to meet him at the other harbor in approximately 1-2 hours.
It took me a moment to deliberate before I decided to embark on the latter option (the hike). After my recent challenge scaling Huayna Picchu, I was less inclined towards additional exertion. Nevertheless, I recalled, “You didn’t travel here to forgo exploring the island…” which ultimately motivated me to leave my seat and explore.
As we navigated through the island, we paused to greet local residents, leading to an amusing encounter with a curious child who playfully poked me with a stick.
Furthermore, you can even glimpse into Bolivia from this vantage point! Lake Titicaca serves as a shared body of water between Peru and Bolivia, yet you find yourself closer to the border than at the floating islands of Uros.
In short, our explorations revealed that Taquile Island has intentionally maintained its traditional charm, resisting the pressures of commercial development despite its rising popularity among travelers. Since UNESCO’s intervention, minimal alterations have occurred, preserving the authenticity that draws visitors to this beautiful location.
In what felt like no time at all (largely due to frequent pauses to absorb the stunning views)—we completed our hike at the designated endpoint.
Finally, we lingered for a few moments before heading back to the boat and our hotel in Puno, where we indulged in a well-deserved soaking session in the hot-tub upon our return!
For those visiting Puno, I highly advocate for a trip to Taquile Island to truly experience the authentic essence of Peru beyond the bustling cities of Cusco and Lima.
