Lake Titicaca

Aboard the Yavari
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Lake Titicaca is at 3000m above sea level and is five and a half hours east of Arequipa. We went to visit the Yavari, a 150 yr old gun boat moored at Puno. It was shipped in almost 3000 pieces to Chile then then took 6 years to transport by mule and slaves over the Andes then two more years to reassemble piece by piece. Now its being lovingly restored by the Captain and crew who have yet to leave the port aboard it! We thought it was a moving story so David brought an overpriced and ill fitting t-shirt to support their cause.

Captain Lindsey takes the helm
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Next day we took a day trip to on the lake.  First stop the Uros Islands: 20 floating islands made of reeds which supports a population of about 1000.  A pretty amazing place and very springy underfoot as we walked around and met the locals.

A further three hours by boat (its one mother of a lake) took us to Taquile Island where we were treated to an introduction to the islands customs, including craftwork and dance.  It sounds very touristy and was but it was done very well.  Michelle even joined in with the dancing  - of course!