Lake Titicaca, and the Andes!

While on the Peruvian side of the highest lake in the world I couldn't help but visit the small islands on it, and stay overnight with a local family residing on Amantani! First day Setting off to a floating island called Uro I got to learn how they create the islands (using large cubes of Rotoro reed roots that they cut from the lake, And layering the dried reeds on top it); enabling them to float on the 100m deep waters for about 10 years before a new one is needed to be made! Using fishing, and weaving, as a means of trade for other things on the main land, it is a community of pure living (only getting solar power for radio, and t.v for the first time this year). They were so welcoming and cheerful!
Then to Amantani where I met the lovely older couple that would be boarding me for the night, Feliciano and Epifania. Living on the island all their life, they spoke mainly the indigenous language, and learnt Spanish only recently! I was fed a delicious tradition lunch of potatoes, cheese, and salad, then followed “mama Epifania” up the mountain to a worship temple (which I walked around thrice anti-clockwise, and placed a stone in the wall to make a wish) then enjoyed the view of the surrounding islands. That night after dinner I wasn’t well so slept early, but, was greeted with pancakes the next morning! Leaving to go to Taquille island and enjoy another traditional lunch, while learning about the unique traditions specific to that island, and back to main land before dinner. 
From the highest lake, to the longest mountains, I departed for Cusco via a day trip through the Andes! Stopping at a few small towns along the way I got to learn about the PRE Inca civilizations! Dating back to around 1800B.C. The Peruvian natives had known about the world being round, that there were 365 days in a year, and that they were split into 12 months! All lost once the Inca empire came into the picture of course. Past gorgeous views of the mountain range, and checked out an Inca archaeological site that was able to house around 100,000 people. Mostly ruins now, but the remains of the city still shows the royal ladies houses, storage rooms, and main hall. All incredibly impressive in size, ingenuity, and history. Two very unknown places, so fortunately not too many people, but who knows for how long. 
That night into Cusco to begin my Inca fun!
1 boat, 1 bus, 1 family, 3 days, and countless new experiences!
 

Everything on Uros Islands (including the island itself) is made by hand by the few families that live on it.

Everything on Uros Islands (including the island itself) is made by hand by the few families that live on it.

The ladies of the island

The ladies of the island

Walking up to the moon temple of Amantani island

Walking up to the moon temple of Amantani island

Nearly 4000m above sea level,  we're all a little beat, but "mama  Epifania" casually knits while taking us up to the top of the hill

Nearly 4000m above sea level,  we're all a little beat, but "mama  Epifania" casually knits while taking us up to the top of the hill

View of the islands on the lake from the moon temple 

View of the islands on the lake from the moon temple 

Endless terraces made by the locals 

Endless terraces made by the locals 

Pre Inca temple wall that used to be a massive hall. It used to be covered in 1 inch thick of gold too!

Pre Inca temple wall that used to be a massive hall. It used to be covered in 1 inch thick of gold too!

Streets of this ancient city 

Streets of this ancient city 

Pre Inca ritual site 

Pre Inca ritual site 

Inca bridge we walked on!

Inca bridge we walked on!

Gorgeous view of the Andes, and cute photo of a couple locals

Gorgeous view of the Andes, and cute photo of a couple locals