The tour starts in Puno with pick up from your hotel at 8am. From here we transfer to the dock in Puno and embark on a boat journey towards Taquile Island and later on to the community of Luquina. On the way to Taquile, we stop by the floating Islands of Uros for a guided interpretation of the local way of life. Here you will be able to see how the locals live and even wear some traditional clothes!
Around noon, we arrive in Taquile Island and start a soft hike up to a community where we will enjoy a textile and cultural exhibition where a native guide will explain the history and culture of the area along with an explanation of the textile designs from Taquile. Lunch will be enjoyed on Taquile Island.
Around 1:30pm we return to the dock to continue our trip to the community of Luquina.
Upon our arrival in Luquina, we will be greeted and welcomed by the friendly members of the community. We will immediately notice their beautiful bright typical clothing and enjoy the sound of their musical instruments.
As part of the community based tourism initiative, travelers cans spend time with the locals, gaining and insight into daily activities such as farming, fishing sailing and cookery. Some groups will choose to play soccer and volleyball against the locals; such activities are the favorites of local children and young people to share with the visitors.
A delicious dinner made of local produce will be served in the host family's house: Quinoa soup and a tasty potato and vegetable stew with rice. Communication might be difficult as the local people speak mostly Aymara and some Spanish but they are very warm and gracious. Gesturing and smiling works very well!
In the evening, the community will offer us a chance to enjoy their Andean music played with traditional instruments and we will be more than welcome to try to join the local group for either dancing or playing a local musical instrument. Do not be surprised when you will also be given the opportunity and privilege to try on the local dress and costumes.
