3rd Post - May 7 - Colca to Lake Titicaca, highest navigable lake in the world

It just keeps getting better!
When we left Colca Canyon we retraced our steps up over the high pass and this time we stopped for photos at 16,210 feet above sea level! That's the highest any of us have ever been on land. And yes, we could feel it!
The drive from there to Lake Titicaca gave us ever-changing landscapes and scenes. We were even treated to an actual eruption of the Ubinas Volcano, which caused the evacuation of 4,000 people a couple weeks ago. We were far enough away it wasn't a problem.
Near the lake we visited Sillustani, tombs of both Incan and pre-Incan cultures.

We spent a full day on Lake Titicaca and we were all blown away.
There are over 80 floating islands built of reeds and a couple thousand people live in the tiny villages on them. It was such a treat to see their culture and way of life - talk about colorful!
We then proceeded out into the open lake (half in Peru half in Bolivia) and visited a 'real' island, Taquile Island, where many of the residents have never even been to the mainland. Had a great lunch there too.

16,210 feet above sea level - wow!

Snowy volcanic mountains in the distance from the top of the pass.

This was hilarious. Babs was trying to pet the llama and he spit a big load at her!

The Ubinas Volcano in the distance erupts high into the atmosphere.

Pink Flamingos at a high elevation lake

This lady travels by bus 2 hours every day to set up shop by the road to sell her wares to tourists.

We made it worth her while! She is knitting an alpaca sweater here. Gorgeous things.

Babs buys a soft, furry hat from Alex

Picnic lunch on the way to Puno 

Sillustani - this is the largest Incan Tomb

Sillustani - These are ancient pre-Incan Tombs 

Chris Schlenker above the lake and the 'cake island'

Most of the group at Sillustani

Little farm compounds around Sillustani

Arriving in Puno at dusk

Puno at night from our hotel

Puno Port for our boat ride

Boarding our boat for Lake Titicaca

A comfortable ride

Welcome to the Floating Islands

There is much more on these islands than anyone expected!

Ruth, welcome to Vinay Kollana Island!

Our guide Zulema and Island President Guillermo illustrate how the island is constructed from the reeds.

Rosa and Margarita

Then our group got in the act!

Ruth, Chris, and Amy with Rosa

Libby and Babs

Libby, Guillermo, Babs, Ruth, Amy & Chris in the back

4 of the ladies in the front

Boarding our boat for a ride to the 'town center' island

They sang for us as we left. First in their native language and then they sang

'Row, row, row your boat for us in English'!!

Martin and Guillermo row us over to the other island.

Riding in style high atop the boat

Washing day on the Floating Islands

Island Reflections

Chris enjoys the sun atop our speed boat as we head for Taquile Island

They still have a smile on their faces - they don't know how much they have to climb yet

at this altitude!!

Mayor of Taquile Island 

The traditional garb of the men. The men here weave their own hats and they are constantly weaving as they walk around the island.

The Andes Mountains of Bolivia across Lake Titicaca

Small home on Taquile Island

John and Babs in the Arch

Harvesting potatoes on the island

Farming terraces (the potato harvesters in the lower left)

Great lunch on the island and attractive fish plates for serving the trout

After lunch entertainment

Chris Mundy takes a (quick) dip in the frigid waters of Lake Titicaca!

Sunset from our hotel in Puno