Amantani on Lake Titicaca

Published by jacko77 on Tue Aug 4th, 2009

Amantani is another island that is well worth visiting, it is located to the northeast of Puno and is dominated by the two mountain peaks of Pachatata and Pachamama.  There is around six villages that is populated by some 800 families located on the two peaks of the island.

The island is very beautiful and peaceful, some say that it is less spoiled and the people on the island on genuinely more friendly than on the islands of Taquile and Los Uros.

The main attraction on the Amantani island is the two lookout points on top of the peaks, which are almost 300 metres above the lake and offer you a beautiful view of the area and lakes, especially during the sunrise and sunset.

There is also temples on shore, one which is a throne carved out of stone also known as the Inkatiana.  The local people live on fishing and raising their cattle which are found grazing freely on the hillsides of the islands.

Several festivals are celebrated throughout the year and the islanders arrange dances where visitors can also dress up in the local style and join in with the celebrations.  The residents of the Amantani islands are also first class weavers who make beautiful textiles, basketware and stoneware.

Because the islands are located close to 3 and half hours away from Puno it is well worth an overnight stay.  Although there is no hotels on the islands, some locals open up their houses and provide you with cooked meals.  Because it is pretty cheap to stay overnight, it is encouraged that you take a gift for your host.