Cusco - Lake Titicaca
Traditional Peruvian Performer
Outside of our hotel in Cusco we were greeted with convent dancers and musicians each morning.
Convent de Santo Domingo del CuscoCuscoPerustreet peoplestreet performer
More Performers
Note the colorful attire and brass band accompaniment in the background.
Convent de Santo Domingo del CuscoCuscoPerustreet peoplestreet performer
Saqsaywaman Ruins
These ruins were located on a hill above Cusco. The stones were immense. Some later pictures will give perspective about their size.
More Saqsaywaman Ruins
The fortress was put together with the usage of huge stone blocks. It is not known who built the fortress or how the blocks were moved and shaped.
My Favorite Model
This photo helps give some perspective about the size of the massive stones. Some of the stones weigh over 50 tons. The largest stone is estimated to be over 120 tons.
Grazing in a Meadow - Saqsaywaman Ruins
Romulo
Romulo was our local tour guide for Machu Picchu and Cusco. Here he is explaining to our group the history of the ruins as well as how he thought the large stones were cut and moved from the quarry.
Trafalgar Group Photo - Saqsaywaman Ruins
Debbie with Peruvian Children
Traditional Dress - Peruvian Children
A lot of the locals posed with livestock. They usually accepted fees from tourists for the pictures taken. Most fees were in the one-half to one dollar range.
Ray with a Llama and Peruvian Vendor
Courtyard of the Convent de Santo Domingo Del Cusco
Panoramic View of Cusco From Santo Domingo del Cusco
Convent de Santo Domingo del CuscoCuscoPerupanorama lightroom
Cathedral in Downtown Cusco
Lobby of our Hotel in Cusco - Evening
Hotel Room View of Puno
President Juana and Her Girls
These wonderful ladies were our greeters on their island in Lake Titicaca. The lake elevation is 12,500 feet and is the highest navigable lake in the world.
President Juana shows us her reed hut.
Technology Invades the Lake Titicaca Floating Islands
Thanks to the recent addition of solar panels, Juana had this working flat screen TV and stereo next to her battery supply.
Grandchild and grandma show us their weavings
President Juana loans Jenny her colorful clothing for posing in Peruvian style
Antique Flintlock Rifle Used for Hunting Island Birds
Outdoor Cookstove Fueled by Reeds
The large rocks were placed beneath the stove to prevent the island from catching on fire.
Juana's Hut and Solar Panels
Juana Shows Us a Model of How the Island is Built
Large saws are used to cut the floating sod on Lake Titicaca into large sections. About 8 to 12 of these sections are anchored together and the three-foot- thick floating island base is cut by the islanders by hand (dark structure above). Next a layer of reeds are placed on top of the sod for footing. The final island layer is where the huts and stove are placed. The reeds need to be replenished every ten to fourteen days.
Colorful Island Inhabitant
Vessel Used by the Island Dwellers for transportation
These vessels are made of reeds and recycled water bottles. They typically will last 18 to 24 months before being replaced
Gathering Water from Lake Titicaca at Taquile Island
After our boat left the Uros Island people, we travelled across the lake for about one hour and arrived at Taquile Island for lunch.
Jenny Greeted on the Beach of Taquile
Upon our arrival we were serenaded by the locals on the beach before we headed up the hill for lunch
IslandIsland de TaquileJennyLake TiticacaPerugreeterstraditional peruvian dancers
Island Beach Performers of Taquile
IslandIsland de TaquileLake TiticacaPerugreeterstraditional peruvian dancers
Posing with the Island de Taquile Musicians
DianneFrankieIslandIsland de TaquileLake TiticacaPeruRayRossgreeterstraditional peruvian dancers
Performer Showing Her Stuff
IslandIsland de TaquileLake TiticacaPerugreeterstraditional peruvian dancers
Traditional Peruvian Lunch Served on the Island de Taquile
Ready for Chow!
Randy and Ginger
Enjoying a Mandarin
Jenny Hiking Back to our Boat
Boarding our Boat to Head Back to Puno
