Amantani Island, Should you visit it?

Amantani is an exotic image island with approximately 5000 people, most of them dedicated to vivential tourism and native handicraft. This is an incredible place that you should visit and Inkayni Peru Tours has designed a package that includes Amantani, “The Magic of the Andes.”

Amantani island is part of the cultural tour “The Magic of the Andes.”

Where is it located?

It is located in the heart of Lake Titicaca, in the region of Puno. It covers an area of 9.28 km ², the largest island of the Peruvian side of the lake.

Altitude:

Located at an altitude of 3817 m.a.s.l.

Description:

This Andean jewel, surrounded by the magic of Titicaca, has also a natural healing environment that provides its visitors with fresh air therapies that relax giving out the remedy for stress. Its emblematic summits Pachatata and Pachamama are guardian Apus and worship places that possess high mysticism and energetic attraction.

The main activity of the island is farming. The 10 communities of the island make their living from growing potatoes, corn, oca, quinoa, green beans, and green peas, and their most representative handcrafts are textiles and stone carvings.

You can stay one night in the island and make the most of the experience. The houses are simple and services are basic. There is no running water in many of the houses and toilets are basic. There are no showers. For many, this homestay experience and the encounter with the host family is a rare insight into the reality of Andean people who live at these altitudes.

Locals grow potatoes, corn, oca, quinoa, green beans, and green peas.

Why should you visit Amantani Island? Is it recommendable?:

• The best view of the Titicaca Lake

Amantani island is a privileged place. From there you can admire awe-inspiring views of Lake Titicaca. In addition, your eyes will be delighted by the abundant vegetation . You will cherish for a long time the opportunity to be in contact with nature at this high altitude in the Andes.

• Myths of the Amantani island:

It is said that a mythical couple Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo were sent in search for a place for the children of the Sun. The ancestors migrated to other places via subterranean canals, and settled in rivers, mountains, turning them into sacred centers. They emerged from Lake Titicaca which is considered to be the place where the Andean civilization started from the waters, and it is also believed to be the place where spirits of the dead return to their origin.

One of the traditions in Amantani is a festival dedicated to the Earth. There are two hills on the islands, Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Pachatata (Father Earth), both ceremonial sites. Every year on the 18th of January locals dressed in traditional clothes climb those two hills. The two rivers of people descend each hill and meet at a point where they offer coca leaves, grains and some alcohol to the Earth. This kind of ritual is called “pago a la tierra” (offering to the Earth)

• Titicaca Lake:

The National Reserve of Titicaca (RNT) is located on the continental waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world. The lake is located in the immediate vicinity of the provinces of Puno and Huancané in the department of Puno, at an average altitude of 3,810 masl. It covers 36,180 hectares. Lake Titicaca tours will introduce you to the region’s incredible natural beauty and colorful island communities.

Wild flora and fauna from Lake Titicaca are preserved in the area.

Amantani island is a privileged place. From there you can the highest lake in Peru, Titicaca Lake.

• Hikes:

You will have the opportunity to go on an optional hike up to the highest point of this community which is located at about 4150m (13600 feet) to enjoy the sunset. There you can admire awe-inspiring views of Lake Titicaca, the Cordillera Real mountain range and the Isla del Sol on the Bolivian side of the lake in the distance.

• Culture in Amantani Island:

Population in the island is Aymara ethno and is dedicated basically to the agriculture concentrated in the town of Amantani. Their residents ancestral customs, the way of life and landscapes, will make your visit full of exciting moments. The handmade works carried out in textile and ceramic are magnificent.

You will be able to find in the Amantani Island important archeological remains belonging to the Inca and Tiahuanaco culture.

How to get to Amantani island?:

First, you need to arrive in Puno. Once you are in Puno, you have to go to the port and take the speedboat.

The other option is to go to Juliaca and go to Chifron, in Capachica. There you can take a speedboat that will take you to the island.

Length of the Journey:

It is a three-hour journey from Puno to Amantani by speedboat.

Things to bring:

• Original Passport
• Current University Card (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
• Warm jacket
• T-shirts
• Comfortable Trousers
• Sun hat
• Sun cream (factor 35 or higher)
• Insect repellent
• Personal medication
• Camera and film

“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou