When going to Amantani, a small island on Lake Titicaca in Peru, the last thing we expected was a massive party in the town square, but that is exactly what we got. My husband and I walked to the dock at Puno and spoke with some of the boat captains there to arrange a ride to the small “Island of Kantuta.” There, they arranged for us to stay with a local family, and although we did not speak Quechua, we wanted to see the school and library that was being built. Since we did not organize our visit through a tour company, we did not expect any pomp and circumstance upon our arrival. When we arrived that evening, we went on a hike to see some Inca ruins, which were beautiful and felt rather devastating. After changing at our adobe homestay, we wandered into the town square, being lured there by the sound of horn instruments, drums, and excitement. There, it felt like the whole island was celebrating, drinking, and dancing. Our favorite person to watch, however, was this older woman who was literally pouring alcohol down everyone’s throats in between makeout sessions with an older man. She was having an absolute ball and we only wish that we had her energy. We never did discover what all of the excitement was about, but we loved being included!
More Recommendations
Livin' it up on Lake Titicaca
When going to Amantani, a small island on Lake Titicaca in Peru, the last thing we expected was a massive party in the town square, but that is exactly what we got. My husband and I walked to the dock at Puno and spoke with some of the boat captains there to arrange a ride to the small “Island of Kantuta.” There, they arranged for us to stay with a local family, and although we did not speak Quechua, we wanted to see the school and library that was being built. Since we did not organize our visit through a tour company, we did not expect any pomp and circumstance upon our arrival. When we arrived that evening, we went on a hike to see some Inca ruins, which were beautiful and felt rather devastating. After changing at our adobe homestay, we wandered into the town square, being lured there by the sound of horn instruments, drums, and excitement. There, it felt like the whole island was celebrating, drinking, and dancing. Our favorite person to watch, however, was this older woman who was literally pouring alcohol down everyone’s throats in between makeout sessions with an older man. She was having an absolute ball and we only wish that we had her energy. We never did discover what all of the excitement was about, but we loved being included!
The Terraces of Amantani
The stonework blends in with the blond terraces from the trail back down the way from Amantani’s Pachamama temple.
